Alaska and Yukon Adventure 14 Days / 13 nights
Trip Overview
An exciting driving tour combining the best of the wilderness and the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. In a round trip from Whitehorse into Alaska you will visit abandonned forts, Bald Eagle preserves, and vibrant towns with Klondike pasts, all the while experiencing the breathtaking views and the spectacular scenery the region is known for. With the freedom of the wheel you’ll be able to make the most of the sights and go at your own pace, doing as much or as little as you choose! This Yukon self drive vacation is sure to be incredible.Trip Images
Yukon’s graveyard for road signs and license plates!
Grizzly bear - an amazing predator to be seen just don't get too close!
The magnificent beauty near the Canadian/Alaskan border.
Definitely a time to sit down, rest, and take in the magnificent beauty of Yukon and Alaska.
Cruising along the highway to your next Alaskan or Canadian adventure!
Map
1 night Whitehorse
1 night Mayo
2 nights Dawson City
1 night Beaver Creek
2 nights Haines Junction
2 nights Haines
1 night Skagway
2 nights Inn on the Lake
1 night Whitehorse
Departs from Whitehorse
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Whitehorse
Welcome to Whitehorse! The bustling capital of the province is the first stop on your Yukon self drive vacation. After picking up your rental car and checking into the hotel, explore the city’s eclectic charm and rich history which stems from the boom of the Klondike gold rush. Whitehorse also serves as a gateway into the wilderness beyond with plenty of optional activities like canoeing tours, flightseeing adventures, and dogsledding excitement. Retire for the evening at the Edgewater Hotel (all hotels are guidelines only, as hotel booking depends on availability.)
Day 2 – From Whitehorse to Mayo (253 miles/407 km, 5 hrs)
Continue your Klondike tour exploration of the Gold Rush by traveling the Klondike Highway west towards Dawson City. Consider a detour from Minto to Fort Selkirk, an abandoned mining community accessible only by boat tour. Driving along the Klondike Highway find yourself at the intersection with the Silver Trail Highway and drive towards Mayo and Keno City. Explore these quaint silver mining towns before spending the night at the Bedrock motel in Mayo.
Day 3 – Mayo to Dawson City (146 miles/235 km, 3 hrs)
Drive the Silver Trail as you continue west along the Klondike Highway to Dawson City. For part of the way you will be traveling alongside the Yukon River with its swirling azure waters and serene mountain landscapes. With time to spare in Dawson City enjoy the rich history of the most important site on this Klondike tour and the breathtaking scenery of the land of the midnight sun and Northern Lights. Spend the night at the Aurora Inn.
Day 4 – Going for Gold in Dawson City
Spend the day exploring the Klondike goldfields and relaxing in the old Gold Rush atmosphere of Dawson City. Consider also an optional but highly memorable evening cruise on the Yukon River aboard a luxury catamaran. This cruise takes you 102 miles along the river with its breathtaking scenery to Eagle, a small community where you will spend the night before returning to Dawson City in the morning.
Day 5 – The Top of the World to Beaver Creek (308 miles/493 km, 8 hrs)
Crossing the Yukon River by state ferry (free of charge) you will start your drive along the Top of the World highway leading towards Tok. This highway winds its way along treeless ridges and, especially on clear days, offers incredible views of seemingly endless landscapes. From the Top of the World take the Taylor Highway to the Alaska Highway, and continue east to the border town of Beaver Creek, Canada. Overnight at Ida’s Motel.
Day 6 – Into the Park (184 miles/295 km, 4 hrs)
Driving the Alaska Highway towards Haines Junction you will travel beside Kluane Lake and be awarded many spectacular views of the Yukon’s largest lake. Upon arrival at Haines Junction, the gateway to Kluane National Park (a World Heritage Site), begin your exploration of the park on an optional guided ecohike or wander the trails on your own. Spend the night at the Raven Inn.
Day 7 – Kluane National Park
With the entire day to explore this wilderness treasure of mountains, icefields, and lush valleys, consider one of the many optional activities. Check out the Visitor’s Center for exciting possibilities like flightseeing, rafting, and biking tours. Overnight at the Inn.
Day 8 – Spotting Bald Eagles to Haines (146 miles/234 km, 3 hrs)
Continue your Yukon self drive vacation by taking the Haines Highway along the wild perimeter of Kluane National Park taking you into the Alaska drive leg of your journey and towards Haines. Just before reaching the city, take the opportunity to explore the Chilkat Valley and its Bald Eagle preserve where thousands of the birds come to roost and feed. After arrival in Haines explore the history and life of this vibrant town boasting a beautiful location on the shores of a fjord and backed by snow-capped mountains. Spend the night at Hotel Hälsingland.
Day 9 – Glaciers from Haines
Spend the day exploring Haines or choose from a variety of optional activities. Personal favorites include a Alaska wildlife tour float trip down the Chilkat Valley which offers incredible opportunities to see Bald Eagles (and maybe even Grizzly bears, black bears, and wolves) up close from the safety and comfort of a raft, and tours to Glacier Bay (either fly and cruise catamaran tours, or flightseeing tours). Overnight in Haines.
Day 10 – To Skagway (1 hr ferry)
Depart Haines at your leisure for the one hour cruise to Skagway, an important stop on any Klondike tour. With plenty of time in Skagway enjoy the town’s unique gold rush history or choose from a variety of optional activities including guided city tours, Yukon rail adventures, flightseeing, and Glacier bay tours. Spend the night in Skagway at the Mile Zero B&B.
Day 11 – Skagway to Teslin River (189 miles/202 km, 3.5 hrs)
With only a short drive today spend the morning exploring the charms of Skagway a little more. Once you start your drive you will take the Klondike Highway north back into the Yukon towards Whitehorse and Marsh Lake. Along the way you will pass the interesting community of Carcross (of the Carcoss desert), and Emerald Lake. Make your home for the next two nights at the first class Inn on the Lake.
Day 12 – Exploring the River
With time at leisure today, choose to kayak, canoe, mountain bike, or just relax in this beautiful and quiet setting.
Day 13 – Back to Whitehorse (76 miles/122 km, 1.5 hrs)
Driving back from the serene river to the bustle of Whitehorse won’t take too long, so plan to make the most of your time in the capital. Perhaps shopping for a few souvenirs?
Day 14 – Departure from Whitehorse
Say your goodbyes to Yukon on this last day of your Yukon self drive vacation. Return your rental car to the station and reflect on all the miles you’ve clocked and all the things you’ve seen – the morning commute won’t ever feel the same!
Need help making the most of your time?
Call one of our friendly local experts now.
| US & Canada | UK 0-800-917-5924 | AUS 1-800-992-872 |
Accommodations
Standard hotelsOptions & Upgrades
• Additional excursions to Glacier Bay National Park availableDates & Prices
2010 DatesDaily Departures May 27 - August 31, 2010
Itinerary will be modified to your needs according to the ferry schedule
| Dates and Rates | USD $ | |
| Double | Single | |
| May 27 - Aug 31 2010 | 1,907 | 3,321 |
• Prices are per person - Triple, Quad and Child rates are available
• Double means two people sharing
Included
• 13 nights accommodation in standard hotels
• breakfast and dinner included at Inn on the Lake for 2 days
• Alaska Marine Highway Ferry from Haines to Skagway (passengers and car space)
• Gold Mine Tour with gold panning in Dawson City
(approx. 1.5 hr long)
• Comprehensive documentation and information pack including day-by-day driving route plus hotel directions
Not Included
• Airport transfers
• Car Rental - ask your Fresh Tracks consultant for car options
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Optional Activities
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
HAVE A CHAT
From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743
Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.