Whitehorse Perimeter Trail wilderness guide
Protected Trail · YT

Whitehorse Perimeter Trail

The Whitehorse Perimeter Trail is a scenic multi-use trail system encircling the city of Whitehorse, Yukon, offering varied outdoor recreation opportunities through boreal forest, wetlands, and riverfront environments.

Protected TrailApprox. 500 acres surrounding trail corridor4+ Trails

Designation

Protected Trail

Total Wilderness Area

Approx. 500 acres surrounding trail corridor

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Whitehorse Perimeter Trail

The Whitehorse Perimeter Trail is a scenic multi-use trail system encircling the city of Whitehorse, Yukon, offering varied outdoor recreation opportunities through boreal forest, wetlands, and riverfront environments.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Whitehorse Perimeter Trail is an extensive network of trails approximately 38 kilometers in length, winding around the outer boundary of Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital city. The trail traverses diverse landscapes including boreal forests dominated by spruce and birch, floodplain wetlands near the Yukon River, and rolling hills that provide panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountain ranges. This multi-use corridor is popular for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and cross-country skiing during winter months. Originating from historic routes used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers, the trail has evolved into a vital recreational resource connecting local neighborhoods with natural areas, parks, and green spaces. Its relatively flat terrain with some moderate elevation changes makes it accessible to a wide range of users seeking both leisurely strolls and more vigorous outdoor exercise. Wildlife sightings are common along the trail, including moose, beaver, and various bird species such as bald eagles and great horned owls. The trail also provides access to several key landmarks such as the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and the Teslin River Trail junction. Maintenance and stewardship of the trail are managed by the City of Whitehorse in partnership with local outdoor groups and volunteers, ensuring the trail remains safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable. Year-round use and proximity to the city contribute to its popularity among residents and visitors alike, making it an important asset for community health and outdoor engagement in Yukon Territory.

Field Guide · Protected Trail
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Whitehorse Perimeter Trail

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Scenic views of Whitehorse and surrounding mountain ranges✦ Diverse boreal forest ecosystems with opportunities to observe local wildlife✦ Access to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve for extended nature exploration✦ Connects to urban parks and recreational facilities within city limits
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail
Park Recreation

Trail Running

Available in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail
Park Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

Available in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail
Park Recreation

Snowshoeing

Available in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail
Park Recreation

Nature Photography

Available in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access year-round; no permits required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Whitehorse Perimeter Trail

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Whitehorse, Yukon
⌖ 0.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitehorse, Yukon

Whitehorse offers adventurous travelers a mix of boreal forests, river paddling, mountain biking, and winter skiing. It's an ideal gateway to Yukon’s wilderness with diverse outdoor pursuits year-round.

Late spring to early fall for hiking and paddling; winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
⌖ 0.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, is a gateway to vast northern wilderness offering hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Enjoy wildlife spotting, stunning river canyons, and year-round adventure in a friendly northern town.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
MacPherson, Yukon
⌖ 8.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

MacPherson, Yukon

MacPherson, Yukon offers intrepid travelers access to remote northern wilderness with outstanding hiking, paddling, and skiing opportunities. A base for exploring unspoiled landscapes, wildlife, and rugged mountain terrain.

June to September
Explore Town
Mount Lorne, Yukon Territory
⌖ 29.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Lorne, Yukon Territory

Mount Lorne offers outdoor lovers quiet access to hiking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and paddling in Yukon’s boreal forest. Just south of Whitehorse, it’s an ideal spot to connect with nature away from crowds.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Mount Lorne, Yukon
⌖ 29.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Lorne, Yukon

Mount Lorne is a quiet Yukon community offering access to forest trails, wildlife viewing, and peaceful backcountry skiing just outside Whitehorse. It’s perfect for visitors seeking uncrowded nature and rustic outdoor adventure.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Marsh Lake, Yukon Territory
⌖ 32.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marsh Lake, Yukon Territory

Marsh Lake in Yukon Territory is a calm, scenic area perfect for paddling, hiking, and fishing. Its quiet lake waters and forest trails offer a true wilderness escape just outside Whitehorse.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Whitehorse Perimeter Trail

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Romance Under the Aurora: a Premium Semi‑Private Dome Experience in Carcross
ADVEXPEDITION
Carcross, Yukon
AttractionADV Bookable

Romance Under the Aurora: a Premium Semi‑Private Dome Experience in Carcross

A 6‑hour Premium Aurora Experience by Wild Adventure Yukon combining semi‑private heated dome viewing, gourmet Yukon cuisine, a world‑class wildlife museum visit, guided snowshoeing and an optional dog‑sled ride—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Three Days Mushing the Yukon: Huskies, Campfires and the Aurora
ADVEXPEDITION
Carcross, Yukon
DogsledADV Bookable

Three Days Mushing the Yukon: Huskies, Campfires and the Aurora

A 3‑day, 2‑night dog‑sled expedition from Whitehorse into the Carcross wilderness that puts you behind a team of northern huskies with warm camp nights, cooked meals and chances to see wildlife and the northern lights.

DogsledPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip