Photo of Yukon

About Yukon

The Yukon, with a population of a mere 35,000 people spread over 500,000 square kilometres, is the westernmost of Canada’s territories. It remains one of the world’s great wildernesses and the best places to stay in the Yukon are a perfect base for exploring this wild landscape.

The territory is bilingual (English and French) and has its capital at Whitehorse. Most of the region lies on the watershed of the Yukon river and the southern portion is dotted with many large glacier-fed lakes that flow into the river.

The Europeans arrived in the early 1800’s as a result of the fur trade, missionaries followed and then gold miners. The Klondike goldrush of 1897 transformed the area. Thousands of prospectors descended on the goldfields around Dawson City, whose population grew within months to 40,000 - all adventurers eager to make their fortunes. Within a couple of years the mania had passed, with most leaving disappointed. The memory of these times is a considerable lure for modern day tourists.

Today, the Yukon is a pristine natural paradise and most come to enjoy hunting, fishing, canoeing, riding, walking, hiking, climbing, skiing… the list goes on. Not forgetting the annual storytelling festival and the ‘Yukon sourdough rendezvous’!

Use our guide to the best places to stay in the Yukon and start to plan your wilderness adventure!

The Best Places to Stay in the Yukon

For a Klondike experience

  • Bombay Peggy’s in Dawson City is the Yukon’s ‘only restored brothel’! It has plush interiors and antique furniture reminiscent of the goldrush days. The speakeasy style pub has live music and it's a lively fun place to stay.

For Getting away from it all

  • Northern lights resort and spa is a remote lodge spa set in160 acres of wilderness. There are log cabins with open fires and hot tubs, Finnish saunas and massage. Completely off the beaten track, this is great walking country or somewhere to marvel at the Aurora Borealis.

Still not sure which to book? Browse through our list of the best places to stay in the Yukon or contact a friendly guru for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Yukon

Best Hotels in Yukon

  • Bombay Peggy's Dawson 9 rooms from £95

    Great walks  -  Immerse yourself in the history and scenery of Dawson with the Ninth Avenue Trail which loops around the town.
    Lively  -  Hip and happening.
    Full of character
    Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
    ViewsNo pets

    Proudly describing itself as "the Yukon's only restored brothel" Bombay Peggy's certainly is a unique stay. Antique furnishings and deep palettes take you back to the time of the gold-miners whilst the pub is a bonafide speakeasy with weekly live musicians playing and plenty of vintage charm. See More

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  • The Inn on the Lake Whitehorse 10 rooms from £114

    Active Holiday  -  There's so much to do here from snowmobiling and dogsledding in the winter to canoeing, golfing and fishing in the summer
    Back to Nature  -  Marsh Lake is considered one of the best places in the world for viewing the Northern Lights.
    Restaurant  -  Everyone sits down to a set three course dinner together.
    Kayaking  -  Kayaking is offered by the hotel
    SpaRestaurantGardenPet friendlyViews

    On the shores of Marsh Lake, from this quaint lodge you can take in the stunning Northern Lights. It offers kayaking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and an on-site restaurant. With a well equipped fitness centre and spa to relax after an active day on the lake or exploring the beautiful surroundings See More

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  • Northern Lights Resort & Spa Whitehorse 4 rooms from £106

    Great walks  -  Guided and interpreted hikes with a focus on the natural history of the Yukon.
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    Full of character
    Spa
    SpaGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A remote lodge and spa in 160 acres of breathtaking Yukon wilderness. Individual log cabins feature comfy beds, roaring fires, and patios perfect for basking in the beauty of the Aurora Borealis. Outdoor hot tubs, Finnish sauna and expert massage treatments will leave you feeling utterly refreshed. See More

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  • Southern Lakes Resort Yukon 8 rooms from £138

    Great walks  -  Explore the beauty and vastness of Yukon’s northern landscape (solo or guided) there are many hiking trails spanning the area
    Fishing  -  Fishing is a popular activity and can be arranged through the resort for an additional charge
    Kayaking  -  Canoeing and kayaking on the stunning lake can be arranged
    Lakeside  -  Beachfront and private beach area
    RestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A handful of charming cabins set in the rugged beauty of the Yukon's northern landscapes. Enjoy an abundance of activities such as canoeing, fishing, snowsledding, snowmobiling and hiking trails to explore by foot. Expect breathtaking views and the chance to view the Northern Lights. See More

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