Pack five to six hours into a single, scenic loop from Whitehorse: Miles Canyon and the S.S. Klondike, the emerald-green lake, the tiny Carcross Desert, artisan stalls at Carcross Commons, and hands-on gold panning with husky puppies. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
Pack five to six hours into a single, scenic loop from Whitehorse: Miles Canyon and the S.S. Klondike, the emerald-green lake, the tiny Carcross Desert, artisan stalls at Carcross Commons, and hands-on gold panning with husky puppies. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
A crisp northern wind pushes across Miles Canyon as the tour departs Whitehorse, the river below churning with the same restless energy that sent stampeders north a century ago. You begin at the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler and a viewpoint over the canyon, where the Yukon River narrows and history feels close enough to touch.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by EPIC NORTH Tour Experiences · Whitehorse, Yukon
A crisp northern wind pushes across Miles Canyon as the tour departs Whitehorse, the river below churning with the same restless energy that sent stampeders north a century ago. You begin at the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler and a viewpoint over the canyon, where the Yukon River narrows and history feels close enough to touch.
The route threads the South Klondike Highway to Emerald Lake, its glacial-fed waters green with suspended silt that speaks to the region’s geology. From there the landscape changes abruptly: the Carcross Desert’s pale dunes lie improbably between taiga and mountains, a remnant of glacial lakes and wind-sculpted sand. A stop at Carcross Commons offers a slice of local culture—artisan shops, coffee, and a chance to walk Bennett Lake’s pebble beach.
History arrives in layers: First Nations use of the land, the Klondike Gold Rush that funneled thousands through these corridors, and the sternwheelers that tied communities together. The day finishes at Caribou Crossing where you get hands-on: gold panning with guaranteed finds, a stop at a wildlife museum, and the inevitable puppy session with husky pups eager for attention.
Practical notes: this half-day loop runs about 5–6 hours with multiple short stops; terrain is mostly easy walking on boardwalks, beaches and short trails. Dress in layers, bring sturdy shoes and a waterproof shell—weather shifts quickly in the Yukon. Hydrate, carry a camera or binoculars for birds and moose sightings, and respect private property and fragile dune vegetation when exploring the Carcross Desert.
Most tours offer central pickup; you'll be asked to choose a pickup point when booking—confirm the exact location in advance.
No prior experience is required—guides provide instruction and the experience guarantees you’ll find some gold flakes to keep.
Service animals are allowed, but pets generally aren’t—check with the operator if bringing a companion animal.
It’s classified as the world’s smallest desert due to its sand dunes formed by glacial deposits and wind; it’s fragile—stay on designated areas.
EPIC NORTH Tour Experiences operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A crisp northern wind pushes across Miles Canyon as the tour departs Whitehorse, the river below churning with the same restless energy that sent stampeders north a century ago. You begin at the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler and a viewpoint over the canyon, where the Yukon River narrows and history feels close enough to touch.
A crisp northern wind pushes across Miles Canyon as the tour departs Whitehorse, the river below churning with the same restless energy that sent stampeders north a century ago. You begin at the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler and a viewpoint over the canyon, where the Yukon River narrows and history feels close enough to touch.
The route threads the South Klondike Highway to Emerald Lake, its glacial-fed waters green with suspended silt that speaks to the region’s geology. From there the landscape changes abruptly: the Carcross Desert’s pale dunes lie improbably between taiga and mountains, a remnant of glacial lakes and wind-sculpted sand. A stop at Carcross Commons offers a slice of local culture—artisan shops, coffee, and a chance to walk Bennett Lake’s pebble beach.
History arrives in layers: First Nations use of the land, the Klondike Gold Rush that funneled thousands through these corridors, and the sternwheelers that tied communities together. The day finishes at Caribou Crossing where you get hands-on: gold panning with guaranteed finds, a stop at a wildlife museum, and the inevitable puppy session with husky pups eager for attention.
Practical notes: this half-day loop runs about 5–6 hours with multiple short stops; terrain is mostly easy walking on boardwalks, beaches and short trails. Dress in layers, bring sturdy shoes and a waterproof shell—weather shifts quickly in the Yukon. Hydrate, carry a camera or binoculars for birds and moose sightings, and respect private property and fragile dune vegetation when exploring the Carcross Desert.