Yukon & Alaska Wilderness Drive

Arrive into Whitehorse and collect your hire car from the airport. Make your way to the Best Western Gold Rush Inn for 2 nights. (N)

Day at leisure to explore the city. Visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where 10 species of northern Canadian mammals can be viewed in their natural habitats. (N)

Travel south on the South Klondike Highway, which connects the Yukon territory with the Inside Passage ferry system in Alaska. The descent from the White Pass to Skagway offers some spectacular scenery, passing the subalpine landscape of Tormented Valley and Emerald Lake. On arrival, stay 1 night at the Westmark Inn. (N)

Morning at leisure to explore Skagway. Take an afternoon scenic ferry ride along the Lynn Canal fjord to Haines. Haines is located in the Valley of Eagles, where almost 4,000 American bald eagles gather along an 8-km stretch of the Chilkat river each fall, attracted by the late run of salmon. Stay at the Hotel Halsingland for 1 night. (N)

Drive through the Chilkat Pass – the highest summit on the Haines Highway. Pass Klukshu and drive through Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve before arriving at Kluane National Park. The Kluane area covers the largest non-polar icefields in the world. Stay at the Raven Hotel for 2 nights. (N)

Today we recommend visiting Kluane National Park, part of the largest contiguous area of protected wilderness on earth. (B)

This morning, go on a hiking trip before you drive north along the shores of the beautiful Kluane lake. Continue on the famous Alaska Highway through myriad wilderness areas. Arrive in Tok and stay overnight at Cleft of the Rock Bed & Breakfast. (B)

Drive along the Top of the World Highway (please note this is a partly gravel road), taking you through gold-mining areas and the Canadian backcountry. Cross the Yukon river by ferry before arriving in Dawson City. Stay at the Aurora Inn for 3 nights. (N)

Two full days exploring the historical sights of Dawson City. We recommend seeing SS Keno, the last paddle steamer to run the Yukon river from Whitehorse; the Jack London Interpretive Centre; the Grand Palace Theatre; and taking a short drive on the Ridge Road to the top of Midnight Dome, which offers excellent views over Dawson, the Ogilvie Mountains, and the Yukon and Klondike rivers. (N)

En route to Whitehorse, stop at the Five Finger Rapids and hike down to the shore of the Yukon river. Arrive in Whitehorse in the late afternoon and check in to the Best Western Gold Rush Inn for 1 night. (N)

Return your hire car at the airport and fly home, or continue your holiday in Canada. (N)