The Golden Circle - Self Drive Tour

Spend more time in the Yukon and discover one of the most beautiful scenic route of the North! Get the most out of your time – see the coastal Alaska, the high altitude plains of the Tatshenshini Region and the vast beauty of the Kluane National Park!

In only one week, you get to see major sights and fascinating culture. Add three more nights and your Yukon experience is complete with a stay in one of our cozy, hand build log cabins!

Starting from Whitehorse, you can go either way – take your way South to the Southern Lakes and head on to Skagway, Alaska. Or drive North on the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction, visit Kluane Lake and take the road down to Haines. With some luck and the right timing, you might be able to witness the grizzly bears feasting on salmon just outside the town of Haines.

Tagish Wilderness Lodge is ideally situated to start or end your journey with a couple of relaxing days in the Wilderness. Only a couple of miles from Carcross, we are the excellent getaway to complete your Alaska/Yukon trip.

All accommodations are carefully chosen and handpicked. Charming, traditional or with distinctive style – this is an integral part of your self-drive experience!

The following tour can be done vice versa as well.

Day 1 – Whitehorse
Arrival in Whitehorse and pick-up of your rental car (not included – see below for details). Drive to your first accommodation

Optional: additional night in or near Whitehorse

Day 2 – Whitehorse – Haines Junction / 154km
Your first impression on the breathtaking Yukon landscapes starts just a few miles outside town. You follow the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction, passing the Takhini Valley

This valley represents an area in transition. Here, the rugged coastal mountain range to the south gives way to the uplands of the central Yukon Plateau. Watersheds divide between the Alsek River which drains directly to the Pacific, and the Takhini which flows into the Yukon River and heads 2,000 miles north to the Bering Sea. On your way, there are many stops to admire the view and learn about the history of this valley, including an old forest burn site.

You head on pass Canyon Creek, a major residential community of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation. Descent towards the village of Haines Junction.

Day 3 – Kluane National Park
Take advantage of this day to explore Kluane Nationalpark and take the drive to beautiful Kluane Lake, the largest lake in the Yukon. Observe the white dall sheep near the Kluane Visitor Centre or take a short walk to a historic site of the old Alaska Highway. Haines Junction is also a famous outdoor mecca, you may want to take part in whitewater rafting or take a scenic flight into the St. Elias Mountain Range, which is also home to Canda's highest peak, Mount Logan. 

Day 4 – Haines Junction – Haines (Alaska) / 238km
Take your time to drive down the Haines Road which brings you pass breathtaking canyon landscapes, high altitude plateaus and eventually leads you down to the rugged Pacific coastline of Alaska. Make sure you explore the trails leading from the highway to the different sites of Kluane National park or take a stroll on the boardwalk of Kathleen Lake. The last stretch leads through lush green forests and along the Chilkat River, home to the Chilkat Valley Eagle Preserve.

Today, you cross the border from Canada into the USA. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents with you.

Day 5 – Haines
Haines is a picturesque, traditional village where fishing still is a major part of the economy. The historic fort or the many little stores with hidden treasures invite for a stroll. The centrally located visitor centre has loads of information about things to see and do. If you travel in August and September, don't miss to check out the Grizzly bears favorite fishing spot on the Chilkoot River just outside town or try your luck with salmon fishing yourself.

Day 6 –Haines – Skagway / Ferry Crossing
Catch the ferry for a short yet impressive ride through the coastal fjord to historic Skagway. This port town boomed in 1898 as thousands of prospectors passed through on route to the goldfields of the Klondike.

Optional: additional day in Skagway for a tour with the historic White Pass Railroad or sightseeing and activities around town.

Day 7 – Skagway – Tagish Wilderness Lodge / 135km to Tagish
The dramatic landscape of the White Pass area is today's main theme. The Klondike Highway rises steeply towards the Yukon. Once again, you cross the border and enjoy another scenic drive over mountain planes and eventually into historic Carcross. From there, you take a right towards Tagish and once arrived at the marina, we will bring you to the Lodge where you will spend a couple of days in the wilderness, be pampered and relax or explore the surroundings on one of our guided tours .

Day 10 – Tagish – Whitehorse / 100km
In the morning, you leave the Lodge and take a ride with the boat back to the marina. Then you head on towards Whitehorse and conclude your trip with an overnight in town or the flight back home.