Day 2 of a 3-Day Trip in Whitehorse
It was colder and rainier on Day 2 compared to Day 1 in Whitehorse. We were headed to see the sights of Downtown Whitehorse and go for a walk on the Millennium Trail Nest.
Day 2
Whitehorse
To start our day, we headed to Burnt Toast Café for breakfast. We were lucky to get a table without having to wait. The morning rush began shortly after our arrival. I ordered the Smoked Salmon Burnt Toast Benny. This was delicious – the hash browns were crispy and the smoked salmon was one of the best I’ve ever had.
After breakfast, we walked along the Yukon River and stopped at the notable attractions – Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, MacBride Museum of Yukon History, Old Log Museum, Yukon Government Building, and the SS Klondike National Historic Site. The best thing about this – everything is within walking distance! We started at Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre. Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre welcomes the public to learn more about the Kwanlin Dun First Nations. Near the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, there is a glass blowing studio called Lumel Studios with amazing glass artwork. If you are lucky, you might see the artists at work in the workshop. Also nearby is Yukon Built Clothing Store, where you can get equipped with Whitehorse gear.
Next, we walked along the Yukon River and continued to the MacBride Museum of Yukon History. The path along the Yukon River is well maintained and offers great views of emerald blue river. I was surprised to see how quickly the Yukon River flowed!
The MacBride Museum of Yukon History offers a glimpse into Yukon’s history with stories of the First Nations, the Klondike Gold Rush, and much more! At one corner of the MacBride Museum is the Telegraph Office, recognizable by its log infrastructure. The log building was originally built in 1900 and served as Whitehorse’s second telegraph office, before becoming part of the museum in 1967. The museum’s admission fee is $10/adult. Also worth a visit is the North End Gallery, which is across from the museum. It has artwork and gifts you can take home!
Continuing on our walk, we headed to the Old Log Church Museum next. The Old Log Church Museum is no longer a church, but a museum telling stories of Yukon’s history. It was originally built in 1900 and is one of the oldest buildings in Whitehorse. The admission fee is $8/adult.
The final destination on our Downtown Whitehorse walk was the SS Klondike National Historic Site. On the way, we passed by the Yukon Government Building, home to the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
The SS Klondike is the largest riverboat to have carried supplies between Whitehorse and Dawson City along the Yukon River in the early to mid 1900’s. Today, it is a permanent fixture on the banks of the Yukon River. For an entrance fee of $7.80/adult, visitors can go on a guided tour of the boat. There are information signs which are free to read near the SS Klondike and depict its history.
From the SS Klondike National Historic Site, it is only a 15 minute walk to the start of the Millennium Trail Nest. The Millennium Trail Nest is a 1 hour loop trail and loops back to the SS Klondike National Historic Site. However, it was not always a loop. The trail only became a loop in 2005 after the construction of the Rotary Centennial Bridge. Once on the trail, it is another 17 minute walk to the Yukon Energy Fish Ladder and Whitehorse Dam. The Yukon Energy Fish Ladder is the longest wooden fish ladder in the world and creates a safe passage for the fish through the dam (avoiding the rapids of the Whitehorse Dam). The fish ladder was unfortunately closed to the public at this time, so we could only observe it from behind the fence. Normally, you can walk on the fish ladder. The Whitehorse Dam has served the Yukon since 1958. The powerful rapids are mesmerizing and definitely worth a visit.
Once you have completed the loop, head to Yukon Brewing/Two Brewers Whiskey for a drink! Another option (or you can go to both) is Polarity Brewing. The two breweries are very close to each other. For dinner, go to Smoke & Sow. They specialize in BBQ. I have not had much BBQ in my life for comparison, but their BBQ was amazing! Definitely a hidden Whitehorse gem that not many tourists know about. The restaurant is connected to a gas station, but has a fun interior and great food. We ordered the brisket, ribs, and sausage for meats and 2 sides – creamy coleslaw and buffalo brussel sprouts. The BBQ also comes with sauce options, we got one of each – original smoke & sow, spicy texas, vinegar, and the seasonal (at the time, this was an apple sauce-like flavour and texture).
After dinner, we headed back to our Airbnb. If it is a clear night, keep your eye out for the Northern Lights!
Complete Day 2 Itinerary
*Travel times may vary. Check Google Maps for most accurate travel details.
9:00am: Have breakfast at Burnt Toast Café!
11:00am: Go on a Downtown Whitehorse Walk. Start at Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre (8 minute walk from Burnt Toast Café). Stop by the Lumel Studios to check out the glass blowing art or take a class (7 minute walk from Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre)! Go shopping at Yukon Built (4 minute walk from Lumel Studios).
12:00am: Walk along the Yukon River to MacBride Museum of Yukon History (6 minute walk from Yukon Built). Visit the museum! Stop by the North End Gallery (1 minute walk from MacBridge Museum of Yukon History).
1:00pm: Visit the Old Log Church Museum (5 minute walk from MacBridge Museum of Yukon History). Walk past the Yukon Government Building (2 minute walk from Old Log Church Museum). Visit the SS Klondike National Historic Site (14 minute walk from the Yukon Government Building).
2:00pm: Continue to the Millennium Trail Nest (14 minute walk from the SS Klondike National Historic Site). Stop at the Rotary Centennial Bridge (13 minute walk from Trailhead), Yukon Energy Fish Ladder (3 minute walk from Rotary Centennial Bridge), and Whitehorse Dam (1 minute walk from the Yukon Energy Fish Ladder). Complete the trail loop (32 minute walk from Whitehorse Dam).
4:00pm: Have a drink at Yukon Brewing/Two Brewers Whiskey (7 minute drive from SS Klondike National Historic Site) or Polarity Brewing (4 minute drive from SS Klondike National Historic Site) or both!
6:00pm: Have dinner at Smoke & Sow (8 minute drive from Yukon Brewing/Polarity Brewing).
8:00pm: Check out the Northern Lights!
3-Day Whitehorse Itinerary
Click “Download” below for an excel version of my 3-Day Whitehorse Itinerary. Feel free to use the excel file as a planning template for your own trip in Whitehorse!
Travels with Carolyne 