Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon Territory and an exciting Canadian city. For those that want to get out and about to see the stunning scenery, camp, hike or fish the rivers, it also has the benefit of being Canada’s driest city.
Take some time to visit the SS Klondike paddle steamer, moored nearby and acknowledged as a national monument. The area was all about gold and an associated ‘copper rush’ which ignited explosive growth in the city in the 19th century. You can find out all about this aspect of the city in the local museum.
Whitehorse Airport Mini Guide
What Can you Tell me About Whitehorse?
Despite being a small city – it has a population of under 25,000 – it is the capital of the Canadian province of Yukon. The Yukon has a great deal of history about it being the site of the gold rush of the 19th century and Whitehorse grew as a result of it. Today, it’s the home of the SS Klondike, a huge paddle steamer which used to ferry cargo between Whitehorse and Dawson City. The ship is considered a national treasure and is open to the public. It’s white powdery gold that now fuels the city’s economy with winter sports bringing much revenue through the ski centre and the miles of cross country trails that criss-cross the terrain around the city.
How do I Get to Whitehorse?
Erik Nielsen International Airport, just outside the city, brings passengers in from cities across Canada as well as, unusually, seasonal daily flights from
Zurich and Frankfurt which reach the airport by flying a transpolar route. There’s a bus route from the airport into the centre as well as a taxi service and rental cars.
What is the Airport Like?
The airport used to run at over capacity and struggled to deal with international flights bringing large numbers of passengers into the city. If you are arriving from Europe you used to have to be prepared for a wait whilst security was carried out in batches. The airport recently extended and remodelled the facilities to allow for smoother processing and the new, much more efficient arrangements came into force in 2011.
What can I Expect When I Arrive at Whitehorse?
If arriving from Europe you’ll still have to expect a delay after disembarking from the plane because of security checks. The airport upgrade means that you no longer have to walk from the plane but can now use the air bridges – a real bonus in the depths of winter! The terminal is now spacious and bright inside with a help desk to assist you in locating facilities. There’s an ATM should you need cash and if you’ve pre-booked a rental car, you’ll find the desks of the three companies operating out of the airport, near the exit. For public transport, head out of the terminal and you’ll find the bus stop and the taxi rank to your left. The journey time into the city centre is only around fifteen minutes.
What is Whitehorse Like for Departing Passengers?
Checking in is quick and easy with an increased number of desks made available in the upgrade. After check in, you’ll find a small gift shop which doubles as a duty free of sorts and a nice restaurant serving good hearty meals accompanied by alcoholic, soft or hot drinks.