Day Trip
Carcross & Southern Lakes
Step into the Klondike Gold Rush. History, wild winter scenery and photo stops, all in one day.
A Winter Journey Into Gold Rush Country
This day trip from Whitehorse takes you south along the stampeders' route, about an hour away, to the Yukon's most legendary landscapes. In Carcross, once called Caribou Crossing, discover the home of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and of Keish (Skookum Jim), one of the men whose 1896 gold strike launched the Klondike Gold Rush. Just outside the village, walk the Carcross Desert, often called the world's smallest desert: northern sand dunes under snow, surrounded by mountains. At Bennett Lake, stand where thousands of stampeders built boats in 1898 to race north to Dawson City. Then follow the frozen shores of Tagish Lake, part of the same Gold Rush route, where a rare meteorite landed on the ice in 2000.
Child discount: 7–17 years — 25% off regular adult rate
Season
November to March
Duration
4–5 hours
Group size
1 to 5 guests
Pickup
10:00 AM — Whitehorse, Yukon
Destination
Carcross, Bennett Lake & Tagish Lake, Yukon
Languages
English & French
What's Included
The Landscape
A glimpse of the southern lakes and Gold Rush country in winter.
Bennett Lake, Yukon
How the Day Unfolds
Departure from Whitehorse — 10:00 AM
Your guide picks you up in Whitehorse at 10:00 AM and you head south along the stampeders' route. The landscape opens up as the city gives way to boreal forest, frozen lakes and mountain horizons.
Carcross & the Carcross Desert
Arrive in Carcross, once called Caribou Crossing, home of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Hear the story of Keish (Skookum Jim) and the 1896 gold strike that launched the Klondike Gold Rush. Just outside the village, walk the Carcross Desert — northern sand dunes under snow, surrounded by mountains.
Bennett Lake & Tagish Lake
Stand at Bennett Lake, where thousands of stampeders built boats in 1898 to race north to Dawson City. Then follow the frozen shores of Tagish Lake, part of the same Gold Rush route and the site of a rare meteorite landing in 2000.
Return to Whitehorse
Your guide brings you back to Whitehorse. The full trip runs approximately 4–5 hours from departure, with return timing adapted to daylight and road conditions.
Questions About This Day Trip
How do I book? This tour is on request.
This tour does not run on fixed departure days. Use the booking form to choose your preferred date and group size, or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm availability within 24 hours. Solo travellers are welcome — you can book for just yourself.
What should I wear?
Guests will spend time outdoors in cold winter temperatures. Appropriate clothing is essential: a warm insulated jacket, suitable base and mid layers, insulated winter boots rated for cold temperatures, a warm hat, and gloves or mittens.
If you are unsure whether your clothing is suitable for a Yukon winter day trip, please contact us before booking.
Is this trip suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes. This is a sightseeing day trip, not a physically demanding excursion. Outdoor stops involve light walking on snow-covered terrain. No special fitness level is required, though guests should be comfortable spending time outside in cold conditions.
What happens if weather conditions are poor?
Your guide monitors road and weather conditions and adapts the itinerary accordingly. In the event of unsafe conditions, the trip may be modified or rescheduled. Your safety is always the priority.
Is this tour available in French?
Yes. Boreal Escapes offers bilingual guiding in English and French. Please mention your language preference when you book.
| Cancellation window | Refund |
|---|---|
| 7 or more days (168 hours) before scheduled start | 100% |
| Less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before scheduled start | 50% |
| Less than 24 hours before scheduled start or no-show | 0% |
What is the cancellation policy?
7 or more days (168 hours) before the scheduled tour start time: 100% refund — exactly 7 days before qualifies. Less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before: 50% refund — exactly 24 hours before qualifies. Less than 24 hours before or no-show: no refund. If we cancel or reschedule due to unsafe conditions, you may accept the new date or receive a full refund.
How many people are on the tour?
Shared tours run with 1 to 5 guests — solo travellers are welcome. Private tours are available on request for up to 6 guests.
Is there a discount for children?
Yes. Children aged 7 to 17 receive 25% off the adult price.
Is the tour wheelchair-accessible?
The tour involves outdoor stops on uneven, snow-covered terrain. We are not able to guarantee full wheelchair accessibility at all stops. Please contact us before booking to discuss your specific needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Book Your Carcross & Southern Lakes Day Trip
Ready to follow the stampeders' route and discover the Yukon's Gold Rush country in winter? Choose your date and book your spot — this tour runs on request for groups of 2 to 5.