Day 3 in Whitehorse: Into the Communities
Breakfast – By now you’ve got a good feel for downtown Whitehorse. Head over to your new favorite spot, or try a new one of your list! You’ll want to eat well this morning, as there might not be too many snack-spots on the drive! Yesterday we explored north, and today we’ll head out to the communities in the south!
~10:45: Emerald Lake
After breakfast hop in your car and drive south! Just passed the Airport you will reach what locals call ‘The Cut Off’; this unremarkable corner is simply where you turn right off the Alaska Highway and onto the Klondike Highway. From here you will drive 40 km along the tame highway toward Emerald Lake. Emerald Lake is a small lake with breathtaking blue and green gradients. This is what postcards are made of! There is a small pullout featuring informative signs and perfect photograph opportunities! You won’t want to miss this gem!
~11:00am Carcross Desert
As you continue less than 10km down the highway you will come to the world’s smallest desert! These 2.6km² of northern sand dunes was created during the last glacier period when the glacial lakes dried up leaving their sandy remains. Not only does this local favorite stand out as an anomaly amongst boreal forest, it also offers incredible views of nearby Bennet Lake, Caribou Mountain, and Montana Mountain.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BY_qu2BlJ9v/
~11:30am: Carcross
Carcross is a little town with a lotta heart! This community of approx. 300 people has recently redone their ‘downtown’ core to reflect that culture and art of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. You will find public art, traditional totem poles, gift-shops will locally crafted souvenirs and artwork, historic Klondike artifacts big and small, and more! Best of all, because of its small size, you are nearly guaranteed to be speaking with a local in each and every shop. Whitehorse locals often take a drive down to Carcross for a nice lunch and day-time excursion.
Here are your options for lunch in the ‘cross:
- The Bistro – This local favorite serves high end eats in a cool casual atmosphere. The counter service restaurant makes made-to-order burgers, sandwiches, salads, and fries. And don’t forget a pint of prime Yukon Brewing Beer – they even have a tasting set if you want to try the whole family!
- Caribou Crossing Coffee – If you’re not quite hungry enough for a full course meal, head over to Caribou Crossing Coffee for hot and cold coffee features and homemade snack-size bites. This cozy little spot is the perfect place to rest your feet and get to know the locals.
- Montana Services – Another definitive Yukon gas-station/restaurant combo. This place is known for their comfort-classics like pierogis, beef-dip, and ice-cream malts. There’s no website for this local watering-hole, but you can’t miss it on your way into town.
~2:00pm: Tagish
To continue your tour of the southern communities, head east on Tagish Road. You will pass beautiful; you will pass beautiful Crag Lake as you travel through the mountains towards Tagish. In Tagish you will be greeted with stunning views of the confluence of Marsh Lake and Tagish Lake. Stop, get an ice cream, snap a few photos, and revel in the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.
~3:30pm Marsh Lake
There’s one last stop of your Southern Loop Tour! Marsh Lake is just over 40km after Tagish on the Alaska Highway as you make your way back to Whitehorse. This massive lake is home to plenty of wildlife, tons of fish, and of course beautiful views. Army Beach is Whitehorse’s largest sandy beach and an absolute favorite for boating, swimming, and summertime fun!
~4:30pm – Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
Depending on how much time you spend at any of the beaches you find today, you might be able to make it into the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre with enough time to visit before they close at 6pm. This uniquely northern museum features interpretive displays about The Beringia Strait, the 2000km wide connection between Asia and America. As well, you will learn about the massive animals that roamed this area during the ice age, and the first peoples who conquered its uninhabitable land. The museum is small, but features an educational video and a number of outdoor interpretive displays.
~7:00pm – Dinner at the Wheelhouse – Make your last night in Whitehorse one to remember with a fine-dining experience at The Wheelhouse. The Wheelhouse Restaurant offers big-city fine dining with the décor of a Chilkoot-era steam boat. Reminisce on the last days’ adventures inside a restaurant akin to all that history you’ve experienced.
So now you have it: Whitehorse is more than just grizzly old miners and gold dust! With it’s incredible landscape, captivating history, and charming culture, it is a destination worth any adventurer’s bucket list! So go forth and tell your friends and family, the North is barren no more! Pack your bags, ready your camera, and see Whitehorse for all its Klondike splendor.
This is great information planning a road trip in 2024 probably late June early July this is fantastic information. Thank you.