These northern gems to check out

While staying in Whitehorse

If you want to relax and rejuvenate during your trip here, Eclipse Hot Springs is the best way to do it Yukon-style.

The naturally heated water is a part of the contrast temperature therapy, consisting of repeating a hot/cold/relax cycle. Thermotherapy is a natural medium to help with several aches or health complaints and ease muscle tensions. Or just to treat yourself with some relaxing time!

I tested a half-day at this spa-like facility and loved it. The level of service is exceptional and exceeded my already-high expectations. The Hot Rock café offers some allergy-conscious healthy options as well as some comfort foods to answer everyone’s needs. 

My favorite part of the experience there was the Aurora Pool with a panoramic view of the area, that left me feeling so relaxed and rested. I can’t wait to go back, hopefully in winter for the hair freezing contest.

I can guarantee that this place has something for everyone, and you won’t regret making the trip to soak in the natural  and therapeutic hot springs.

  • 27 minutes – 30.2 kilometers from downtown Whitehorse 
  • To arrive at the destination, take the Alaska Highway in the North direction, then take a right turn on the Klondike Highway and then a left turn on the Takhini Hot Springs road
  • Adults-only
  • Yoga classes offered in the mornings

Speaking of aurora borealis, let me tell you about the incredible experience I had with the northern lights. It was my fifth day in Whitehorse when my family got me a surprise, which was an Aurora Tour!

Northern Tales took us to a cute spot in the forest to get away from the city lights and set us up with a campfire. While we were starting to roast marshmallows, we saw before us a view like no other. The sky was coloured in shades of green, pink, purple, and blue. The colours were swirling and dancing across the black sky, forming shapes that changed and morphed right before my eyes. It was like nothing I had ever seen before, and I found myself speechless.

We stayed awake watching this incredible show until 2:30am, where they took us back downtown. And as I stood there, watching these wonderful colours dance, I couldn’t help but wonder how such a phenomenon was possible. So, the next morning, I sat down at my computer and did some research. I learned that the aurora borealis is a natural light display that occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are drawn to the Earth’s magnetic field, which is why the aurora is most visible in regions close to the magnetic poles!
But no amount of research could truly capture the majesty of the aurora borealis. It was a reminder of just how small we are in this vast and wondrous universe, and how much there still is to discover and explore.

If you come to the Yukon during the aurora borealis season, take the time to look for them because there’s nothing quite like this unique experience.

  • Best period to see the auroras: Mid-August to mid-April 
  • You have to wait for the sky to be completely dark to look for them
  • The sky has to be clear of clouds

Please book all tours with the discount code ‘stayneighbourly‘ for 5% off. Email info@northerntales.ca to confirm your date and time.

The Yukon wildlife preserve allows people to discover all the native Yukon species such as bison or mosses. I decided to visit this 350 acres-wide property on foot, but there also was a bus offered, which I found particularly cool for people who cannot necessarily walk. Observing animals in their natural habitats was the best and a refreshing change from traditional zoos, where animals are often confined to cages. It’s important to prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable ways of appreciating wildlife, while also respecting their habitats and natural behaviors. I even saw some animals that are notoriously hard to spot in the wild, like the elusive lynx and the wily arctic fox.

And the best part? The preserve doesn’t just let you see the animals – it also offers educational resources to help you learn more about them and the surrounding nature. I attended a fascinating 10-minute talk about the differences between horns and antlers, which was a real eye-opener. It’s amazing to think about how much we can learn just by taking the time to observe and appreciate the natural world around us.

All in all, my day at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve was a highlight of my trip. So, if you’re a nature lover or just looking to experience something truly special, be sure to add the preserve to your itinerary when you visit the Yukon.

  • 1 hour – 28.8 kilometers from downtown Whitehorse
  • Opened daily 
  • Opened year-round 
  • Hours vary depending on the season – Opened longer during the summer days 

“After spending a year studying in Sherbrooke, Quebec, I got a great change of scenery coming to the Yukon. I love it here, the nature is incredible and the people are lovely! Working at Neighbourly North is a real opportunity and a fun experience for me. Being used to travelling and using short-term rentals, I am more than motivated to spend my time here being as useful as possible. So far, my experience has been incredibly enriching.”

Héloïse

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