Trail Series - Episode 5
Episode 5 of the short trail series
The 'Short Trail Mountain Biking Series' is a selection of short videos of some of my favourite trails. The fifth episode of the series takes in the 'don't look down' Yukon River Trail on the edge of Whitehorse in the Yukon, Canada.
The Yukon River Trail near Whitehorse, Canada, offers a captivating blend of wilderness, history, and accessibility, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. This scenic loop stretches roughly 15 to 17 kilometres depending on your chosen route. Starting near the SS Klondike National Historic Site in downtown Whitehorse, the trail quickly immerses you in the natural beauty of the Yukon River corridor.
One of the most striking features along the trail is Miles Canyon, where the river cuts through dramatic basalt cliffs. A suspension bridge spans the canyon, providing breathtaking views and a perfect photo opportunity. As you continue, the trail winds past Schwatka Lake, offering peaceful forested paths and occasional glimpses of wildlife. Interpretive panels are scattered throughout the route, sharing insights into the region’s ecology and its rich Gold Rush history.
The trail includes several interconnected segments, such as the Millennium Trail—a shorter 5-kilometer loop with historical signage—and the Tramway Trail, which hugs the cliffs near Schwatka Lake and features striking white shale terrain. You’ll also pass by the Robert Service Campground, a tranquil riverside spot that’s ideal for a rest or a picnic.
While the trail is generally well-maintained, some sections can be steep or washed out, so caution is recommended. In summer, the long daylight hours make it easy to linger and explore, while winter transforms the trail into a snowy wonderland, occasionally lit by the northern lights. Whether you're planning a full Yukon adventure or just looking for a rewarding days bike, the Yukon River Trail offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and cultural depth.
The history of gold around the Yukon River is inseparable from the legendary Klondike Gold Rush, which transformed the region from remote wilderness into a bustling frontier almost overnight. Although small gold discoveries had occurred in the early 1870s, the pivotal moment came on August 17, 1896, when George Carmack and his Tagish partners, Skookum Jim Mason and Tagish Charlie, found rich deposits in Bonanza Creek—a tributary of the Klondike River near its confluence with the Yukon. News of the discovery reached Seattle and San Francisco by mid-1897, triggering a stampede of nearly 100,000 prospectors, many of whom were ordinary workers chasing dreams of fortune in the harsh northern terrain.
The influx of gold seekers led to the rapid development of towns like Dawson City, which swelled to around 25,000 people at its peak. Infrastructure followed, including the White Pass and Yukon Route railway, which connected the port of Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, easing access to the goldfields. Though the boom was short-lived—many miners left by 1900 as claims dried up—the legacy endured. Large-scale mining operations replaced individual prospecting, and the region’s economy shifted toward other minerals like copper, silver, and lead. The Klondike Gold Rush left a lasting imprint on Canadian history, shaping the Yukon’s identity and drawing continued fascination from historians and adventurers alike.
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