Civic Holiday in Canada: Exploring the Best places to visit in Yukon

Civic Holiday is the perfect opportunity for Canadians to enjoy the beauty of their country, especially the stunning landscape of the Yukon. This remote region offers a unique blend of natural wonders, rich history and vibrant culture, making it the perfect destination for those looking to explore over a long weekend.

In this article, we explore the best places to visit in Yukon, the best times to visit and the must-see attractions to take in the region’s breathtaking beauty.

Hidden Gems: Discover The Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Yukon

1. Northern Lights Viewing

The Northern Lights are among the world's most sought-after natural phenomena, with many visitors considering them to be one of the most magnificent natural wonders they will ever see. Especially in the winter, the Yukon is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Yukon to experience the Northern Lights.

A remote lodge in the middle of the Yukon's vast wilderness is the ideal place to see the Northern Lights. Another choice is to go on a stargazing tour with knowledgeable guides. A good camera is essential if you intend to hunt for the Northern Lights in order to record the captivating lights in all their splendor.

Northern Lights over Emerald Lake Lodge glowing in the night  

2. Kluane National Park and Reserve

Kluane National Park and Reserve Home is one of the places to see in Yukon. It provides some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery, Kluane National Park boasts towering peaks, glaciers and is home to an abundance of wildlife. What’s more, Kluane National Park and Reserve is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canada

Visitors can explore hiking trails, raft or take a scenic flight to see the vast ice fields. For those looking for adventure, camping and multi-day hikes offer immersive experiences in this pristine wilderness. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot grizzly bears, Dall sheep and golden eagles.

Kluane National Park boasts towering peaks and is home to an abundance of wildlife 

3. Tombstone Territorial Park

Tombstone Territorial Park is known as the “Patagonia of the North.” Tombstone is a remote and spectacular wilderness, with craggy peaks, stunning alpine meadows, and vivid tundra landscapes. The stunning landscapes of Tombstone are sure to take your breath away with their vastness and grandeur.

The setting is ideal for beginning your own adventure and resembles something from a science fiction film, making it one of the must-see places to visit in the Yukon. Exploring Tombstone Territorial Park is among the top Yukon activities. Visitors can anticipate amazing hikes, including trails along the famous Tombstone Mountains and the magnificent Grizzly Lake Trail.

Tombstone Territorial Park is known as the Patagonia of the North in Canada 

4. Emerald Lake

With Emerald Lake just a short drive from Whitehorse, one of the most iconic places to visit in the Yukon, Canada is home to a number of stunning lakes. The captivating turquoise waters of the lake are a well-known natural wonder. This lake is formed by light bouncing off the marl, a special mixture of clay and calcium carbonate that makes up the lake bed.

Photographers, hikers, and anyone else hoping to have a quiet picnic while taking in the tranquil beauty will all love this stunning natural wonder. Trails close by provide more chances to explore the wooded area and take in the peace of this lovely setting. Emerald Lake is also the best place to visit in Canada for canoeing and fishing.

Emerald Lake's color comes from light reflecting off marl on the lakebed

5. Dempster Highway

There is no doubt that Dempster Highway is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Yukon. The Dempster Highway is one of Canada’s most legendary roads, offering an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most remote and pristine wilderness. The Dempster Highway is Canada’s only year-round road that crosses the Arctic Circle. The highway stretches 740 km (460 mi) from Dawson City in the Yukon to Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories.

This gravel highway winds through spectacular scenery, including rugged mountain ranges, vast tundra, alpine meadows and sparkling rivers. Travelers may see migratory birds, grizzly bears, and caribou, among other unusual Arctic wildlife, along the route. The fall season, when the tundra is blanketed in vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow, is particularly beautiful in Dempster.

The Dempster Highway is one of Canada’s most legendary roads 

6. Carcross Desert

The Carcross Desert is a truly unique natural wonder located near the town of Carcross in the Yukon. Only one square mile in size, this small desert is made up of sand dunes formed thousands of years ago by ancient glacial processes. Notwithstanding its vastness, the desert presents an intriguing scene akin to a portion of the Sahara in the Canadian wilderness.

Visitors can explore the dunes on foot, taking in the surreal contrast of golden sand against lush green forests and distant mountains. It is a photographer’s dream and a paradise for those looking for an exotic adventure. Activities such as hiking and even sandboarding are popular here, making it a fun place for families and thrill-seekers alike. Counted among the top tourist attractions in Yukon Canada in the summer, Carcross Desert is worth exploring on your next trip to this amazing country. 

The Carcross Desert resembles a piece of the Sahara in the Canadian wilderness 

The Best Time To Visit Yukon for Unforgettable Experiences

The best time to visit Yukon depends on your interests:

• Summer (June to August): Temperatures during this peak season range from 6°C to 26°C (43°F to 79°F). There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing during the long daylight hours. This is a great time of year for outdoor activities as there is lush greenery and wildflowers in bloom.
• Autumn (September to October): The early months of the year are cooler and the fall foliage is stunning. This is also a great time to see the Northern Lights, which return after the summer.
• Winter (November to March): This time of year is ideal for those wanting to see the Northern Lights or participate in winter sports. Snowshoeing and dog sledding are popular, but temperatures can drop significantly.
• Spring (April to May): Spring brings melting snow and budding wildlife. It's a transitional period where visitors can enjoy both winter sports and early hiking trails.

There are different seasons in the Yukon, so the ideal time to visit will depend on your interests. In the winter, you can go skiing, dog sledding, and stargazing while warming up in a hot spring. The spring, a popular season for birdwatchers, is when the tundra comes alive. Don't miss the festivals and events that happen all year long, but when you go in the summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun and endless hiking opportunities.

Yukon provides an excellent chance to discover the region's natural beauty and cultural diversity over the Civic Holiday Weekend. With breathtaking landscapes including tranquil lakes and majestic mountains, as well as vibrant towns rich in history, Yukon is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Yukon. Whether you’re catching a can-can show in Dawson City or hiking through Kluane National Park, Yukon’s charm will leave you with priceless memories. The allure of Yukon as one of Canada’s most popular travel destinations is evident in any season, whether you decide to visit in the summer for long days of adventure or in the fall for the spectacular fall foliage.  

Travelers are required to obtain a visa to enter Canada. You can get your Canada visa online in 3 steps

The process involves submitting necessary documents, such as a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, Travel itinerary, email, and bank account