Canada's True North

We fly to Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory, and transfer to our hotel.

Known as the “Wilderness City,” Whitehorse sits on the banks of the Yukon River, surrounded by mountains and pristine lakes. Our tour includes the Visitor Centre for an introduction to Yukon geography and history, the SS Klondike, the last original sternwheeler from the Gold Rush era followed by views of the suspension bridge over Miles Canyon. We then visit the MacBride Museum, highlighting the city’s past, the RCMP, and First Nations heritage. In the afternoon we visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and enjoy a scenic countryside drive. This evening we gather for a Welcome Dinner to begin our northern adventure.

Today we travel to the breathtaking Southern Lakes District stopping en route at stunning Emerald Lake and the Carcross Desert’s sand dunes—once the bottom of a glacier. Then take in the picturesque Carcross First Nation Settlement with its views on Bennett Lake. After a delicious lunch, we return to Whitehorse.

We journey north along the iconic Klondike Highway, stopping at the Five Finger Rapids viewpoint. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the rapids before continuing to Dawson City. Set on the Yukon River, Dawson City is an eclectic and lively community with a true Wild West spirit. This evening, we attend an old-fashioned variety show featuring Can-can dancers, evoking the excitement of the Gold Rush days.

We begin the day with a walking tour of the historic gold rush town. Next, discover the Klondike Gold Fields and visit the Discovery Claim, where the first gold nugget was found. After trying our luck gold-panning, we explore the massive Dredge No. 4, a relic of the Gold Rush era. Then drive up to the Midnight Dome viewpoint, where we’ll enjoy a superb view of Dawson City and the surrounding landscape.

We travel the legendary Dempster Highway, named for Corporal Dempster, who pioneered the route by dogsled. The road crosses two mountain ranges, the Continental Divide three times, and the Arctic Circle. After a visit to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre, we continue to Eagle Plains for our overnight stay.

Continuing north within the Arctic Circle, we discover Fort McPherson, a Gwich’in First Nation community on the Peel River. The hamlet served as the principal Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in the Mackenzie Delta for over 50 years. We then cross the Mackenzie River and proceed to Inuvik.

Our guided tour introduces the three main cultures that shaped Inuvik. In the afternoon we visit the community greenhouse and Our Lady of Victory Church, famously known as the “Igloo Church,” featuring artwork by local artisans. This evening we enjoy a cultural performance showcasing Indigenous song, dance, and traditional drumming.

Today we take a scenic flight over the Mackenzie River Delta, a vast landscape of waterways, tundra, and wildlife. We may spot pingos, caribou or even whales. In Tuktoyaktuk, we learn about the local way of life and enjoy a northern-style lunch. There will be an opportunity for a traditional Arctic Ocean dip! We also travel along the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, Canada’s first all-weather road to the Arctic Ocean.

This morning we enjoy a nature walk on well-groomed Boot Lake Trail (3 km), a favorite amongst the locals and visitors offering views of the Mackenzie Delta and Richardson Mountains. Later, we fly to Yellowknife, located on the shores of Great Slave Lake, and transfer to our hotel.

Our city tour includes the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, highlighting the Northwest Territories’ history and Indigenous cultures. We visit the Yellowknife Historical Museum and the Bush Pilots’ Monument for sweeping views of the bay and houseboats. In the afternoon we tour the Buffalo Airways hangar, home of the famed Ice Pilots NWT.

We continue exploring Yellowknife with a walking tour, including the NWT Diamond Centre and the Legislative Assembly. The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration or shopping. This evening enjoy our Farewell Dinner.

We fly home from Yellowknife.