Yukon is the land of the midnight sun, where skies are glorious and summer light just won't quit, with the best time to visit between May and August. Life flourishes under hours of intense sunlight as the land hosts millions of migratory birds and explodes in wildflower blooms.
Summers in the Yukon offer a unique opportunity to shift gears, slow down, and truly savor the beauty and wonders all around. The summer solstice generally falls on or around June 21, marking the official arrival of summer with its extended daylight, provides the perfect backdrop for unhurried travel. During the weeks before and after the longest day of the year, the skies are packed with an abundance of glorious daylight. North of the Arctic Circle, the sun stays above the horizon for weeks.
During the Yukon summers, the sun stays up for over 20 hours! Even when midnight rolls around, you'll be surprised to see that it's still as bright as noon. That means you can take that all-day hike without having to rush through breakfast, or hit snooze a few extra times before you hit the road. Experience the Adäka Cultural Festival in Whitehorse, or head out to explore the sandy beaches of Carcross before enjoying a locally crafted beer on a patio under the glow of the midnight sun.
Summertime Grand Tour
Take the road trip of a lifetime at the height of the northern summer and see Yukon's memorable places by connecting the North Klondike, Top of the World, and Alaska highways. You'll visit national historic sites, attractions and wilderness parks, meet extraordinary people and see plenty of wildlife. The best part? Staying up late through Yukon's endless twighlight to catch that perfect photo of the midnight sun.
Day 1 – Road Trip Around the Yukon
You'll experience Yukon highlights on this grand tour around the territory. Pick up your RV or car rental in Whitehorse, load up with provisions, find travel and road information at the Yukon Visitor Information Centre, and hit the highway.
Days 2-3 – North to the Klondike
Spend a couple of days winding up the North Klondike Highway along the route of Gold Rush stampeders. Explore roadside historic sites, visit cultural centres in Carmacks and Pelly Crossing, and enjoy quiet campgrounds in the boreal forest. Enjoy the hikes and heritage of the Silver Trail.
Days 4-6 – Discover Dawson and Beyond
Stroll the boardwalk-lined streets of Dawson City and learn about the Klondike Gold Rush. Drive up Bonanza Creek Road to Dredge #4, and enjoy a hike on the Ridge Road Heritage Trail. Read about Jack London and Pierre Berton. Spend a day visiting Tombstone Territorial Park. Take the free ferry across the Yukon River and continue on the scenic Top of the World Highway to Tok, Alaska.
Days 7-9 – Explore the Kluane Mountain Range
You'll return to the Yukon on the historic Alaska Highway and re-enter Canada at Beaver Creek. This is Kluane Country, one of North America's wildest, most scenic regions. Watch for grizzly bears, moose and Dall sheep. Visit attractions in Burwash Landing, Haines Junction and at Sheep Mountain and enjoy the region's beautiful campgrounds. Fill your days with wildlife viewing, walks and cultural experiences.
Days 10-12 – Haines Junction & Southern Lakes Circuit
Head out to Haines Junction for a day of hiking and sightseeing in the Kluane region.
From Whitehorse, it's an easy circuit around the Southern Lakes to visit Carcross, Tagish, Teslin and Marsh Lake. Meet local artists, learn about the Inland Tlingit and Tagish First Nation people, and enjoy the interlaced glacier-fed lakes that form the Yukon River headwaters.
My Canada Trips offer summer motorhome packages to the Yukon from £3,600 per person including return flights from London Heathrow to Whitehorse on Air Canada, 1 night at Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Whitehorse and 7 Nights small motorhome for 2 adults (includes unlimited mileage, kits, prep fee and insurances). For more information contact 0800 091 3121, sales@mycanadtrips.co.uk or visit mycanadatrips.co.uk
New Yukon Motorhome Explorer itinerary here: yukon-motorhome-explorer
For a detailed list of all campgrounds in the Yukon: yukon.ca