Tales from the Road: The Yukon

Remote, raw and remarkably beautiful, the Yukon is a place where nature takes centre stage and everyday life feels a world away. From vast snow-covered wilderness and frozen lakes to unforgettable wildlife encounters and the magic of the Northern Lights, this far north region of Canada offers a truly immersive escape. Product Manager Dominique Kotsias recently returned from a winter adventure through the Yukon—here, she shares her experience, insights and standout moments.

Which country and region did you visit?

Canada – the wild and wonderfully remote Yukon, a region known for its vast landscapes, rich Indigenous culture and incredible natural phenomena.

How did you get there?

I flew from London to Vancouver with Air Canada, followed by a short and seamless connection to Whitehorse—just 2.5 hours further north. It’s a very manageable journey, even on a tighter schedule, but if time allows, I’d absolutely recommend breaking it up with a stay in Vancouver. It’s a fantastic city and makes the overall journey feel far more relaxed.

Where did you go?

I split my time across three very different parts of the Yukon, each offering its own version of the territory’s raw beauty. We began with two nights in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s small but lively capital. Although the territory’s total population is only about 43,000—and 35,000 of them live in Whitehorse—the city still feels wonderfully slow-paced, calm, and almost village‑like in its atmosphere. It perfectly encapsulates what makes the Yukon so special: it’s remote, stunning, and utterly unique.

From there, we spent one night near Carcross, a tiny community surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and rich Indigenous culture. Finally, we wrapped up with two nights close to Haines Junction and Kluane National Park, an area defined by vast wilderness, glacier‑carved valleys, and some of the most impressive scenery in all of Canada.

Each stop felt distinct, but together they painted an unforgettable portrait of Yukon’s wild, expansive character.

When did you go and for how long?

I visited in early February for five nights, specifically to experience the Yukon in winter—arguably its most magical season.

Have you visited Yukon before?

No—this was my first time, and it exceeded every expectation. I’m already thinking about when I can return.

Which was your favourite?

Place:

Kluane National Park and Reserve completely took my breath away. The sheer scale of the landscape is something you can’t quite comprehend until you’re there—vast mountain ranges, frozen lakes and endless wilderness stretching as far as the eye can see. There’s a profound stillness to it, a sense of being totally immersed in nature with no distractions. Whether we were snowshoeing across a frozen lake or simply taking in the view at sunrise, every moment felt incredibly special. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, reflect and truly disconnect from the outside world.

Excursion:

Snowmobiling was without doubt the standout adventure of the entire trip. Riding across frozen lakes and through untouched forest felt like pure freedom, with crisp Yukon air and dramatic scenery all around us. What truly made it special, though, was the personal touch—our guide Kyle shared fascinating insights into the landscape and wildlife, turning an exhilarating ride into something both meaningful and memorable. The stop deep in the forest, where a fire was built and we enjoyed bison hot dogs and hot chocolate in the snow, was a highlight in itself—peaceful, atmospheric and almost otherworldly, like stepping into a winter fairytale.

We ended the trip at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, a stunning adults‑only oasis inspired by Japanese and Nordic traditions. With multiple pools, saunas, steam rooms, clay tubs and a refreshing cold plunge, it was the perfect, serene finale to an action‑packed Yukon adventure.

Hotel:

Mount Logan EcoLodge is truly something special. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s an experience in itself. The setting is extraordinary, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness, and the atmosphere is warm, intimate and incredibly welcoming. Every detail feels thoughtfully curated, from the personalised daily itineraries to the exceptional dining, which showcases local and foraged ingredients in creative, beautifully presented dishes.

And then there was Logan, the lodge dog—part dog, part Alaskan wolf, and entirely committed to cuddles. He quickly became a highlight of the stay and left an imprint on my heart, adding an unexpected dose of joy and companionship to the experience.

Evenings spent in the cosy lodge after a day of adventure, followed by stepping outside under a sky full of stars, were unforgettable. It felt less like a hotel and more like being hosted in a remote, luxurious home in the heart of the Yukon.

Most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment came at Mount Logan EcoLodge. Early one morning, I woke to the news that my stepson had won a national championship back home. I stepped outside with a coffee, surrounded by complete stillness, under a vast sky filled with stars shining brighter than I’ve ever seen. It was an emotional, almost surreal moment—one where everything aligned. The remoteness, the beauty, the atmosphere—it captured exactly what travel is all about. That feeling stayed with me, and in that moment, I knew I had to return with my family.

Were there any surprises?

Just how remote it is—and how much I loved that. Driving along the Alaska Highway and barely seeing another car was incredibly peaceful. That said, the remoteness does mean limited mobile signal, so it’s important to plan ahead and embrace guided experiences.

Tips for future travellers

Balance your stay between a wilderness lodge and time in Whitehorse. Staying at a lodge gives you an immersive escape into the Yukon’s quiet, snow‑covered landscapes, with the added benefit of being perfectly positioned for Northern Lights viewing.

Lodges such as Northern Lights Resort & Spa, just outside Whitehorse, are purpose‑built for Aurora viewing. Here, the cabins are thoughtfully positioned so nothing obstructs your view of the sky, giving you the best possible chance of witnessing the lights dancing overhead. Many properties also offer Aurora wake‑up calls throughout the night, so if the lights appear while you’re asleep, you won’t miss the moment.

For travellers seeking a mix of comfort and adventure, Southern Lakes Resort near Carcross offers activity‑packed winter packages that include snowshoeing, dog sledding, Aurora viewing, and even full winter clothing, making it easy to embrace the outdoors no matter the temperature.

After your lodge stay, spending time in Whitehorse adds charm, culture and a relaxed pace, giving you the chance to explore local shops, cafés and history before heading home. And don’t hesitate to try the winter activities, they’re accessible, exhilarating and often become the highlight of the trip.

What should you pack?

Winter in the Yukon can reach temperatures as low as -40°C, so layering is essential. Think thermal base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers, and insulated outerwear. Warm socks, gloves, and proper winter boots are key. Also pack sunglasses (the glare off snow is strong), moisturiser for the dry air, and a swimsuit for hot springs—an absolute must.

Local snacks or dishes?

To truly enjoy the best food in the Yukon, focus on what’s local and in season—and Mount Logan EcoLodge is the perfect place to experience that. Chef Mio builds her menus around the ingredients the Yukon landscape is offering at that moment, whether it’s foraged herbs, seasonal vegetables, or regional specialities like bison.

Restaurant or bar recommendations?

In Whitehorse, Dirty Northern Public House is a great go-to for a relaxed evening. It has a lively, welcoming atmosphere and is popular with locals. We spent a brilliant night there watching the Super Bowl—a fun and authentic Yukon experience.

Sum up your trip in a sentence

A journey through the Yukon is both humbling and uplifting—filled with vast, untouched landscapes, unforgettable experiences and a rare kind of magic that stays with you long after you return home.