This jam-packed 15-night itinerary allows you to discover the very best of the Yukon and the beautiful Pacific Coastal City of Vancouver in an unforgettable adventure. Fasten your seat belt and hit the open roads to explore the heart of Canada's wildest province - from the echoes of the Gold Rush to the new world of ecotourism, this northern wonderland offers something different for adventurous travellers. Your time in the Yukon Wildlife Preserve will open up a whole new world in front of your eyes, and the scenery surrounding you will leave you speechless time and time again. This is a holiday you will never forget.
Welcome to the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon Territory and at 22,000 people is the largest city in Canada’s North. Everything about the Yukon is big, even the log skyscraper in town. After checking in to your hotel, take some time to explore the city and get a feel of what’s in store.
Time to explore the region and take advantage of all that Whitehorse has to offer. Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve (included), this unique wildlife viewing property featuring 10 species of northern Canadian mammals in their natural environment. Encompassing over 700 acres with various natural habitats, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.
Today travel the South Klondike Highway which connects the Yukon Territory with the Inside Passage ferry system in Alaska. Also known as the Skagway - Carcross Road, todays drive offers some spectacular scenery as it descend from the White Pass to Skagway. The highway winds through the subalpine landscape of Tormented Valley to Tutshi Lake, Tagish Lake and the much photographed Emerald Lake. The rest of the day is free to explore the Skagway area.
Spend the morning in Skagway and explore the old town buildings. Take the afternoon Alaska Ferry to Haines. It is a spectacularly scenic and relaxing ferry ride along the Lynn Canal, a fjord that is as beautiful and pristine as any in the world. Fjord walls steeply rise from sea level to 7,000 feet. Arrive in Haines, located in the Valley of the Eagles. Almost 4,000 American bald eagles gather along an 8 km stretch of the Chilkat River near Haines and Klukwan each fall. Attracted by a late run of salmon, eagles come from all over Alaska, British Columbia and as far away as the state of Washington. Starting in October, hundreds and hundreds of eagles can be seen along sand bars or in nearby cottonwood trees.
The Haines Highway winds from Haines over the Chilkat Pass - the highest summit on this highway. Pass Klukshu, a native summer fishing camp offering great photo opportunities. Drive through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve before arriving at Kluane National Park. The Kluane area covers the largest non-polar icefields in the world. Visit the Sheep Mountain Visitor Centre with its interpretive programs about the flora and fauna. Viewing telescopes are available where you can spot Dall sheep on the mountain slopes.
Leaving along the Haines Highway, the road climbs from the Chilkat River Valley to the windswept Chikat Pass. You skirt the boundaries of the Tatshenini-Alesk Provincial Park of British Columbia and Kluane National Park in the Yukon, part of the largest contiguous area of protected wilderness on earth, and a United Nations World Heritage Site. Haines junction is the only thing not huge in Kluane country, home to 800 residents, which is fewer than the number of grizzly bears in Kluane National Park. This is home to Canada’s highest peak and the world’s largest non-polar Icefields that lie behind the façade of mountains that provide the town’s spectacular backdrop.
This morning go on a short hiking trip before driving north along the shores of beautiful Kluane Lake. Stopover at Sheep Mountain and look out for Dall sheep gracing alongside the mountain slopes. Your journey continues on the famous Alaska Highway through endless wilderness areas. Arrive in Tok, often referred to as the “Dog Mushing Capital of Alaska”. Welcome back to Alaska.
The Top of the World Highway (please note this is a partly gravel road) brings you through spectacular backcountry and gold mining areas. When the highway reaches its highest elevation, incredible views into far-reaching countryside will open right in front of your eyes. Before arriving in Dawson City, you’ll cross the Yukon River by government-run ferry. With your arrival in Dawson City you might feel you just landed in a different century.
A full day to visit the various historical sights of Dawson City: SS Keno – the last steamer to run the Yukon River from Whitehorse, the Jack London Interpretive Centre with the poets original cabin, the city museum with audio visual presentations, Dredge #4 – build in 1912 on famous Bonanza Creek, the Grand Palace Theatre – home of the “Gaslight Follies Show “and Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Casino with legal gambling tables and “Can- Can” floor shows. Do not miss the short drive on the Ridge Road to the top of the Midnight Dome with excellent views over Dawson, the Ogilvie Mountains, and the Yukon and Klondike Rivers.
Going south, enjoy the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape. Stopover at the Five Finger Rapids and hike down to the shore of the Yukon River. In late afternoon you will reach Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse - a city with a unique combination of pioneer values and urban sophistication.
After check out of your hotel your Yukon Self Drive adventure comes to an end, but your Vancouver, British Columbia just begins with arrival into Vancouver International Airport make your way independently to your downtown hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure.
This morning you will depart from downtown Vancouver and board ‘Ocean Magic’ – the flagship vessel of Prince of Whales Whale Watching on this whale watching adventure of a lifetime, exploring the beauty that is British Columbia. Take advantage of the opportunity to view several different species of whales in the wild as well as an assortment of sea birds and other species of marine wildlife from downtown Vancouver.
Highlights:
- Fully guided whale watching and wildlife viewing (4 hours)
- Convenient downtown Vancouver departure
- Explore the Gulf Islands or adventure into Howe Sound
Today you will make your way to Harbour Air Seaplanes, located in Coal Harbour. During your aerial seaplane you will get to see the city and North Shore Mountains. This is an ideal introduction to seaplane aviation and an experience you will not forget. It includes a complete view of the city and surrounding parks and beaches. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing.
Today you will have a full day to make use of your 24 hour Hop on Hop off City Tour which offers up the highlights of downtown Vancouver including major attractions and scenic points of interest. Choose to Hop-Off at any of the 29 stops and Hop-On again to continue the tour. Take an up close and personal look at Vancouver’s urban oasis, Stanley Park, have lunch at Granville Island (not included), visit the historical Gastown or the trendy Yaletown, and don’t forget Robson Street to do a little shopping! Highlights of the route include English Bay, Stanley Park, Granville Island, Yaletown, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, and the Entertainment District.
Your Hop-On-Hop-Off ticket is giving you access to all Hop-On, Hop-Off busses in the city for 24 Hours!
Includes:
- World-class commentary in English,
- Convertible clear top buses for stunning views, rain or shine
- San Francisco-style Trolleys with live commentary
- Hop-Off at any stop in Stanley Park, Granville Island, Yaletown,
Chinatown, Gastown and more!
- Hop-Off at any of our connecting stops on both routes at Canada Place,
False Creek Ferries, Library Square, Chinatown, Sports District, and Gastown
Today you will check out of your Vancouver Hotel and make your way independently to the Airport or your flight back to the UK and with many memories never to be forgotten.
