The people part
The Yukon is one of the safest places in Canada to travel. Whitehorse has a population of 28,000 and a violent crime rate that mostly reflects domestic issues rather than anything a visitor encounters. Nobody is pickpocketing you. Nobody is scamming you at the airport. Doors are often unlocked in small communities. The social issues that exist — housing, addiction, colonial legacy — are visible in downtown Whitehorse but don’t translate to tourist risk. Common sense is enough.
The four things that actually kill people
1) Wildlife — grizzlies, black bears, moose, bison on highways. Carry bear spray on any trail, do not run, and never approach a moose calf. 2) Cold — hypothermia at -30°C is 20 minutes if you break down without gear. Always tell someone your route. 3) Water — Yukon River currents are deceptive and the water is 5°C. Wear a PFD, always. 4) Driving distances — Whitehorse to Dawson is 6 hours with almost no gas stations. Fill up whenever you see a pump.
Winter specifics
If you visit November to March, respect the cold. Rental cars must have block heaters (they do; plug them in at your hotel — that is what the parking-lot outlets are for). Dress in three layers, always carry a down jacket even for a 5-minute walk to dinner, and never travel between towns without an emergency blanket, snacks, and a full tank. Cell service disappears on most highways. Satellite messengers (inReach) are $15/day to rent and worth it for any winter drive outside Whitehorse.
Questions, answered
Hotels in Yukon
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