Yukon’s Autumn Colours and Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour
Explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Yukon on a rugged self-drive adventure
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Yukon’s Autumn Colours and Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour Overview
The Yukon’s Autumn Colours and Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour is an exciting self-drive itinerary that will take you on an incredible journey into the wild north. You’ll spend 13 days driving from one amazing park or town to the next while camping in your tent-equipped four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Autumn in Canada’s northern province, the Yukon, creates an ideal time to visit, especially for those who appreciate vivid colours. The landscapes explode with vibrant colour and the long summer days begin to shorten, allowing you to see the Northern Lights. You’re free to choose your hikes or paddles as you explore Watson Lake, Tombstone Territorial Park, and Kluane National Park. The unique personality of Dawson City will likely inspire your own gold rush fever and make this a trip you’ll never forget!
Trip highlights
Look for wildlife during your expedition, including moose, caribou, Fannin sheep, and the elusive grizzly bear.
Visit the old western town of Dawson City to pan for gold and discover the local culture.
Sleep under the stars as you camp along your route—keep your eyes on the skies for the Northern Lights.
Explore at your own pace as you visit Tombstone Territorial Park and Kluane National Park.
Day By Day Itinerary
A transfer vehicle will meet you at the airport in Whitehorse to bring you to your hotel. Spend the day strolling along the Yukon River or just enjoying the fresh northern air as you explore. Your first day may end a lot later than you’re used to as you’re now in the land of the midnight sun.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Whitehorse
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Today, you’ll begin your adventure when you get the keys to your jeep and hit the open road. Your vehicle is fully equipped with a roof-top tent and cooking equipment, so you’re all set to head into the northern wilderness. Drive the quiet roads to the village of Teslin, where you can learn about the local Aboriginal communities and camp for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Teslin
- Distance:
- 178km
- Meals:
- None
Take the scenic drive to Watson Lake, home of the “Forest of Signposts,” which comprises a series of signposts pointing to hometowns all over the world. Enjoy the restored pre-war buildings in the village and visit the Northern Lights Centre. Park the Jeep and camp next to Watson Lake.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Watson Lake
- Distance:
- 260km
- Meals:
- None
The road to Faro passes many lakes and animal observation platforms. Stop at the lookouts to watch for moose, sheep, caribou, and even bears! You’ll notice many Fannin sheep during the fall, as they tend to gather on the mountains and cliffs in the area. Take some time to hike through the wilderness and enjoy some peace and quiet.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Faro
- Distance:
- 424km
- Meals:
- None
On the way to Dawson City, worthy pit stops abound. Visit the Five Fingers Rapids or indulge in a locally-made butter tart from Moose Creek Lodge. When you arrive in Dawson City, you’ll think you’ve travelled back in time to the Klondike gold rush.
Explore the wooden boardwalks and historic buildings during the day, and at night you may catch your first glimpse of the Northern Lights.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Dawson City
- Distance:
- 531km
- Meals:
- None
Dawson City has much to explore, apart from admiring the old-west buildings. Visit the Yukon River and the cultural center to learn about the Tr’ondok Hw-ch’in Aboriginal community. Take a historical walking tour of the city or visit the Jack London Museum.
In the evening, you’ll want to join in the family-friendly fun at the Diamond Tooth Gertie Casino and watch the French cancan review.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Dawson City
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Discover the activity that built Dawson City, and try your hand at panning for gold. A guide will take you into the river to show you the proper technique, and then you’ll see what you can find! Take a hike up the Midnight Dome for some beautiful views of the city, and then end your night at the Downtown Hotel bar. To be inducted into the Sour Toe Cocktail Club, you’ll have to take a drink of Yukon Jack with a mummified human toe garnish!
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Dawson City
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Take the Dempster Highway to Tombstone Provincial Park. You’ll be grateful for your jeep as you bump down the unpaved road into the park.
Spend the afternoon hiking and taking in the views of the spectacular fall foliage. Camp under the stars tonight, feeling removed from civilization.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Tombstone
- Distance:
- 114km
- Meals:
- None
Today, your journey north continues on the Top of the World Highway. The road is mostly unpaved but will take you further into the Arctic across some spectacular mountain ridges.
You’ll briefly cross the border into Alaska to spend the night in the Village of Chicken, population 7. Despite the small population, you’ll still find a restaurant and a bar for tonight’s entertainment.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Chicken
- Distance:
- 285km
- Meals:
- None
Today, you can break up the long drive with a visit to the National Wildlife Refuge in Tetlin. Here, you’ll have a chance to see some local animals and learn about the north’s history and biology.
Once you’ve crossed the border back into the Yukon, you’ll continue to Burwash Landing. A stop at the Kluane Museum of Natural History is another great place to learn about the area’s wildlife and indigenous.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Kluane National Park
- Distance:
- 550km
- Meals:
- None
You have the entire day to play in spectacular Kluane National Park today. Here, you’ll find Mount Logan, Canada’s tallest mountain (5,250 metres), as well as its largest ice field. Explore the amazing hiking trails or go for a paddle on Kathleen Lake. You may even see a grizzly in the distance!
Another great way to observe the incredible forests, lakes, and mountains is to book a flyover tour, which is an experience you’ll never forget.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Kluane National Park
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
It’s not a long drive from Kluane to Whitehorse, so spend as much time as you can this morning exploring the park. After your adventures, take the Alaska Highway to Whitehorse.
- Overnight Location:
- Camp in Whitehorse
- Distance:
- 154km
- Meals:
- None
This morning, your tour finishes. Drop off your Jeep rental and take your flight home from Whitehorse, or continue your onward journey.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- Meals are not included on this tour.
- Hotel accommodation for one night is included. Camping accommodations are included for the remaining 11 nights. Accommodations before and after the tour in Whitehorse are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- This tour includes your transportation from the Whitehorse airport to your hotel. The rest of the tour is self-drive, and your rental vehicle is included.
- Canadian taxes
- 24/7 access to helpline
- Airport transfer to hotel in Whitehorse
- Jeep Wrangler (or similar) rental for 11 days, also including:
- Windshield and tire cover
- Collision insurance
- Third party liability insurance
- Sleeping bag and pillows, camping equipment
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Visas if required
- Optional activities
- Entrance fees to national parks
- Camping locations and fees
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Reviews
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour allows you to go at your own pace. Explore the incredible north by choosing the amount, length, and difficulty of all your activities.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada and the United States; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check these sources about driving with foreign license in Canada and in the United States.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
There are no meals included in this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover road travel and hiking (if you choose to hike). Get your Travel Insurance.
Yes! Please contact us with your preferred tour specifications and we’ll adapt this itinerary to your needs!
Fly into Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY). An airport transfer is included from the airport to your hotel on the first day of the tour.
This is a self-guided tour, but route guides and program details will be provided in English.
This tour ends when you drop off your rental vehicle in Whitehorse.
No, the vehicle rental included on this tour has a roof-top tent with a sleeping bag and pillows provided. You don’t have to worry about bringing your own camping gear.
Yes, this trip includes a short leg in Alaska. You will require a passport, even if you are Canadian.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to the Yukon for this self-guided tour is during the fall (September and October) to view the vibrant leaves changing colours. The sky often gets dark enough to see the Northern Lights.
Why book Yukon’s Autumn Colours and Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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