An Epic Journey Through Gold Rush Country and North America's Last Frontier

The Golden Circle is one of the Yukon's most celebrated road trips, looping through three jurisdictions—Yukon, British Columbia, and Alaska—on a journey that showcases glacier-carved peaks, pristine alpine lakes, living First Nations culture, and the legendary history of the Klondike Gold Rush. This is driving at the edge of civilization, where grizzly bears fish for salmon, bald eagles soar overhead, and frontier towns frozen in time await around every bend.

Key Stops

Whitehorse - Begin your adventure in Yukon's capital, a city born during the 1898 gold rush. Visit the S.S. Klondike, a massive steamboat now resting on land beside the Yukon River, offering a glimpse into the era of paddlewheel transportation. The city provides all essential services before heading into the wilderness.

Yukon Wildlife Preserve - Just outside Whitehorse, this 700-acre property showcases the region's iconic fauna including caribou, moose, muskox, and Arctic fox in natural habitats—an excellent introduction to the wildlife you may encounter on your journey.

Takhini Hot Springs - Soak in naturally heated mineral waters ranging from 36–42°C, surrounded by boreal forest. In winter, visitors famously freeze their wet hair into sculptural shapes in the frigid air.

Haines Junction - This small community serves as the gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Da Kų Cultural Centre offers free admission to explore First Nations heritage, art, and traditions.

Kluane National Park & Reserve - Half the size of Switzerland, this park contains Canada's highest peak (Mount Logan at 5,959m) and the largest non-polar icefields on Earth. For the ultimate experience, take a flightseeing tour over the vast glaciers and jagged peaks—an unforgettable aerial perspective.

Kathleen Lake - Crystal-clear alpine waters reflect the surrounding peaks in this stunning glacial lake. Hiking trails wind through meadows bursting with summer wildflowers, and the area supports one of North America's highest concentrations of grizzly bears.

Klukshu Village - A seasonal First Nations fishing camp where Southern Tutchone people continue traditional practices of catching, filleting, and drying salmon during spawning runs—a living connection to centuries of indigenous heritage.

Million Dollar Falls - A scenic waterfall viewpoint along the Haines Highway, offering a chance to stretch your legs amid the wilderness.

Chilkat River Flats - Critical habitat for bald eagles, this area hosts the world's largest gathering of these magnificent birds (up to 4,000) during the late fall salmon run. Even outside peak season, eagle sightings are common.

Haines, Alaska - This laid-back fishing village sprawls along a stunning fjord surrounded by 6,000-foot peaks. Visit Chilkat State Park to spot grizzly bears fishing for salmon, or take a sea kayaking tour through the pristine coastal waters.

Alaska Marine Highway Ferry - The one-hour ferry crossing from Haines to Skagway is an adventure in itself. Keep watch for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and eagles as you glide through the Lynn Canal, North America's deepest fjord.

Skagway, Alaska - Frozen in time as a gold rush boomtown, Skagway's historic district features wooden boardwalks, beautifully restored buildings, and the famous Broadway Street. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park tells the story of the 100,000 prospectors who passed through here in 1898. Don't miss the Red Onion Saloon, an original dance hall and bordello now serving as a colorful watering hole.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad - This narrow-gauge railway, built in 1898 and designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, climbs 3,000 feet in just 20 miles through tunnels and across sky-high trestle bridges. The three-hour round trip offers breathtaking views of the Skagway River gorge and alpine meadows.

White Pass - The highway crosses this dramatic mountain pass with its lunar-like landscape of bare rock formations and gold rush historical markers. Imagine the thousands of prospectors who struggled over this route with their supplies.

Yukon Suspension Bridge - A 60-meter pedestrian cable bridge spanning the Tutshi River Canyon, offering vertiginous views into the gorge below.

Carcross - This historic village on the shores of Bennett Lake features Canada's oldest continuously operating store, First Nations totem poles at Carcross Commons, and excellent hiking and mountain biking trails. The Montana Mountain trail offers a challenging 15km trek with stunning views.

Carcross Desert - Billed as the world's smallest desert, this one-square-mile expanse of sandy dunes in the alpine highlands is a geological curiosity left behind by retreating glaciers.

Emerald Lake & Spirit Lake - These twin jewels along the South Klondike Highway display impossibly turquoise waters caused by sunlight reflecting off white clay deposits—arguably the Yukon's most photographed locations.

Return to Whitehorse - Complete the circle via the scenic South Klondike Highway, with final opportunities to photograph pristine lakes and mountain vistas.

Driving Tips

• Passport Required - The route crosses into the United States at two border points. Ensure all travelers carry valid passports.
• Book the Ferry Early - Only one car ferry runs daily between Haines and Skagway. Reserve well in advance, especially during summer months, as it fills quickly.
• Keep Your Tank Full - Fuel stations are sparse. Never let your tank drop below half-full between towns.
• Rent an SUV - While the roads are generally paved, an SUV provides better clearance for rough sections and added safety in case of wildlife collisions.
• Book Accommodations Ahead - Limited options in small communities mean popular lodges fill up weeks in advance during peak season.
• Expect Limited Cell Service - Coverage is minimal outside main towns. Download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary.
• Allow Extra Time - Distance estimates are deceiving. You'll want to stop constantly for photographs, wildlife viewing, and spontaneous exploration.
• Wildlife Awareness - Bears, moose, and caribou frequently cross roads. Drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Best for Autumn Colors - September and October bring spectacular fall foliage with deep violets, oranges, reds, and yellows, plus Northern Lights viewing opportunities.
• Drive Either Direction - The loop works equally well clockwise or counter-clockwise; plan based on your ferry booking.
• For more information visit: travelyukon.com