What's It Like to Live in the Yukon's Largest City? ❄️ Whitehorse Winter Adventure!

Welcome to Whitehorse, the heart of the Yukon and a winter wonderland waiting to be explored. In this video I will show you where I stayed, ate and take you through must visit locations that showcase the charm and history of this northern gem. So let's dive into the magic of Whitehorse. Currently there are no direct flights between Toronto and Whitehorse. Travelers typically fly with Air Canada, taking a nearly 5 hour flight to Vancouver, followed by a short layover and then a 2.5 hour flight to Whitehorse. Hello, welcome to Wondery Travelers. So I'm actually up in the Yukon and I'm visiting this town called Whitehorse. And it's, right now it's November 17th and it's minus 21 and it's still autumn of fall. Anyway, so I'm going to show you around, but first I thought I'd show you the apartment that I'm staying in. There's the kitchen, and then there's the sitting room, there's the bath and this is the bedroom. Hello everyone. So it's not night by the way, it's now 8.30 in the morning. So the sun only will be going up in two hours time. And we had a bit of snow last night and I'm going to go now to check the rest of the town. Start your journey in downtown Whitehorse, where history meets modernity. As the capital of the Yukon, Whitehorse's downtown core offers a glimpse into its rich past with historic buildings and cosy cafes nestled against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. Take a leisurely stroll and feel the pulse of this vibrant northern hub. Don't miss the Yukon Visitor Centre, where you can delve deeper into the history and culture of the region. Open year-round, this hub offers exhibits and helpful advice to make the most of your stay in Whitehorse. Whitehorse offers an incredible variety of dining options to satisfy every palate. I had some fantastic meals during my visit. On my first night, I dined at Cooper's Tuck Dirty Northern, a place bursting with character and charm. The next day, I visited a local lake. A short drive from downtown Whitehorse, you can visit Schwatka Lake. This man-made reservoir transforms into a serene and picturesque escape during the colder months. Schwatka Lake was created in 1958 when the Yukon River was dammed for hydroelectric power. This submerged the legendary Whitehorse Rapids, which once gave the city its name. The lake is named after Lieutenant Frederick Schwatka, a US Army officer known for exploring the Yukon River's full length. In winter, Schwatka Lake becomes a peaceful retreat surrounded by snow-draped landscapes. Hello. It's really windy and it's minus 22 degrees. So behind me there's a lake. I tried to go to the canyon, unfortunately the entrance to the canyon was closed. And it's a huge, long, uphill walk, and this weather really looks like freezing to death. So anyway, I'm going to go back downtown and I'm going to go show you other stuff. Okay, enjoy the video. On my way back to town, I visited the SS Klondike National Historic Site, a must-see landmark in Whitehorse. This iconic sternwheeler tells the story of an era when riverboats were the lifeblood of the Yukon's economy. The SS Klondike was built in 1937 and was one of the largest sternwheelers to navigate the Yukon River. This impressive vessel carried cargo and passengers between Whitehorse and Dawson City, playing a key role in transportation and commerce during the region's early 20th century kaboom. Named after the Klondike Gold Rush, the ship is a reminder of the resourceful and adventurous spirit of the time. Next, visit the Rapids Fishway, the longest wooden fish ladder in the world. Though the salmon may not be running in winter, the spot offers stunning views of the rapids and insight into how the Yukon balances nature with conservation efforts. For some outdoor fun, head to Shipyards Park. This community space transforms into a winter playground, hosting seasonal events and offering trails for a scenic walk. Its location along the Yukon River makes it a perfect stop for families and nature lovers alike. Located next to the Shipyards Park is the Yukon Workers Memorial. This is a heartfelt tribute dedicated to honouring workers who have tragically lost their lives or suffered injuries on the job. Set against the backdrop of the Yukon River, the memorial stands as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the sacrifices made by workers throughout history. Unfortunately, my experience at Smoke & Sour didn't quite hit the mark. I ordered a brisket sandwich, but it turned out to be more about the lettuce, mayonnaise and bread than the brisket itself. That said, Whitehorse is full of culinary gems and there's definitely something for everyone. Another stunning destination is Fish Lake, known for its pristine beauty. In winter, the frozen lake is a favourite for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It's Yukon at its finest. As you make your way to Fish Lake, be sure to take it slow and soak in the breathtaking beauty of this winter wonderland. The serene landscapes, snow-covered trees and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect opportunity to pause, take a deep breath and truly appreciate the magic of the season. It's a journey you won't want to rush. Hello. So, I've reached Fish Lake, which is one of the really nice lakes here near Whitehorse. It's about a 35-minute drive from Whitehorse and it's all not paved, by the way, so it's like sand mixed with snow, etc. So you have to go really slowly in case it gets really dangerous. It took me about 35 minutes to get here. The panty normally takes about 21 minutes. So anyway, I'm going to show you this beautiful lake, it's called Fish Lake, and you can see behind me over there, it's all frozen over. Oops, the sun's going to hit you. Close your eyes. Tink. There you go. Anyway, so I'm going to show you this and tonight I'm going to come here to watch the Northern Lights. As you can see, it's absolutely clear. Perfect, perfect, perfect night to watch the Northern Lights. One thing I forgot to mention, it's minus 34 degrees Celsius for the Americans, not Fahrenheit, but it's minus 34 degrees. Really cold. Yeah, but it's worth the drive and it's spectacular views here. So I'm going to show you this now. Okay guys, enjoy it. Because of the cold, being so cold, I've got this full face mask and it makes a huge difference and it goes all the way around my neck. So I'm pretty cozy. And extra gloves, I've got special thermal long pants. You need it guys, trust me. It's really cold. If you come out at this time of the year, I highly recommend you get a car like this one. This is a Bronco and it's fantastic in the snow, four wheel drive, minus 32 degrees, you need something like this. Later that night, I returned to Fish Lake, eager to capture the magic of the Yukon skies. I set up my camera for a time lapse and patiently waited in the stillness of the night. At around 11.20pm, the northern lights began their mesmerizing dance, painting the sky with vibrant ribbons of green and hints of pink. Time seemed to stand still as I watched this breathtaking display unfold on and off for three unforgettable hours. The perfect ending to an already incredible day. If you're looking for something new to explore, why not take a leisurely drive or stroll to the residential areas near downtown. These neighborhoods offer a peaceful vibe and a great glimpse into the local way of life. Whether you're here for the rich history, natural beauty or winter activities, White Horse is a destination that truly captures the spirit of the Yukon.