Official Language:
English
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Currency:
USD
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Population:
Approximately 23,000 people call Whitehorse home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Whitehorse: Due to its location in the southern Yukon Territories and it's elevation of 2,306 feet (703mt.) the moderating effect of the Pacific influences the climate in Whitehorse. Temperatures during summer cruising months average 55°F/12°C with an average rainfall of 1.40 inches (35mm).
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Whitehorse is the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory. This is a major stopover point along the Alaska Highway and takes your through historical sites, and beautiful scenery. With 20 hours of daily summer sunshine you have plenty of time to enjoy Whitehorse. Located 914 miles northwest of Dawson Creek, British Columbia;and 609 miles from Fairbanks. More than half of the Yukon’s residents live in Whitehorse.
Whitehorse was founded in 1900. This city became the terminal for freight being transferred from railway to riverboat for shipment to Dawson City. To bypass Miles Canyon and Whitehorse Rapids which were the greatest hazards in river navigation, wooden rail tramways were constructed on both sides of the canyon.
The railway on the west side of the river was completed on June 8, 1900. For many years Whitehorse continued in its role of connecting railhead and riverboat navigation to Dawson City and the Klondike.
Development and population began tosurge following the agreement to build the Alaska Highway during the Second World War. During this 9 month construction period of 1942,the area population grew from 500 to 8000. Whitehorse continue to maintain its importance after the war as a transportation and communications center. On April 1, 1953, the capital of the Yukon was then officially transferred from Dawson City to Whitehorse.
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Attractions |
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Log Cabin - Chilkoot Trail:
A National Historic Site with a 33 mile (55km) trail.
S.S. Klondike National Historic Site:
See the large Sternwheeler that travelled the Yukon River. This Sternwheeler was built in 1929, sank in 1936 and then rebuilt in 1937 with original machinery. Daily tours are offered and admission is free.
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre:
A chance to discover the Yukon's ice age past. This center is open daily during the summer cruising months from the end of May to mid-September.
Old Log Church Museum:
Exhibits reflecting the pre-contact life of aboriginal people, early exploration, and much more. The museum is open daily 9:00am to 6:00pm, Sunday 12:30pm-4:00pm.
The MacBride Museum:
Half a city block is length, this museum is home to four galleries, open air exhibits and a gift shop. Learn of the prehistory and history of the Yukon, and the natural and geological history. Here visitors can view the largest display of Yukon gold in the world.
The Yukon Transportation Museum Society:
Explore the history of Yukon's transportation, Alaska Hwy construction, dog sleds, and early aviation. Learn about the White Pass & Yukon route, river boats. Tours are available. Open during summer cruising months from mid-May to mid-September.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.city.whitehorse.yk.ca/
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