Yukon, Arctic Circle & Northwest Territories
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory, and transfer to our hotel.
Known as the “Wilderness City,” Whitehorse sits on the banks of the Yukon River, surrounded by mountains and pristine lakes. Our tour includes the Visitor Centre for an introduction to Yukon geography and history, the SS Klondike, the last original sternwheeler from the Gold Rush era followed by views of the suspension bridge over Miles Canyon. We then visit the MacBride Museum, highlighting the city’s past, the RCMP, and First Nations heritage. In the afternoon we visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and enjoy a scenic countryside drive. This evening we gather for a Welcome Dinner to begin our northern adventure.
Today we travel to the breathtaking Southern Lakes District stopping en route at stunning Emerald Lake and the Carcross Desert’s sand dunes—once the bottom of a glacier. Then take in the picturesque Carcross First Nation Settlement with its views on Bennett Lake. We return to Whitehorse in the afternoon.
We journey north along the iconic Klondike Highway, stopping at the Five Finger Rapids viewpoint. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the rapids before continuing to Dawson City. Set on the Yukon River, Dawson City is an eclectic and lively community with a true Wild West spirit. This evening, we attend an old-fashioned variety show featuring Can-can dancers, evoking the excitement of the Gold Rush days.
We begin the day with a walking tour of the historic gold rush town. learn about the local way of life and enjoy a northern-style lunch. There will be an opportunity for a traditional Arctic Ocean dip! We also travel along the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, Canada’s first all-weather road to the Arctic Ocean. DAY 10: YELLOWKNIFE. Next, discover the Klondike Gold Fields and visit the Discovery Claim, where the first gold nugget was found. After trying our luck gold-panning, we explore the massive Dredge No. 4, a relic of the Gold Rush era. Then drive up to the Midnight Dome viewpoint, where we’ll enjoy a superb view of Dawson City and the surrounding landscape.
We travel the legendary Dempster Highway, named for Corporal Dempster, who pioneered the route by dogsled. The road crosses two mountain ranges, the Continental Divide three times, and the Arctic Circle. After a visit to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre, we continue to Eagle Plains for our overnight stay.
Continuing north within the Arctic Circle, we discover Fort McPherson, a Gwich’in First Nation community on the Peel River. The hamlet served as the principal Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in the Mackenzie Delta for over 50 years. We then cross the Mackenzie River and proceed to Inuvik.
Our guided tour introduces the three main cultures that shaped Inuvik. In the afternoon we visit the community greenhouse and Our Lady of Victory Church, famously known as the “Igloo Church,” featuring artwork by local artisans. This evening we enjoy a cultural performance showcasing Indigenous song, dance, and traditional drumming.
Today we take a scenic flight over the Mackenzie River Delta, a vast landscape of waterways, tundra, and wildlife. We may spot pingos, caribou or even whales. In Tuktoyaktuk, we learn about the local way of life and enjoy a northern-style lunch. There will be an opportunity for a traditional Arctic Ocean dip! We also travel along the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, Canada’s first all-weather road to the Arctic Ocean.
This morning we enjoy a nature walk on well-groomed Boot Lake Trail (3 km), a favorite amongst the locals and visitors offering views of the Mackenzie Delta and Richardson Mountains. Later, we fly to Yellowknife, located on the shores of Great Slave Lake, and transfer to our hotel.
This morning we enjoy a nature walk on well-groomed Boot Lake Trail (3 km), a favorite amongst the locals and visitors offering views of the Mackenzie Delta and Richardson Mountains. Later, we fly to Yellowknife, located on the shores of Great Slave Lake, and transfer to our hotel.
We continue exploring Yellowknife with a walking tour, including the NWT Diamond Centre and the Legislative Assembly. The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration or shopping. This evening enjoy our Farewell Dinner.
We fly home from Yellowknife.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
