Yukon and Alaska Explorer

Day 1 - Arrive in Whitehorse, Yukon

Arrive at Whitehorse Airport and transfer independently to your hotel in central Whitehorse. Pick-up your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this historic town.

Overnight in Whitehorse (Coast High Country Inn Whitehorse or Best Western Gold Rush Inn).

Day 2 - Whitehorse to Haine's Junction (154 KM)

Begin your northern adventure as you head west through the small villages of the territory to Haine’s Junction, situated on the edge of the massive Kluane National Park.

Overnight in Haine’s Junction.

Day 3 - Haines Junction

A day free at leisure is a good opportunity to explore the village. Perhaps pay a visit to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations' Da Kų Cultural Centre, an interactive living museum that celebrates the history, culture and art of the Indigenous people of the area. Afterwards, perhaps drop by the St. Elias Convention Centre to see the permanent and rotating collection of art, reflecting the modern interpretations of local and recent artists. The Visitor's Centre is also an excellent resource for guests of the town.

 Overnight in Haines Junction.

Day 4 - Haine's Junction to Tok (467KM)

A breathtaking journey along some of the most stunning North America's landscapes awaits! Driving along Alaska Highway, this route offers views of rugged mountain ranges, dense forests, and pristine lakes . The starting point is near the majestic peaks of St . Elias Mountains and Kluane National Park in Haines Junction, and the ending is close to the vast open landscapes in interior Alaska while approaching Tok . In this area, you may spot some wildlife such as bears, moose, and eagles. 

Overnight Tok

Day 5 - Tok to Fairbanks (501 KM)

Today you will drive along Alaska Highway and notice the landscape slowly transitioning from flat and rolling hills, with dense spruce and birch trees, to mountain views and river crossings . While approaching Fairbanks, the second-largest city in Alaska, the landscape will change to include large settlements along the Tanana River .

Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 6 - Fairbanks to Denali National Park (265 KM)

Today’s route takes you along the George Parks Highway, across the Tanana River and on to Denali National Park. The towering mountains, wide valleys, roaring rivers and rippling streams of Alaska’s interior offer visitors excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You may decide to independently arrange hiking, fishing or canoeing against the backdrop of a pristine wilderness. Driving south, you will soon see Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak at 6193 m – an eternal sentinel that makes the entrance into Denali National Park.

Overnight in Denali National Park.

Day 7 - Denali National Park

Today you may decide to independently explore some of the many day hike trails in Denali National Park. The protected parklands stretch out serenely beneath the shadows of the majestic Mount McKinley, giving visitors the opportunity to see the moose, caribou, grizzly bears and Dall sheep. Many of the animals can often be spotted in plain view from the access roads.

Overnight in Denali National Park.

Day 8 - Denali National Park to Anchorage (380 KM)

Today you will continue your adventure southbound, traversing vast woodlands of spruce, birch and aspen. Descending from the interior, Alaska’s great geographical diversity become evident as the dense evergreen forests and windswept mountains give way to the lush Matanuska River Valley. The Matanuska River Valley is the richest agricultural region in Alaska, where 20-hour summer days produce giant vegetable. Before dusk, you will reach Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, located at the head of Cook Inlet.

Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 9 - Anchorage

Today is yours to experience the modern city of Anchorage and its surroundings. Explore Chugach National Forest, a wildlife-photographer’s delight that is also popular with anglers and hikers. You may decide to have a relaxing day in town, visiting the Anchorage Tourism Centre, or perhaps a leisurely stroll through the beautiful displays of the Anchorage Tourism Centre, or perhaps a leisurely stroll through the beautiful displays of the Anchorage Botanical Gardens featuring more than 1100 species of hardy perennials and over 150 native artic plant species. End the day on a waterside patio and perhaps a dinner of famous Alaskan crab!

Overnight in Anchorage.

Day 10 - Anchorage to Nabesna (480 KM)

A captivating journey that showcases natural diversity and beauty awaits you while you travel from Anchorage to Nabesna . This day trip offers views of the Chugach Mountains, Matanuska River, picturesque valleys, and the breathtaking Matanuska Glacier . The roads will follow the Wrangell-St . Elias National Park and its forests and towering peaks . After taking Nabesna Road to reach your destination, the view will change to the pristine wilderness, glacial rivers, and rustic homestead.

Overnight in Nabesna (Wrangell Mountains Wilderness Lodge or similar)

Day 11 - Nabesa to Dawson City (469 KM)

For a true sense of the wilds of the north, today’s route will bring out the adventurer in you! Striking back towards Tok and heading to the border through some of the most untouched wilderness in North America, you pass back over into Canada at Little Gold Camp – the highest border crossing between the two countries . Following the aptly-named Top-of-the-World Highway the road continues on to riverside town of Dawson City, one of the major focal points of the 18th century Gold Rush where prospectors made and lost their fortunes .

Overnight in Dawson City.

Day 12 - Dawson City

Relive the days of prospecting with a day of independent exploration of this historic city. Many original buildings have stood the test of time, while others have been faithfully restored to either their original grandeur, or rustic ruggedness. Take the day to tour the historic landmarks of Dawson City and visit the surrounding goldfields that still resonate with the Klondike’s “spirit of ‘98”. You may choose to try your hand at panning for gold at an authentic, working gold claim. For a slightly different venue, visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall and try your luck at any of the establishment’s games of chance.

Overnight in Dawson City.

Day 13 - Dawson City to Whitehorse (532 KM)

The Klondike Highway is your access to route back to the southern region of the Yukon. Along the way, you will catch glimpses of the mighty Stewart River before it joins with the mighty Yukon River for its 3,500 km journey up to Alaska’s Bering sea.  You will be passing through the traditional hunting grounds of the Kaska Indians, where bears, wolves, lynx and moose roam in abundance.  You may wish to stop at one of the gold rush staging posts and Bonanza Creek to see the origins of the Gold Rush and the way of life those early prospectors experienced. Arriving in Whitehorse, relax after a long day of travelling at your hotel or perhaps visit one of the many eateries around town.

Overnight in Whitehorse.

Day 14 - Whitehorse

Today you embark on a full-day scenic trip along South Klondike Highway to Fraser, British Columbia. Upon arrival, you board the world-famous narrow-gauge White pass & Yukon Route Railway to journey through areas that still echo with the hardships and fortunes of the past such as Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. The route travels over the White Pass Summit, offering views from a height of 880m before ending in Skagway, Alaska. Return by motor coach to Whitehorse top relax for the evening at your hotel.

Overnight in Whitehorse.

Day 15 - End of tour

Today your northern adventure comes to an end as you transfer independently to the airport for your departing flight.