Everything under the sun
Both indoors and out, Whitehorse can appeal to the taste of any RVer
With its in-town attractions and inspiring wilderness on all sides, some might say that the heart of Whitehorse is different for every visitor.
Truth be told, there is something special in this city for folks of every preference—whether you are a history buff, or an avid outdoor enthusiast.
Embrace the past
If you have a passion for history, the MacBride Museum of Yukon History might be the highlight of your trip.
“Choosing one site in Whitehorse is really tough,” said Rick Karp, president of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce. “But if someone was coming to the city and I had to take them to one location, and only one, it would be the MacBride Museum.”
This intriguing facility opened in 1952, and was named after the famous local historian, W.D. (Bill) MacBride.
“You can see the history of the Gold Rush, (and) an actual engine from the Gold Rush days that ran on the narrow gauge rail system,” said Karp. “(Also you can learn about) the history of mining and First Nations, and (see) a display of all of the animals that roam in Yukon. The museum is a must-see and would take a whole afternoon to enjoy to its full extent.”
There is always something going on at the museum, and a roster of programs and exhibits being introduced on a continual basis. The museum offers everything from spring break kids camps to historical skits and lectures that run all throughout the summer season.
Marine museum
Another must-see historic attraction is the S.S. Klondike. This restored vessel was the largest of its kind in the British Yukon Navigation (BYN) Company's fleet of sternwheelers.
The S.S. Klondike now has a permanent home on the banks of the Yukon River in Whitehorse. It has been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, paying tribute to the role that the sternwheelers played in the history of the Yukon and its vital industries.
Guests can now take a tour of the sternwheeler to learn about its background firsthand—the site has ample parking that can accommodate RVs.
Take it outside
The value of Whitehorse’s outdoor attractions can not be overlooked. The varied landscape allows for just about any recreational activity you can imagine. A short distance from the city, you can find a year-round playground in the form of Mount Sima.
“The Mount Sima ski hill—during the winter or summer—is amazing,” said Karp. “Starting this summer they will have mountain biking trails, the longest zip line in the world and a park that will amaze the most rugged traveller.”
The activities at Mount Sima are plentiful. Skiing and snowboarding lessons and equipment rentals are available, and you can take a break after a wild day on the slopes and relax at the Last Run Lounge or the Snow Pit café. Don’t forget to visit the brand new Coyote Terrain Park that just opened in January, 2012.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you can take a short drive from Whitehorse and visit Carcross Desert. While northern conditions do not allow it to be classified as a true desert, the sand dunes and sparse vegetation in this 640-hectare area creates an interesting sight all the same. It is a popular place for sandboarders, hikers and ATVers to visit.
