(19) In Whitehorse you can actually WALK from the airport to town. Surprised that there is no mention of one of my favourite sites the McBride Museum and Sam McGees cabin. Think again! The Canada Surveyor Mr. Ogilve run the territory for several years as commissioner and surveyed the lands, marking the border with Alaska. km (3,277.59 sq. There were several native bands (with as total population of about 400 people altogether), some fur traders, Catholics priests and gold prospectors until George Carmacks, Skookum Jim and his bother-in-law discover gold in the Bonanza Creek. This is not a zoo. The preserve also operates a Wildlife Research and Rehabilitation Centre, which opened in 2012 and has since tended to hundreds of animals and birds. https://www.thoughtco.com/whitehorse-capital-of-yukon-511299 (accessed March 4, 2023). The world's oldest horse, Old Billy, lived to the grand old age of 62. Go to Whitehorse to see the Northern Lights. The festival includes flour packing, axe throwing, swede saw, dog races, snow sculpting and so much more. Buy Now! GreyMountainto the east, Mount Sumanik to the northwest and Golden HornMountain to the south. The city of Whitehorse serves as the territorial capital of Yukon. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Out of the $22 billion in loans on its balance sheet, only $8 billion are insured against default. Ill have to do more research on both as I have heard of the McBride Museum but know nothing about Sam McGees cabin. Almost nine million years ago, a rush of basaltic lava spread over a pre-glacial landscape a few kilometres from what is now downtown Whitehorse. fun facts about whitehorse Theres a lot of things to do in Whitehorse for the adventurous traveller. Around 250,000 travelers also drive through the city every year. miles) (Statistics Canada, 2011 Census). It's 1,500 miles by road from Van City, and a 28-hour drive. It's actually closer to Anchorage in Alaska, a mere 700 miles away and 13.5 hour drive west. If you want to know more, then the best place to start would be the impressive Kwanlin Dn Cultural Centre. (12) For a touch of soft adventure, take a ride on the Whitehorse Waterfront Trolley that runs along the river during the summer. 3. Also, its really well located right next to the Yukon River, so it was easy to get up for my morning canoe ride. Expressions of interest open until 3 March 2023. Well, the way they display their property pics and info just makes the decisions easy to come to. I didn't encounter any locals during my visit that did not speak English. Come in season and youll find 24-hour skiing trails. fun facts about whitehorse Follow us. The city's name comes from the word " Kebec ," which is actually an Algonquin . Covering 1,000 miles (1,600 km) between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska during the depths of winter, the Yukon Quest is known for excellence in canine care and fostering the traditions of northern travel by dog sled, its site notes. Since first hearing about the Yukon a few years ago, I knew I wanted to visit someday, but the details, names and places needed to be ironed out. Both are paved, two-lane highways, open year-round. Too many outsiders moving here and bringing their big city ideas here creating exactly what they left behind. Please let me know how come i can got visa ? Because of its location in the valley of the Yukon River, it is relatively mild compared to communities like Yellowknife. You can really live up here, and breathe the fresh air and feel the sun on your face. Whitehorse is situated in the wide valley of the Yukon River, and the Yukon River flows right through town. So the first thing to do on the list of what to do in Whitehorse, is to walk there! 4. (22) And I didnt have time to go but my friend Macca from AnAdventurousWorld recommends the Midnight Sun Coffee Roasters, although I never quite made it over there. (His mother, however, insisted on calling him . It was the perfect first meal in the Yukon sat outside the MacBride Museum (full of Yukon history), looking out to the river the city had been built around, and listening and watching the city go by. @Kim Thanks for your nice comment.Whitehorse is an interesting city with a strong community feel to it and as you point out much cheaper to visit there than Lapland. It was the only way between the two cities as the highway was only opened in the early 1980s. Check out their App for more details. Whitehorse is on the Teslin River, a tributary of the Yukon River in Southern Yukon. Something I wouldnt normally go for. How about the little Yukon Hot Springs close by Takhini Hot Springs? There is an interpretation centre at the Whitehorse Rapids Fishladder. Before experiencing the Yukon first-hand, get free guidebooks and maps-any way you like: online, downloaded or delivered right to your door. Pretty nice to soak, especially in the winter. When my husband and I were visiting our son last fall, we toured the beautiful Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre and were able to see a totem pole being created by a First Nations group. The citys proximity to vast and primeval nature is its biggest asset. Some 80 per cent of visitation to Yukon happens in summer. You dont know what you have missed out!! 1. , which hosted us and which also operates tours through the Wildlife Preserve included a knowledgeable driver who broadcasted a sense that we could take all the time we wanted to photograph stuff, imbibe by the woodstove, and marvel at the absolute silence of the ethereal snow-covered landscape in the middle of the night. Where is Whitehorse? Although Montreal is one the world's five largest French-speaking cities, most residents are bilingual. Its named after the stallion-like Yukon River rapids that passed through the city. The Yukon River flows though the center of town. Its one of the top rated Yukon restaurants on TripAdvisor though, so I wanted to include it here. Learn how your comment data is processed. @Billie The Northern Lights would be wonderful to see over Whitehorse. Ive been to Whitehorse three times always on the way to grand outdoor adventures. Opened in its current incarnation in 2004, the sprawling outdoor space is home to multiple species including moose, bison, lynx, elk, caribou, arctic fox, mule deer and muskox, most visible to visitors who can book guided hop-on, hop-off tours, hike, or travel via rented kick-sleds. There are broad valleys and big lakes around the city. It happens the last week in February and is iconic. In the summer the temperature can be as high as 30C (86F). Lets do it. There was a whole exhibition about this at the MacBride Museum. Sadly there was none, but that grilled sandwich was everything. Click here and youll get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo.com too. Here are 5 MORE Things You Probably Don't Know About Thunder Bay. 2. No votes so far! @JVB Ive been to Whitehorse twice and Ill be up there again this summer. @Bree Thats a great addition and I have heard about it since writing this post. We are the sunniest city in Eastern Canada. [2] There are a lot of things people dont know about the Yukon. Fun Facts Greater Sudbury is geographically the largest city in Ontario and the most populous in Northern Ontario With nine operating mines, two mills, two smelters, and a nickel refinery, Sudbury is arguably the hard rock mining capital of the world. Spectacular place and wonderful peopleI could live there forever. My 6-hour canoe ride down the Yukon River, 21 Awesome Festivals in Canada You Need to Go To, A Bucket List Canoe Trip Down the Yukon River. The menu looked great and I wouldve loved to try some chicken wings too, but I had a week in the Yukon, this wasnt a sprint. Northern Tales, which hosted us and which also operates tours through the Wildlife Preserve included a knowledgeable driver who broadcasted a sense that we could take all the time we wanted to photograph stuff, imbibe by the woodstove, and marvel at the absolute silence of the ethereal snow-covered landscape in the middle of the night. offers straight-up Mexican food opposite eye-popping neon art. Whitehorse is within the shared traditional territory of the Ta'an Kwach'an Council (TKC) and the Kwanlin Dun First Nation (KDFN) and has a thriving arts and cultural community. Serving all kinds of oysters, of course, they also have pasta, seafood, meat and veg dishes too. Also, the transport of the day, and there are exact replicas of shops inside too. The Miles Canyon withcliffs made of basalt and covered with strange lichenis a destination for hikers with a trail system in place. Heres why. You used to be able to find the longest street in the world in Toronto. Meanwhile, in the wintertime, it can be as short as 6.5 hours. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Whitehorse, Capital of Yukon. It only gets to -30+ occasionally in the winter. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The highways taking you to the hot springs are the Alaska Highway and the North Klondike Highway. The territory has a lot of natural beauty to protect. Receive helpful Yukon tips, information on unique events and activities, and inspirational ideas that are sure to stay out of your junk mail folder. I want to use my travel experience to help you plan your trips, and introduce you to some new and special spots Ive loved around the world. Beautiful street in Old Quebec. If Toronto's condo market cracks, that weakness will likely affect the whole market. There are broad valleys and big lakes around the city. (27) Make sure to check out the Whitehorse Farmers Market while youre there too. The territory has a lot of natural beauty to protect. I am sad to see that you did not mention anything about the First Nations of Whitehorse in your article. Thankfully I was partnered with another solo traveller, Maureen, who was a keen canoer and eager to steer. Warm-blooded horses usually tending to be energetic and nervy and thus needing more experienced care. Of all the 37,642 people living in the Yukon, 29,029 can be found in the capital of Whitehorse. All you need to know about your next epic vacation destination. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/whitehorse-capital-of-yukon-511299. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". All with different cultures who, by law, must be consulted for any proposed changes in the city. The river is the dominant natural feature of the area. According to the 2021 numbers, Whitehorse has a population of 28,201 people. The closest big Canadian city is Edmonton 1,994 kilometres away. Many speak a third language. Whitehorse is the only place in Canada that has its own garbage truck Santa:) you should check it out at Christmas time. outlawed single-use plastic bags in 2022, and single-use paper bags Jan. 1 of this year. Today, Whitehorse has a population of just over 26,000 people. @Brian How close are they? (8) In Whitehorse there are cafes, galleries and shops selling locally made products in among the charming colourful buildings. 3. Its also the gateway to the Arctic Ocean. For some reasons, Whitehorse makes me think of grizzled prospectors and a handsome RCMP. For more fun Americana, check out the 50 Facts About America That Most Americans Don't Know. Fort Selkirk was named for Lord Selkirk, who founded the first permanent settlement in Yukon, FortSelkirk(present-day Haines). I like to think of myself as both, and so got stuck in to the Whitehorse activities ASAP with my two days in the city. Anyway, thanks for enlightening us on this destination. Israel Tourist Attractions Top 5 Must See! Table of Contents 1. @Maureen That sounds like some interesting family history. Inside it. Now, I look at this photo again and I realise my capture of the flavours and look wasnt the best, but trust me, it was better than it looks here. Photo by John Lian. Whitehorse is the biggest city in northern Canada with 416.54 km2 and is called the Wilderness City It was until 1950 that the city was indeed incorporated During summer, the length of the day can last for 20 hours. The Alaska Highway was built here in 1942 as a defence in World War II, which was then never used. Check out the YukonAurora Borealis forecasting website. Because of its location in the valley of the Yukon River, it is relatively mild compared to communities like Yellowknife. @Erin Im hoping to canoe to Lake Laberge this summer. The earth spins at an angle (i.e. If youre visiting the Yukon you have to go to Whitehorse, and Im not just saying that. Thank you. @Susan I think hearing the stories directly from the First Nations people and understanding what each symbol stands for lends so much more to the experience. Absolutely, definitely my favourite hotel booking site. You definitely need to add the tour to your list of what to do in Whitehorse. Thank you. In summer, the Midnight Sun shines all day and night in some areas. Send a message From a museum filled with innovative modes of transportation to an entire forest made up of international signposts, the Yukon is filled with historical sites that cant be missed. At 50 shed entered the local beauty queen competition for Rendezvous Festival and managed to beat all the young ones, inspiring the local older people for evermore. A fun suspension bridge takes you to numerous walking trails on the opposite side of the canyon. Sara from Union City, Tn This girl is amazing! Is it weird to love a hotel booking website? You can book a car hire and do it that way, take a road trip. A great way to spend a few hours enveloped in Whitehorses history. The average cost of living in Edmonton is $1,692, which is in the top 24% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 2219th out of 9294 in our global list, 102nd out of 153 in Canada, and 7th out of 10 in Alberta. anti caking agent 341 vegan; never shout never allegations Multiple marquee international films that played TIFF in September 2022 and went on to gather Oscar nominations Living, The Whale, All the Beauty and Bloodshed, Aftersun also screened at this years ALFF alongside a clutch of acclaimed Canadian features and documentaries, many featuring First Nations talent in front of and behind the camera. The environmentally minded Yukon bag ban outlawed single-use plastic bags in 2022, and single-use paper bags Jan. 1 of this year. The best time is usually around midnight between late August and April. was all colourful tablecloths, yellow walls and jolly Mexican music in the background. But isnt the Yukon Gold Panning Championships in Dawson City? Ravens can talk and sing with an ability to make more than 100 vocalizations. Whitehorse is on the Peel River, which has a history of, 1. How many of these Hali-Facts did you already know? Of course if you can sing a song or tell a joke, they will let you out. It helps migrating Chinook salmon on the final leg of their epic journey. This band is so strong that a horse's stomach would burst before it would vomit. Born around 1840 to Lakota parents, Crazy Horse was originally named Cha-O-Ha, or Among the Trees. I have read and agree to the terms & conditions, Copyright 2023 VickyFlipFlopTravels | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, (26) Welcome to my humble habereno, so said the sign above the door. More like a sadly ever ending story, a scarytale come true. Traveling to Europe after 2021, Dominica Adventures with Wanderlust Caribbean, A Complete Guide to Camping in Kananaskis, A Stay at Historic Reesor Ranch in Saskatchewan, Panorama Resort Activities Winter Fun Guide, 2022 HikeBikeTravel Outdoor Lovers Holiday Gift Guide, Mountain Hardware PCT 70 L Backpack Review, 2022 Outdoor Lovers Spring Products Guide, Discover Canada: 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures, 28 Fun, Weird & Interesting Facts About Yellowknife - Hike Bike Travel, A Guide to Prince Albert National Park in Winter. The Yukon River is a whopping 3,190km long. Hmmm, tempting! Fun Facts. Its beautiful and the people there are so friendly and nice. (9, 1o, 11) Get up in the mountains and there are miles of biking trails. The villages along the Yukon have historically and continue to rely on salmon for their cultural, subsistence, and commercial needs. You can spend the afternoon shopping in Whitehorse to stock up on tasty, beautiful goodies. Horses are born to run. Charlottetown was the site for the world's longest softball game. The largest city in Yukon is Whitehorse, with a population of 20 000 inhabitants. TheCity of Whitehorsehas three principal census agglomerations: Carcross, Faro and South Klondike. Whether you love it or hate it, this condiment once had a place in the world beyond hotdogs. Whitehorse is also home to. I think that Whitehorse and the Yukon are the best kept secrets! The closest big Canadian city is Edmonton 1,994 kilometres away. (24) Right next to the Edgewater Hotel, where I was staying, was the Dirty Northern. Do NOT order spicy at the Sanchez Cantina. It is the largest city in northern Canada. Lets do it. Everything I mentioned can be found on Google. On an Alaskan cruise, we took the old train from Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse and went kayaking on a beautiful lake, the name of which I unfortunately do not recall. It sits inside the relatively swank Edgewater Hotel. equals lots of hospitable places to trade post-film impressions with travelling companions. @Susanne I would look forward to any facts you have to offer on the First Nations of Whitehorse. Youre more likely to find them a bit further from the city, but I did see a lynx bobcat run across the road on my Who, What, Where tour. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". It was filled to capacity every summer and most of the winter as long as the plows could keep it clear. This structure makes sure any food that enters the stomach cannot go back out. The record low temperature in Whitehorse was -52.2 C set on January 31, 1947. Think you know all there is to know about the United States? Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall wins the casino age contest (officially), and the most unique name contest (unofficially). Tomato ketchup was used as medicine for 16 years. Be the first to rate this post. as a child when it was the family-owned Yukon Game Farm. Whitehorse is a 36-hour drive from Vancouver. Canoeing is one of the absolute BEST things to do in Whitehorse! We did well didnt we? I replied to my neighbour who said she appreciated the extra room. I couldnt check in to my hotel the Edgewater as it was so early, and so wandered along the front, admiring the Yukon River and taking in the fresh mountain air after the stuffiness of my long flights. It covers the last great ice age which means the untouched areas of Eastern Siberia, Alaska and the Yukon are relayed. This peak is the second tallest in all of North America. (17) If you want to know more about the wildlife of Whitehorse then the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre is a great place to explore. The total land area in the City of Whitehorse is 11.6 km2 (4.5 sq mi). Its also one of the top Whitehorse attractions on the big list. Get useful up-to-date news on Yukon events and activities, customized to your interests. Whitehorse apartments is a beautiful complex located on the famous Route 66. The tight curves of the White Pass called for a narrow gauge railroad. "CRAZY HORSE" WAS NOT HIS FIRST GIVEN NAME. The largest census agglomeration is South Klondike, with 1,094 people living there in January 2016, up from 1,077 people in 2011, 910 people in 2006 and 875 people in 2001. Whitehorse's downtown and Riverdale areas occupy both shores of the Yukon River, which originates in British Columbia and meets the Bering Sea in Alaska. My great uncle Archabald Hall was from Whitehorse. Average is about -10 to -15. I do appreciate that there is some distance to White Pass but for hiking the Chilkoot Trail Whitehorse for Canadians is usually the city to start in followed by a bus to Skagway. If youre interesting in joining the best thing to do in Whitehorse (IMHO) then check out my post all about my canoeing trip. Id read that Yukoners liked to live outside of Whitehorse City to get away from the hustle and bustle. Its actually closer to Anchorage in Alaska, a mere 700 miles away and 13.5 hour drive west. The construction caused the Yukon powers to move the capital from Dawson City to Whitehorse in 1953. Anyways, I think you need to add this to your list and up it to 27 facts, . , where Montreal-style bagels made on-site are stacked (and I mean stacked) with sandwich-friendly toppings. Whitehorse is the capital and only city of Yukon, and the largest city in northern Canada. A true adventurer, Leigh prefers wilderness experiences, camping and glamping in unique locations, long hikes, multi-day bike rides and paddling trips where few people go. Winter is the most beautiful time in Whitehorse and we only get that -30/-40 weather for a couple of weeks in the dead of winter.