Yukon Golden Circle
Canada
A compact Yukon circuit crossing into Alaska via the White Pass, Whitehorse through Carcross (and the world's smallest desert), over the White Pass summit to gold-rush Skagway, back via Haines with a ferry crossing of the Lynn Canal. A loop of glacier-fed rivers, Klondike history, and the most dramatic mountain scenery in the northern Rockies.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Whitehorse
Yukon capital of 25,000 in a wilderness of 500,000 sq km. The SS Klondike sternwheeler sits on the riverbank; June brings 24 hours of midnight sun.
- Carcross
Home to the world's smallest desert, 663 acres of glacial-outwash sand dunes at the junction of two lakes in a First Nations community.
- White Pass Summit
The 873m pass on the Alaska-BC border where 100,000 Klondike stampede horses died on the Dead Horse Trail in 1897. Views reach to tidewater.
- Skagway
The gold-rush gateway, nearly intact from 1898. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves the frontier town; the narrow-gauge railway still runs.
- Haines
Up to 4,000 bald eagles gather on the Chilkat River each November, the largest concentration on Earth. The Lynn Canal ferry links Haines to Skagway.
- Haines Junction
Gateway to Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site holding the world's largest non-polar icefield and Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan at 5,959m.
- Whitehorse
The Golden Circle completes its loop at the Yukon capital. The Alaska Highway heads north; the Miles Canyon rapids that nearly stopped the stampede lie just south.
Where to Eat
- Caribou Crossing CoffeeCafé
A cozy café in Carcross Commons offering freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries.
- Skagway Brewing CompanyBrewpub
Historic brewpub in Skagway serving craft beers and hearty meals in a rustic setting.
- Fireweed RestaurantLocal Diner
Popular eatery in Haines Junction known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes and friendly atmosphere.
- The Pilot Light RestaurantSeafood
Waterfront restaurant in Haines specializing in fresh seafood and offering stunning ocean views.
Things to Do
- Carcross DesertNatural Feature
Explore the world's smallest desert, a unique sandy landscape amidst the Yukon wilderness.
- White Pass & Yukon Route RailwayHistoric Site
Ride the historic narrow-gauge railway offering breathtaking views of mountains and gorges.
- Kluane National Park and ReserveNational Park
Discover rugged mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Chilkoot TrailHike
Historic 53 km trail retracing the route of Klondike Gold Rush prospectors through diverse landscapes.
Travel advisory
The route crosses into Alaska at two points so carry valid passports and check current US-Canada border requirements before departure. Road conditions on the South Klondike Highway and Haines Highway can deteriorate significantly in early spring and late autumn, and fuel stops are widely spaced, so fill up at every opportunity.