Image courtesy of Peter O'Hara and Jenna Dixon.

Above the 60th parallel north, from May through July, day turns into night and back into day with an almost imperceptible shift. The setting sun barely skims the horizon before rising into a new dawn. Then and there, the days seem endless, as do the opportunities for adventure. To make the most of it, rent an RV in Whitehorse and set out on the North Klondike Highway, which stretches 530 km to Dawson City. It’s the same route followed by 19th-century prospectors who came looking for gold, and there are still many treasures to be found along the way. —Tara Franco

Image courtesy of Andrew Strain with the Government of Yukon.

Whitehorse

Stock up on supplies in Yukon’s capital city before hitting the highway. Stop at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, just a half-hour drive from the city, to indulge in some pre-trip R&R at the recently renovated spa. The hot pools are great for getting intel from fellow road-trippers on the best local scenic spots.

Image courtesy of Destination Canada.

Braeburn

A must-stop whether you’re coming or going is Braeburn Lodge, just over an hour north of Whitehorse, which serves up their world-famous cinnamon buns the size of dinner plates. Not for the faint of heart (or small of stomach), these treats have been attracting visitors for over 20 years.

Image courtesy of Monique Song.

Carmacks

This small town of roughly 500 residents punches above its weight in cultural and historical significance. Learn about the area and the Northern Tutchone First Nation people who live here, at the Tagé Cho Hudän Interpretive Centre. Or stretch your legs for a stroll on the boardwalk along the the Yukon River.

Image courtesy of edb3 16 (Adobe Stock).

Image courtesy of Cathie Archbould with the Government of Yukon.

Dawson City

At the end of the Klondike Highway, you’ll find the wooden sidewalks of Dawson City, once the centre of the Klondike gold rush. Visit the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre for its galleries and an overview of local history. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Midnight Dome just outside of town. Then, if you’re still up for adventure, head an hour and a half up the Dempster Highway to Tombstone Territorial Park, where the tundra begins.

And it’s between pit stops when the allure of the Yukon really hits you. Unwind on long stretches of highway, past pristine boreal forests and snow-topped mountains—all under the bright northern sky.

Tips for the Road

Fuel up
It’s not always easy to find gas, so get it when you can. If you can do so safely, secure a couple of gas cans on the outside of your camper van or trailer to ease the stress between stops.

Boondocking
Camping on Yukon public land is permitted, provided that a few rules are followed (including camping at least 30 metres from the centre line of most roads). Not sure which spots are public? Use the GeoYukon interactive mapping app to find the right spot to lay your head.