Avila Travel Canada Yukon Carcross

Canada trip | Adventure trip Yukon at its best

  • Adventure
  • 18-day trip
  • From €3,995 p.p.
route-map

Canada trip | Adventure trip Yukon at its best

This trip introduces you to the modern and ancient cultures of the Yukon, a remarkable territory situated in northern Canada. This rugged and historic region boasts breathtaking beauty and gives you the feeling that you are following in the footsteps of the Yukon pioneers. The Yukon is a magical destination where air pollution, visual pollution, noise pollution and overcrowding are simply non-existent! You’ll start with a short stay in Vancouver, after which you ’ll fly to Whitehorse , the capital of the Yukon Territory.

Here, your 4x4 hire car will be waiting for you, ready to take you on your adventure over the next two weeks. Following a stunning route that includes the Alaska Highway, you’ll travel to the very edge of civilisation at Eagle Plains and then on to Inuvik, situated above the Arctic Circle in the neighbouring province of the Northwest Territories. Here, you’ll gain a unique insight into the lives of the Indigenous peoples. Hidden gems such as Tombstone National Park and the vast horizons of the Dempster Highway lend the journey an authentic character. A day in the famous town of Dawson City gives you the chance to perhaps strike gold, whilst the wilderness of Kluane National Park entices you to explore rarely seen trails, lakes and forests. A drive along the Top of the World Highway rounds off the trip perfectly!

This trip can only be undertaken between late May and mid-September.

Travel programme

Travel overview

  • Day 1 - 2 Flying to Canada
  • Day 3 Journey to Yukon
  • Day 4 Self-drive to Watson Lake over the Alaska Highway
  • Day 5 Self-drive from Watson Lake to Carmacks
  • Day 6 Gold Rush in Dawson City
  • Day 7 Self-drive from Dawson City to Eagle Plains
  • Day 8 – 9 Crossing the Arctic Circle
  • Day 10 Return to the Yukon
  • Day 11 Self-drive: Eagle Plains – Dawson City
  • Day 12 Top of the World Highway
  • Day 13 – 14 Kluane National Park & Reserve
  • Day 15 – 16 Stay in Whitehorse
  • Day 17 Return to Vancouver
  • Day 18 Departure from Canada
  • Day 19 Arrival
Day 1 to 2
Air travel to Canada
Day 3
Travel to Yukon
Day 4
Self-drive to Watson Lake over the Alaska Highway
Day 5
Self-drive from Watson Lake to Carmacks
Day 6
Gold rush in Dawson City
Day 7
Self-drive from Dawson City to Eagle Plains
Day 8 to 9
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Day 10
Return to Yukon
Day 11
Self-drive Eagle Plains - Dawson City
Day 12
Top of the World Highway
Day 13 to 14
Kluane National Park & Reserve
Day 15 to 16
Accommodation in Whitehorse
Day 17
Return to Vancouver
Day 18
Departure from Canada
Day 19
Arrival

Accommodations

Experiences

Destinations

Vancouver

Majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful vegetation in all four seasons make Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And a huge multicultural population, endless activities and excellent infrastructure ensure that Vancouver welcomes everyone. Vancouver caters to almost every interest year-round; you can enjoy world-class shopping, gourmet dining, outstanding live entertainment, sporting events, theatre, outdoor adventure, spectacular sights and attractions - it's all waiting for you in Vancouver.

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British Columbia

Stretching along Canada's western border, British Columbia has it all: a strong legacy of the 'first nations', stunning scenery, rich wildlife and a strong, cosmopolitan capital. The province consists largely of untamed wilderness - rugged mountain peaks, lush forests, mountain lakes and sparkling rivers, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, surfing and rock climbing, hiking, cycling, skiing and golf.

Canada

Canada, the land of loggers, beavers, hockey and maple syrup. While Canada certainly offers all these traditional associations in abundance, this beautiful country has so much more to offer than a few clichés. With its unforgettably beautiful, natural landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, Canada has something for everyone. Popular tourist destinations include the beautiful Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, luxury ski resorts like Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber cool and eternally busy urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether you visit an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, take a dog sled ride through the Yukon to see the spectacular northern lights shining through the night sky or indulge in a delicious high tea on Vancouver Island, you will be amazed at the possibilities Canada has to offer.

Yukon Territory

Wild, mountainous and sparsely populated, Canada's 'true north' offers a wilderness experience like no other. While in bustling Whitehorse, visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Miles Canyon, and after enjoying the somewhat offbeat vibe of Dawson City (don't skip the Dawson City Museum), venture to nearby Tombstone Territorial Park, also known as "bear country". Your time outdoors should include Kluane National Park to see Canada's tallest peak, Mount Logan, and the world's largest non-polar ice fields found in the St. Elias Mountains. Otherwise, take your pick of canoeing, salmon fishing, dog-sledding and hiking. You'll enjoy the fact that time has done little to change things here.

Northwest Territories

An epic landscape of boreal forests, Arctic wilderness, lakes and wildlife awaits those who come to play in Canada's remote Northwest Territories. The adventure will not disappoint as you canoe down the South Nahanni River (with the roar of Virginia Falls in the background), enjoy a few nights in a luxury lodge or a gold prospector's tent (transported by dog sled), or view the lake-strewn landscape from a bird's eye view in a bush plane. Visit the capital Yellowknife for a game of night golf under the midnight sun; go wildlife spotting in Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary or Wood Buffalo National Park (the breeding ground of the rare crane). And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Dawson City

Dawson 'City', a small town in Yukon, has a picturesque location on the Yukon River and a backdrop of forested mountains. It is also a 'First Nation' - an original settlement of Canada's indigenous Indian people - with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can delve into the history and modern lifestyle of the indigenous Hän People at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, or enjoy the creative offerings of the city's various art institutions. You can also go gambling at Diamond Tooth Gerties Casino, Canada's first legal gambling venue. In summer, you can fish or boat on the Klondike River and hike on the 'Midnight Dome' for panoramic views of the Yukon River, Klondike valleys and the Ogilvie Mountain Range on the distant horizon. In winter, visitors can choose from snowshoeing or dogsled tours and participate in the annual Thaw DiGras axe throwing contest.

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Whitehorse

Embraced by the banks of the Yukon River and surrounded by the peaks of the Grey and Golden Horn mountains, this vibrant city in northern Canada offers a wonderful variety of attractions and activities. Visit the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler for a touch of Gold Rush history, go to Miles Canyon and walk across the suspension bridge, and choose from more than 700 km of hiking trails connecting you to rivers, lakes, valleys and mountains. Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where the combination of lowlands, wetlands and steep cliffs makes wildlife viewing amazing. The city also has a vibrant visual arts community and its own snow sculpture team.

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Haines Junction

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Canada's highest mountains is Haines Junction, a small village in Yukon, Canada, known for its beautiful scenery and exceptional opportunities for outdoor adventure sports. The village serves as a convenient gateway to the Kluane National Park and Reserve and the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park in British Columbia, which are part of the largest internationally protected area in the world. Visitors will find a range of tourism services, including cabins, hotels, lodges, B&Bs, campsites and several excellent restaurants. Popular activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rafting and horse riding in the summer months. During the snowy winters, you can go glacier flying, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Beaver Creek

Tucked away in the spectacular mountain landscape of the Yukon, on the Alaskan Highway, Beaver Creek is Canada's westernmost community. This small border town serves as Yukon's gateway to Alaska. The surrounding pristine landscape is characterised by flowing rivers, abundant spruce trees and rugged wilderness. This small historic town is home to the White River First Nation and has just over 100 inhabitants. Visitors can enjoy the fascinating cultural heritage of this historic mining town, enjoy the pristine wilderness and abundant flora and fauna, and the midnight sun in summer and the mystique of the northern lights in winter.

Watson Lake

Conveniently located along the Alaska Highway in the Yukon region, the town of Watson Lake is known for its spectacular surrounding scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Its main attraction is undoubtedly the Northern Lights in winter, a mystical phenomenon that illuminates the night sky. Watson Lake is home to the iconic Yukon landmark 'Sign Post Forest', with more than 70,000 signs depicting various global locations. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities, including visiting the Northern Lights Space and Science Centre, skiing at Mt Maichen Ski Hill & Chalet in winter, and enjoying peaceful hiking trails, fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing and horseback riding.

Kluane National Park and Reserve


With the grandeur of Mount Logan, Canada's highest mountain range, towering glaciers, lush valleys, pointed peaks, glistening Kathleen Lake and snow-capped peaks, it is no wonder this UNESCO-recognised world heritage site is one of Canada's most popular destinations. The rugged and remote Kluane National Park and Reserve is located within the traditional territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations in Yukon and offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, ranging from cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing in breathtaking winter landscapes to exploring the pristine wilderness on foot or by bicycle in summer. There are numerous opportunities for fishing in Kluane, with rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, northern pike and sockeye salmon being the most popular targets. On land, one might spot majestic Dall sheep perched atop rock formations, grizzly bears wandering through valleys, black bears searching for food, and bald-headed eagles soaring through clear blue skies.

Carmacks

Carmacks is a small village located deep in Yukon Territory in western Canada. The highlight of the area is the Tage Cho Hudan Interpretive Centre, which offers a series of informative exhibits on the Northern Tutchone people, the region's oldest inhabitants. Visitors can see an array of pre-Columbian tools, dioramas and fascinating traditional boats made of moose skin. The nearby recreation site Five Finger Rapids is easily accessible via the Klondike Highway and features some great hiking trails, as well as some excellent rafting opportunities. South of the village of Carmacks lies a collection of pristine lakes: Twin Lakes, Fox Lake and Lake Laberge. Carmacks is also a popular area for fishing. Beautiful boat trips to neighbouring, popular Dawson City can be easily organised.

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Inuvik

Located 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, in the breathtaking green web of Canada's Mackenzie River Delta, Inuvik is a wonderland of extreme living. In winter, 24-hour darkness creates unique activities, and as the seasons change, locals celebrate the increase in temperature with festivals filled with games, music and shared meals. In summer, residents can paddle along the delta's beautiful waterways to watch beavers foraging for timber and swarms of tundra swans flying overhead. The wilderness here is a rich source of fish, with fantastic pike to catch and delectable traditional fish dishes to sample. Inuvikians with green fingers take advantage of the 24-hour summer sunlight to grow fruits and vegetables in the lush Community Greenhouse. Be sure to visit the famous Igloo Church, with beautifully painted interiors.

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Eagle Plains

Located in the heart of Canada's spectacular unspoilt wilderness, less than an hour's drive from the Arctic Circle sign, the beautiful Eagle Plains area is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant flora and fauna. Several species of wildlife inhabit this region, including sheep, bears, wolves, caribou, marmots and pikas, as well as many common birds, including falcons and golden eagles. Eagle Plains is conveniently located on the Dempster Highway, a beautiful road halfway between Dawson City and Inuvik. Enjoy incredible views of vast valleys and majestic mountains, discover the collection of colourful lichens that cover the area and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as wilderness hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing and river expeditions. Don't miss a visit to Tombstone Territorial Park to see the breathtaking vistas to the south.

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Canada trip | Adventure trip Yukon at its best

We offer the described trip from €3,995 per person.

The price is an estimate and is subject to availability and the travel period, amongst other factors.

Included

- Overnight stays in atmospheric hotels
- Domestic flights
- Rental car GMC Sierra Pick Up 4WD or equivalent, including 1 extra driver, unlimited kilometres per day and excess waiver
- Comprehensive itinerary with maps and destination descriptions
- Mentioned ferry crossing
- All meals as mentioned in 'programme
- All excursions as mentioned in 'programme', including bike tour in Vancouver
- All listed, required private transfers
- Meet & Greet on arrival
- National Geographic or similar travel guide
- Administration fee (worth €50 per booking)

Sustainable components of your trip:
- Positive impact contribution of €50,- p.p. through the Avila Foundation
- Bicycle tour in Vancouver

Not included

- International flights
- Upgrade room type
- Travel and/or cancellation insurance
- Tourist tax (if applicable)
- ETA or visa fees for Canada
- Local rental car costs, such as administration fees, parking fees, tolls and fuel
- Seat reservations
- Personal expenses/tipping
- Departure tax if applicable when leaving destination
- Entrance fees if applicable
- Not mentioned meals and optional excursions
- Contribution Calamity Fund (€2,50 per booking)
- SGR contribution (€5 per person)

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