This 360-mile Drive Is One of North America’s Most Beautiful—With Small Towns, Alpine Lakes, and Stunning Mountain Views

An aerial view of the White Pass along Yukon’s Golden Circle Route.Credit: Victor Aerden/Travel YukonKey PointsThe roughly 360-mile Golden Circle Route connects the Yukon and Alaska through Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Haines, and Skagway.

Travelers can experience gold rush history, Indigenous cultural sites, hiking trails, alpine lakes, and wildlife, including bears, eagles, and whales.

June through September is the best driving season, with September offering early fall colors and a chance to see the northern lights.

Although the Yukon is Canada's smallest territory, it has long captured the collective imagination. Wild and rugged, the landscapes and legends of the Yukon have been immortalized in everything from Jack London's The Call of the Wild to Charlie Chaplin's 1925 film The Gold Rush—and one of the best ways to see it all is by car.

The roughly 360-mile-long Golden Circle Route connects the Yukon to Alaska, passing through gold rush communities such as Whitehorse, Yukon; Haines Junction, Yukon; Haines, Alaska; and Skagway, Alaska. The road traces the original path that optimistic fortune-seeking stampeders once took to get from Alaska's coast up to the Yukon interior. Back in the day, these towns were rough-and-tumble frontier outposts. Today, they're packed with tons of things for travelers to see, eat, and do. Arguably, though, some of the most spectacular sights travelers will see are actually in between stops—think dazzling alpine lakes, spindly mountaintops, and the chance to see iconic North American wildlife such as bison and moose. You'll want to take your time on this one, and should expect to spend about three to four days on the road taking it all in.

Here's what you need to know before planning a drive along the Yukon's Golden Circle Route.

A hiker in Kluane National Park and Preserve.Credit: edb3_16/Getty Images

There's of course no guarantee that you'll see animals along your drive, but this part of the world is known for its unique wildlife sighting opportunities. Alpine areas in White Pass, on the Yukon and Alaska border, are frequented by caribou and wolves, and the region, at large, is home to eagles, salmon, moose, and grizzly bears. The Lynn Canal ferry crossing from Skagway to Haines offers the potential to spot humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions. Between Haines and Haines Junction, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world. Kluane National Park and Reserve has the highest concentration of grizzly bears in North America. Regardless of where you choose to stop, it's a good idea to pack binoculars.

In the late 1800s, Skagway, Alaska, was the entry point for tens of thousands of hopeful prospectors and merchants who were hoping to strike it rich in the Klondike, a region of the Yukon located just east of the border. Today, a seven-block stretch of Skagway's main street, Broadway, is home to 20 historic buildings preserved in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, including a saloon, parlor, and homestead. Afterwards, consider taking a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route. The train first operated in 1891, taking passengers to the front lines of the gold rush. Contemporary travelers can choose between options such as a three-hour scenic journey pulled by a 1947 steam locomotive and one-way trips for campers. Note: Skagway is a popular destination for cruise ships, with up to five vessels visiting per day. The tiny town can balloon in population during this time, so make plans accordingly.

You'll want to budget some time to get out of your car and on your feet during this road trip. In Carcross, Yukon, a historic town that sits at the meeting point of Bennett and Nares lakes, the hike to the Carcross Desert Viewpoint is an easy walk, just under a mile, and provides fantastic views of the world's smallest "desert" (its status as desert is up for debate, as some say it gets too much rain and is really just a collection of sand dunes). For a longer challenge, the Sam McGee Trail (5.6 miles) was built to service an old silver mine, and hikers will be rewarded with beautiful views of the lake. Several hiking trails are accessible near Haines, including Mount Riley Trail, with its dazzling 360-degree views of the land, and Mount Ripinsky Trail, a more challenging route with lots of bird life. In Kluane National Park and Reserve, you'll find options ranging from the wheelchair-accessible 0.6-mile Kokanee Trail to the King's Throne Trail, a challenging, steep six-mile-long hike with expansive views of the park. For guided hikes, Yukon Guided Adventures will tailor outings to specific groups' needs.

The Golden Circle passes through several territories of Indigenous peoples: Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Chilkat Tlingit and Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Along the way, you'll find a wealth of opportunities to learn about and from these communities. In Whitehorse, the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre has a gallery with exhibitions of the work of Indigenous artists. Haa Shagóon Hídi in Carcross has a stunning totem at its front entrance and has an interpretive gallery for visitors wanting to learn more about the community as well as an events space for locals. The Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, just west of Haines, is a hub for Chilkat Tlingit culture, and includes a museum and artist-in-residence program—guided tours are available on request. In Haines Junction, the Da Kų Cultural Centre has cultural programming for both the local Champagne and Aishihik First Nation community as well as guests.

A jeep travels along the Haines Pass.Credit: Victor Aerden/Travel Yukon

This roughly 360-mile circular route, which includes some travel on a ferry, is remote. Between towns, the landscape is rugged and wild. In some areas, you're more likely to see grizzly bears than a gas station, so it's important to be prepared with provisions and bear-repellent gear. Summer is considered peak season, and during this time, car rentals and hotel rooms can run thin, so make your reservations well in advance if you plan on traveling to the area during this time. Since the Yukon Golden Circle Route is a circle, the road trip can start at any point, but Whitehorse is a popular choice because of its international airport.

An aerial view of a car traveling through Haines Junction.Credit: Andrew Strain/Travel Yukon

June to September is the best time to drive this route, with September being the sweet spot in my opinion. During this time of year, the fall colors are just beginning to set in and are particularly striking in the area around Kluane National Park and Reserve. Plus, you may also catch glimpses of the northern lights in the evening. Outside of this window, the weather can make for unsuitable conditions for driving, especially when going through mountain passes, and snowpack often affects road access. Additionally, many visitor centers and local businesses close seasonally at the end of September.

Exterior view of the Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, Alaska.Credit: AJITH.A/Adobe Stock

Whitehorse is the biggest city on this route, though with a population of roughly 35,000, the definition of "big" is relative in this corner of North America. Still, Whitehorse has a vibrant dining scene to explore along with fun accommodation options. Gather Cafe & Taphouse is the spot for tacos and local brews—its hand-blown glassware is made at neighboring Lumen Studios. Grab brunch, lunch, or a snack at Burnt Toast Café or Baked Cafe & Bakery, the latter of which is so popular with locals that it recently opened a second location. For cocktails, head to Woodcutter's Blanket, housed in an old log cabin. The new Hyatt Place, which opened in 2025 in the city center, features Indigenous art throughout the property, and some suites have kitchenettes. Raven Inn Whitehorse, a short walk from the Yukon River, is a family-owned boutique hotel downtown.

Start the day with coffee and a breakfast taco at Lucy's Bakery—a great place to stock up on snacks for the next leg of the drive, too. Get your seafood fix at Salty Siren Eats & Tap House, known for its king crab and halibut fish and chips. Woadie's South East Seafood is another local favorite, serving locally caught seafood paired with pints from Klondike Brewing Company. While the cruise ship passengers are ordering drinks at Red Onion Saloon (a former gold-rush-era brothel), opt for a tasting at Skagway Spirits, a gin and vodka distillery. At The White House is a family-owned, historic home that's been converted into a nine-room inn and is located one block from Broadway and the town's historic hub. The Chilkoot Trail Outpost, a 15-minute drive from town, has a log-cabin experience (albeit with indoor plumbing and Wi-Fi) where you can spend evenings around a fire.

If you're in search of a town that's far from the hustle and bustle of cruise ship crowds, Haines is the ideal option. Grab a coffee, sandwich, and snacks for the next leg of the drive at Mountain Market and Cafe. Deer Heart's dinner menu is a showcase of local ingredients; think beet-cured salmon lox and carrot risotto—the restaurant serves a hearty brunch on Sundays, too. Get your fill of seafood at Taste of Deishú, a waterfront restaurant that's Tlingit-owned and operated. Grab a nightcap at the storied The Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar, which was a brothel and bootlegging operation during the Prohibition era. For a stay rooted in the outdoors, book a yurt at Chilkat Inlet Retreat, located about four miles outside of town. The Beach Road House has cabins overlooking the water that are equipped with kitchens.

Considered the gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve, the village of Haines Junction is home to the park's visitor center as well as a few local eateries where you can fuel up before a hike. Mile 1016 Pub has pub staples, including chicken wings and nachos, as well as creative burger options, such as the jalapeño and cheese. Village Bakery & Deli has lighter, café-style fare, including smoothies and fresh-baked goods, with a menu that changes daily. On weekends during the summer, it stays open for dinner and live music. Mount Logan Ecolodge has incredible views of the park and mountains from its cozy rooms and suites, and there's an option for stays to include breakfast and a three-course dinner.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure