The name of the city comes from the White Horse Rapids, which were visible near Miles Canyon prior to the dam being placed on the river. Locals believed these rapids looked similar to a white horse's mane.
Prior to the Gold Rush, several First Nation tribes lived in the area for thousands of years. Prospectors discovered gold in the Klondike in 1896, which pushed additional people to come in search of gold and resulted in changes to the region's historical patterns.
When should you visit Whitehorse, Yukon Territory?
The city sits near the Whitehorse Valley, which gives it a milder climate than some of the areas located to its north. In fact, Whitehorse has the warmest climate of any area in the Yukon, with an average high of 20.6 degrees Celsius (69 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months and an average low of -19.2 degrees Celsius (-2.6 degrees Fahrenheit) during the winter.
The city has long days during the summer with more than 19 hours of daylight. It receives about 57 inches of snowfall per year and 6.4 inches of rainfall annually.
Whitehorse is known for its arts and entertainment options that take place throughout the year. As a result, hotel prices may increase when a major event is taking place. Some of the top festivals include the Yukon International Storytelling Festival (mid-August), the Sourdough Rendezvous Winter Festival (mid-February), the Available Light Film Festival (early February), the Adäka Cultural Festival (late June through early July), and the Frostbite Music Festival (early March). So, depending on your choice of seasons and festivals, any time can be a good time to visit Whitehorse.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Whitehorse, YT:
Whitehorse, YT: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Whitehorse, YT. Browse these charts to evaluate the most cost effective dates to stay in Whitehorse during the year.
What are the luxury hotels near Whitehorse, Yukon Territory?
With its three-star rating, Yukon Inn, located on 4th Avenue near the downtown area of Whitehorse and less than a mile from the North End Gallery, offers a more upscale experience for guests. Recreational amenities in the hotel include a nightclub, a welcoming fireplace in the lobby, two bars, and a restaurant serving delicious barbecue fare. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are also available for a small fee each morning. Within your room, you'll find a microwave, a desk, a flat-screen TV with satellite programming, a refrigerator, complimentary wireless internet access, and a soaking tub and free toiletries in the bathroom.
Edgewater Hotel is another luxurious hotel in the city, showcasing recently renovated rooms and plenty of amenities. This cozy property has 33 guest rooms, each of which is individually decorated and includes a microwave, a flat-screen TV, free designer toiletries, premium bedding and down comforters, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy a meal at the hotel's bar and grill or grab a drink at the bar. You can also enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast in the morning for an additional fee or take advantage of room service, offered during limited hours. A roundtrip airport shuttle is also complimentary for guests.
Enjoy a relaxing stay at Westmark Whitehorse Hotel & Conference Center, a three-star hotel on Wood Street. You'll be within a short walk of the North End Gallery and the MacBride Museum of Yukon History. Each of the guest rooms in the hotel boasts a microwave, a refrigerator, a TV with cable channels for your entertainment, a tea and coffee maker, and complimentary toiletries. Amenities for guests include a fitness center, a coffee shop, a hair salon, and a restaurant serving delicious fare and tasty cocktails. You can also take advantage of the hotel's dry-cleaning/laundry services, 24-hour front desk, and business center.
What are the budget hotels near Whitehorse, YT?
One of the most affordable places to stay in Whitehorse is Midnight Sun Inn Bed & Breakfast. This property is on 6th Avenue near the MacBride Museum of Yukon History. It has five guest rooms, each of which has premium bedding, down comforters, free wireless internet access, deep soaking tubs, and free toiletries. You are welcome to use the shared kitchen with other guests, and the staff will provide a variety of basic ingredients, including bread, eggs, and other options, for your daily breakfast. Free parking is available on-site, while many outdoor activities are available nearby, such as hiking and biking trails, ski rentals and lessons, and cross-country skiing areas.
Canada's Best Value Inn River View Hotel is another budget-friendly property in the city. It's on Wood Street within a short walk of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre and the Old Log Church. All of the guest rooms come equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, soaking tubs, complimentary toiletries, separate workspaces, and tea and coffee makers. You're also welcome to use the phone in your room to make free local calls. The property has a bar serving refreshing cocktails, while the front desk staff can assist with arranging for local tours and tickets to nearby attractions. This property also has complimentary Wi-Fi in the common areas and guest rooms, luggage storage, and a 24-hour front desk.