Trail Profile: City of Whitehorse – Millennium Trail
Explore the section of the Millennium Trail that runs right through the vibrant city of Whitehorse, Yukon. Discover historical monuments, parks, cultural centres and much more!
What we love about this Trail section
• It passes alongside several Whitehorse gems: the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, a great skatepark for all ages, and the largest wooden fish ladder in the world!
• It combines downtown vibes with a more rural section, giving you the best of both worlds.
• The famed S.S. Klondike, a National Historic Site of Canada, can be found along the Trail!
A paved Trail that loops around the Yukon River
South of the city, the Trail includes a paved 5-kilometre loop reserved for non-motorized use only, perfect for walking, running, cycling, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades and wheelchairs. It’s also cleared year-round, making it a great option for both winter and summer. It follows the Yukon River on both its east and west sides — note that the west side is not part of the Trans Canada Trail — crossing two bridges en route.
Adjacent to Rotary Park, you’ll find a large public park with a great playground and splash park for the little ones, plus beach volleyball courts. And don’t miss the Whitehorse Fishway — the largest wooden fish ladder in the world! — which was constructed to bypass the Whitehorse Rapids hydroelectric dam and provide a way for spawning Chinook salmon and other fish species to cross safely. There’s even a fish cam if you’re curious.
The S.S. Klondike: Gold Rush history come to life
On the south edge of downtown, the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site is one of Canada’s few remaining steam-powered paddlewheelers. Visit the site to learn about life on the rivers of the Yukon, from Indigenous transportation routes to steam-powered riverboats. Guided tours and outdoor informational panels are available — note, though, that the site is currently closed for an extensive restoration project.
Downtown Whitehorse: cafés, museums and restaurants
Follow the Trans Canada Trail north to downtown Whitehorse, where you’ll find cafés, restaurants, shops and more. Highlights include the Yukon River Wharf viewpoint — perfect for a photo op! — plus the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, the Yukon’s first museum; the North End Gallery; a great visitor information centre; and much more.
At the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, owned and operated by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and directly on the Trans Canada Trail, you’ll find artist studios, a gallery and seasonal exhibits.
Poignant monuments along the waterfront
Right near the MacBride Museum, be sure to stop by the Healing Totem. Tlingit master carver Wayne Price worked with and mentored several other carvers in the creation of the 11-metre-high Healing Totem, which now stands as a monument to all those affected by the residential school system.
Adjacent to the Healing Totem, across the Trans Canada Trail, you’ll find a second monument designed by artist Ken Anderson and dedicated by the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle as a gathering place. The monument pays homage to the nine languages children were forbidden to speak at the Whitehorse Indian Mission residential school.
Markets, skateparks, kayaks and more
At the north end of downtown, Shipyards Park is the site of the Fireweed Community Market, which offers a weekly artisan and food market from May to September, with up to 70 vendors weekly! The 12 Days of Christmas Community Market, taking place in December at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre longhouse, is the Yukon’s largest holiday market.
In the Riverdale neighbourhood, the Whitehorse Skatepark offers an accessible experience for all wheeled activities: skateboards, bicycles, scooters and wheelchairs are all welcome. Access the skatepark from a paved trail that connects to the Millennium Trail near the Robert Campbell Bridge.
Paddlers rejoice! Along the eastern side of the Millennium Trail, you’ll find several popular whitewater kayaking access points, for those who’d like to combine land- and water-based adventure.
More adventuring awaits along the Trail
For those looking to extend their stay, the city-operated Robert Service Campground is also along the Trail. The Millennium Trail connects to Whitehorse Copper Trail to the north and east, and also branches off to continue south to Miles Canyon, making it a great jumping-off point to more rugged Trail experiences.
Explore the Millennium Trail on the Trans Canada Trail interactive map!
