With its fascinating goldrush history, rich First Nations heritage and pole position under the aurora oval for the best northern lights viewing in the world, its little wonder Canada’s Yukon Territory in the north-west is no longer dubbed a ‘hidden gem’.
It’s safe to say the secret is out! With droves of travellers from Australia and around the world flocking to explore Yukon each year, new hotels and wilderness lodges are popping up at an unprecedented rate.
Read on for six of the most intriguing properties currently in the works:
1.Raven Inn, Whitehorse
The Raven Inn is set to be the first 4-star property for Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital city. This boutique addition to the downtown precinct will reflect the latest hospitality trends while respecting the rich historic and natural legacy of the Yukon. The 50-room hotel will feature a historic rail themed Railwork Bar & Lounge and an outdoor hot pool overlooking the vast Yukon River. The Raven Inn is set to open in January 2020.
2.Caribou Hotel, Carcross
Yukon’s most famous – and haunted – hotel, this Klondike Goldrush icon is set to re-open in 2020. A Yukon Historic Site, the Caribou Hotel features 12 guest rooms, refurbished to its original style. The Surly Bird Saloon, named after a former resident parrot (known for his colourful language!) who lived in the hotel from 1918 to his death in 1972, opened in 2019; the hotel restaurant will open in 2020, while the hotel is scheduled to open June 2021.
3.The Lodge at Takhini Hot Springs, Whitehorse
The 82-room, 4-star aurora viewing lodge and spa, just 30 minutes outside Whitehorse, is now under construction, with a completion date of September 2021. The property’s theme is ancient voices, ancient waters, with its décor and ambience promising to reflect Yukon’s rich Indigenous heritage as it serves up the ideal vantage point for viewing the mystical northern lights.
4.Midnight Sun Hotel, Dawson City
Re-opening in May 2020, the Midnight Sun Hotel in the Klondike Goldrush town of Dawson City will offer 21 newly renovated rooms, a lounge, tavern, and an abundance of traditional goldrush charm. The hotel is managed by NVD – Yukon Hotels, whose properties are known for their exceptional hospitality and quintessential Yukon atmosphere.
50Mt Logan Lodge, Haines Junction
This beautiful wilderness lodge offers stunning views of the Kluane National Park from each of the five well-appointed, quirky guest rooms, which include a yurt, a Goldrush era cabin, and even a school bus converted for guest accommodation. 2020 summer and winter bookings are being taken now for visitors keen to take advantage of the incredible kayaking, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling and dogsledding on offer during seasonal stays.
6.River’s Edge Lodge
A unique First Nations themed hotel is now under construction in Whitehorse. River’s Edge Lodge, a 120 room, 4-star hotel is slated to open on Whitehorse’s meandering waterfront in September 2021.
Getting to Yukon Territory
Air Canada has direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, with connecting flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City available on Air North and Air Canada.
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