The Yukon Winter Expedition Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about traveling to the Yukon with Root Adventures!
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of the Yukon wilderness. This expedition offers a unique blend of adventure, reflection, and connection with nature's serene beauty.
To ensure you're well-prepared for this adventure, we've compiled essential information to guide you through your journey!
The Weather
How should I dress?
March in the Yukon is a time of crisp air and snow-covered landscapes. Expect:
Daytime Temperatures: -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F)
Nighttime Temperatures: -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F)
Conditions: Dry snow, clear skies, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights
Note: Weather can be unpredictable. Layering is essential to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.
The gear
What do I need to bring?
Remember, in the Yukon, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!
You will be provided with a Winter Gear Package for the duration of your tour, including an insulated parka, bib snow pants, insulated winter boots, insulated mitts, warm toque (winter hat), and a carrying bag. The package will be available upon arrival to your first hotel.
NOTE: For some activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, you may find this gear is too warm or bulky, so we recommend bringing your own lighter-weight winter layers for these activities.
Here is a packing list where you can find all the goodies you’ll need to bring for this trip, along with our pro-tips from years of traveling around the world!
Tip: Avoid cotton clothing as it retains moisture. Opt for synthetic or wool materials.
Sustainability Tip:
Sustainability is one of our core-pillars, so we love to suggest sourcing gear from friends/family or second hand stores that sell lightly used gear! If you’re buying gear new, we recommend shopping locally or from small companies in whose mission you believe. Check the packing list for some of our favorites!
Preparing For Your Adventure
How difficult is this really going to be?
While the expedition is designed for various fitness levels, participants should be comfortable with:
Daily activities lasting 3–5 hours
Walking on uneven, snowy terrain
Cold weather conditions
Recommendation: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercises and practice walking or hiking in winter conditions to prepare.
We know, you don’t want to be the last one or hold up the group…we hear this before every trip! However, please know that we consider our group to be a team, working together in each activity. This is an incredible opportunity to ask for help and support when perhaps in your daily life you’re always the one giving it.
Our local guides and Root Tour Leader will be checking in with the group along the way and will be adjusting pacing as needed. Let’s do this thing together!
Accommodations
Where am i sleeping?
Sleeping accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you're traveling solo, you'll be paired with a roommate of the same gender.
Alternatively, you can opt for a single supplement to have your own private room.
You will stay at two different lodgings:
1. Raven Inn and Suites
Raven Inn & Suites is a family-owned and operated business in the heart of Whitehorse. Experience their renowned Northern hospitality with modern, beautifully appointed rooms and suites plus a restaurant on-site. This hotel is about a 10 minute walk to the main street with restaurants and shops.
2. Boreale Lodge
Boreale Lodge sits on 16 acres of land nestled amongst the mountain peaks close to beautiful Carcross, Yukon. The lodge features a great common room (space for yoga), large dining space, a cozy library and huge windows for mountain gazing.
On-site activities: outdoor hot tub, bonfire, aurora viewing platform, toboggan hill, and snowshoe trails.
Do as the locals do
a crash course in the local culture of the yukon
It’s important at Root that when we travel we travel with an open mind and are respectful to the local ways, traditions, and customs. Keeping in mind that we are ambassadors of the US when we travel to foreign countries, it can be helpful to be prepared with some basic knowledge!
Language: English is widely spoken and understood, making communication straightforward.
French is also recognized as an official language in the Yukon.
Beyond the official languages, Whitehorse is linguistically diverse. Approximately 9.7% of residents reported a non-official language as their mother tongue. The most commonly spoken non-official languages include German, Tagalog (Filipino), Spanish, Chinese, and Dutch .
Additionally, the Yukon is home to several Indigenous languages, such as Gwich'in, Hän, Kaska, Northern Tutchone, Southern Tutchone, Tagish, Upper Tanana, and Tlingit. Efforts are ongoing to revitalize and promote these languages within the territory .
Currency: The currency used in Whitehorse and throughout the Yukon Territory is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).
Symbol: $ or C$ (to distinguish it from other dollar currencies)
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Whitehorse, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially when venturing into remote areas.
Greetings: In Whitehorse and across the Yukon, people generally greet each other in a warm, friendly, and casual manner—reflecting both Canadian politeness and the close-knit feel of smaller northern communities.
Handshakes are standard in formal or first-time meetings.
Nods, smiles, or small waves are common when passing others on a trail or in town, especially in winter when people are bundled up.
In colder months, greetings may be briefer outdoors, but people tend to warm up quickly once inside. The sense of community is strong, and locals are typically welcoming to visitors.
Dress Code and Table Manners:
Function over fashion is the norm, especially in winter.
Locals prioritize warmth, layers, and weather-appropriate gear (think: thermal layers, down jackets, waterproof boots).
Even in restaurants or social gatherings, casual and comfortable attire is perfectly acceptable.
You won’t need formalwear, even at the nicest spots in Whitehorse.
Clean, weather-appropriate clothing (no muddy boots!) is appreciated indoors.
Politeness is key. Say please and thank you—often!
Wait to be seated at most restaurants.
Keep phones off the table in more social or formal settings.
It's polite to wait until everyone has their food before beginning to eat.
Remove hats and outerwear at the table.
Don’t be surprised if locals strike up friendly conversation—hospitality runs deep in the Yukon.
Photography: Photography in the Yukon—especially in Whitehorse and the surrounding wilderness—is welcomed and encouraged, but it comes with a few respectful considerations. There are no restrictions on taking photos of landscapes, skies, or public areas. Be mindful of wildlife distance regulations—do not approach animals for close-ups.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially Indigenous individuals or during cultural events. If attending a First Nations gathering, respect signs or verbal notices indicating no photos allowed. Casual shots of friends or fellow travelers are fine, but it’s courteous to ask first in small communities.
Some natural and cultural sites may be spiritually significant to local Indigenous groups. If unsure, ask your guide or a local whether photography is appropriate.
General Cultural Etiquette: While the Yukon is laid-back and welcoming, there are a few cultural etiquette and public behavior norms that help visitors navigate respectfully and comfortably:
General Courtesy
Politeness matters. Saying please, thank you, and excuse me goes a long way.
Holding doors open, offering help, and friendly greetings are part of everyday Yukon life.
Punctuality is appreciated, especially in group settings or guided tours.
Personal Space & Conversation
People are friendly but value personal space—especially in quieter or more remote communities.
Don't interrupt conversations, and wait your turn to speak—respect and calmness are valued in interactions.
Small talk is common and welcomed—about the weather, wildlife, or nature especially!
Outdoor & Environmental Respect
Leave no trace: Pack out what you pack in, and don’t disturb natural or cultural features.
Stick to trails and avoid trampling vegetation or fragile terrain.
In winter, don’t block trailheads or snowmobile paths when parking or walking.
Indigenous Cultural Respect
The Yukon is home to 14 First Nations. Always show respect for Indigenous land, traditions, and stories.
If attending or visiting cultural sites, follow posted guidelines and ask before photographing or participating.
Listen with humility and curiosity—many locals are open to sharing if approached respectfully.
Bottom line: Yukon communities are warm, resilient, and respectful of each other and the land. If you lead with kindness and curiosity, you’ll be welcomed.
About the Yukon Territory
its people and its wildlife
ABOUT THE YUKON TERRITORY
The Yukon is over 80% wilderness and home to more than 250,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 6000 grizzly bears, 284 species of birds… and just over 46,000 humans.
The territory is also home to 14 distinct First Nations and 8 language groups. For over 10,000 years, these lands have sustained Yukon First Nations people. As visitors to the Yukon, we must be mindful of our behaviour and seek to learn and understand from these original stewards of the land. Your guides will share about this history during your tour. To start your learning journey, visit Indigenous Yukon - Respectful Travel.
Nestled along the banks of the Yukon River, Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon Territory, is situated on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. Whitehorse was originally a staging point during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. In 1896, gold was discovered in Bonanza Creek, a tributary of the Klondike River near Dawson City. News of the discovery quickly spread around the world, sparking the Klondike Stampede that saw an estimated 100,000 fortune seekers attempt to reach the gold fields in Dawson City via the Yukon River (only about 30-40k made it!). Read more about the Gold Rush.
The Yukon River is a key waterway in northern Canada that plays a vital role in the region’s history and development. It is one of the longest rivers in North America -traveling over 3000km from northern BC up through Whitehorse, Dawson City, and Alaska to end in the Bering Sea.
With a rapidly growing population of about 34,000 people, Whitehorse now offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Visitors can explore historic sites like the SS Klondike sternwheeler, a relic of the riverboat era, or delve into the city’s rich Indigenous heritage at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, which showcases the traditions and art of the local First Nations people.
The town of Carcross, just south of Whitehorse, was originally called Caribou Crossing due to its location and geology providing an important migration route for caribou. Carcross was also an important stopping point during the Gold Rush and a key transportation link between the coast of Alaska and the Gold Fields in the Yukon.
Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a special phenomenon that can be visible from mid-August to mid-April in the Yukon. Ideal viewing conditions consist of dark and clear nights (preferably moonless), with a magic window between 10pm and 3am. The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction of solar wind with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. The sun constantly emits charged particles, known as solar wind, which are drawn towards Earth’s magnetic poles. When these charged particles collide with atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen, they release energy in the form of light, creating the visible aurora.
The Yukon is situated among the Boreal Forest, consisting of spruce, fir, and pine trees. Boreal forests are high-latitude environments where freezing temperatures occur for 6-8 months of the year. The boreal forest here totals 115 million acres of intact forest, peatland, and wetland habitat which stores 7 billion tonnes of carbon.
Dog mushing in the Yukon has a rich history, originating with the indigenous peoples who used sled dogs for survival in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. As European and American explorers, fur traders, and gold prospectors arrived, they adopted this essential mode of transportation. Primarily linked to mail delivery until 1938, sled dogs transported mail, news, and supplies across challenging terrain.
Historic roadhouses served as crucial stops for mushers. Today, the tradition continues with events like the Yukon Quest, a 1,000-mile international sled dog race.
SUSTAINABILITY
We work hard to minimize our impact on the environment during travel, particularly when visiting remote regions and important natural or cultural sites. This includes limiting waste and conserving energy and water resources whenever possible. Ways you can help: avoid bringing any single-use items with you on the trip, such as disposable toiletries and water bottles.
Bring your own refillable water bottle to fill up at your accommodation each morning (the tap water is good to drink!); we will also have a refill jug with us in the van. When at hotels and lodges, please follow general energy and water conservation guidelines, like turning the lights off when leaving the room, and reusing towels when possible.
We also endeavor to create a positive impact in the places we visit by supporting local businesses, engaging with the local culture and heritage, and responsibly enjoying the natural environment. Please be respectful of the communities and environments you visit by following visitor guidelines and signage at each site.
We encourage everyone to follow “Leave No Trace” principles, such as staying on designated trails while hiking, packing out what you pack in (including food waste and toilet paper), leave what you find (like rocks and plants) to help preserve cultural and historical aspects, and respect wildlife by viewing from a safe distance and minimizing attractants.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
In the Yukon wilderness, you may encounter wildlife such as moose, dall sheep, caribou, wolves, and bald eagles. Observing these majestic animals in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience, but remember to approach with caution and respect their space to ensure both your safety and theirs. Your guides are full of knowledge, and will provide important information on tour; if you are unsure just ask! Educate yourself before you go: Wilderness Safety in the Yukon.
Mindfulness
What if I’ve never meditated?
Have no fear! No prior meditation or mindfulness experience needed.
Nature is the ultimate teacher. Just getting out into the great outdoors has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Your Root Tour Leaders will provide you with simple and practical ways to keep your connection with nature, yourself, and your fellow travelers at the forefront of your experience.
But don’t worry, this won’t be a serious or quiet trip. At Root we see mindfulness as a way to participate in the ALIVENESS of life.
There will be moments you’ll be encouraged to observe silence, listen to nature, reflect on your internal experience or even possibly journal and share. And there will be many moments of raucous laughter, joyous storytelling, and playing in the dirt. Our trips have a little bit of everything!
To help you get the most out of your experience you will receive a pre-trip guide that has mindfulness and meditation practices, potential journaling prompts, and thoughtful ways to connect with nature throughout your adventure.
Final Tips
Anything else I need to know?
We’d love to impart some final words of wisdom for you here. These are tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years exploring, trekking, and guiding groups.
Pack light! The lighter the better. We cannot stress this enough! When packing ask yourself this question: “Do I absolutely need this?” If the answer is no, leave it behind.
A word about luggage. If possible, pack so that you can bring everything in a carry-on. That way if your luggage gets lost (knock on wood) you won’t be trying to piece gear together or purchase lots of expensive items last minute. If you are checking luggage then we recommend wearing essentials in your carry-on just in case!