In the depths of a Yukon winter, water is sprayed over frames and allowed to freeze into towering ice sculptures that rise like glass spires against the snow. The ice towers near Whitehorse have become a favourite winter sight, and a guided tour takes the stress out of finding them, parking in the cold and knowing what you are looking at. The towers are beautiful at any hour, but they come alive when lit, and the combination of ice, snow, darkness and stars is hard to match anywhere else in the country. A guided visit gives you more than a photograph. Your guide explains how the towers are built and grown, why the ice takes on its blue and white tones, and how winter conditions in the Yukon shape the structures from week to week. There is usually time to wander between the towers, to look up from underneath and to take pictures from different angles, and a guide who knows the site can show you the best viewpoints and warn you about slippery patches. The experience suits visitors who want something distinctive and low-effort that still feels like a proper winter adventure.
Season and timing
The towers are a winter attraction, so this is an outing for the cold months. The best conditions come when the ice is thick and the nights are long, and an evening visit adds light and atmosphere. Because the towers are sculpted from ice, the experience depends on the weather, and a very mild spell or heavy wind can change what you see. Treat the schedule as flexible, check the operating dates and be ready to move your visit to another day if needed.
What to wear and bring
Dress as you would for standing still in the cold, because photography and looking around mean you will not be moving much. Insulated boots with good grip are essential, since the ground around the towers is icy. Wear a warm base layer, a parka, a hat that covers your ears and gloves with liners so you can use your phone without freezing your fingers.
A spare phone battery is wise, as cold drains batteries quickly. A small headlamp or the torch on your phone helps on the walk in if your visit is after dark.
Planning your day
The tour is short enough to fit around other plans. Many visitors combine it with a late-night aurora tour on a different night, a visit to the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, or a morning at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. If you are travelling with children, check the age guidance and keep an eye on little hands and faces in the cold; the ice itself is beautiful but slippery, and the towers should be admired rather than climbed.
Who it suits
Couples, photographers, families with older children and first-time winter visitors who want a distinctive sight without a long drive or physical effort. It is one of the more affordable guided winter experiences in the area, which makes it a good addition to a trip built around bigger-ticket outings such as the aurora, dog sledding or a snowmobile tour. If you want a more active day on the ice, the frozen waterfall snowshoe and the ice fishing trip are the next steps up.
What to expect
The experience
A guided visit to the ice towers near Whitehorse, with time to walk between them and take photographs.
Best time
Winter, ideally in the evening or at dusk when the towers are lit.
How long
Around one to two hours on site.
Tips
Wear insulated boots with grip, a parka and gloves with liners, and carry a spare phone battery.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Winter visitors who want a distinctive, photogenic sight with no hiking involved.
- Families
- Good for older children who are warmly dressed; keep to the paths and do not climb the ice.
- Couples
- Glowing ice under a dark sky makes a quiet, romantic winter stop.
- Pair with
- A late-night aurora tour or an evening soak at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
When can I see the ice towers?+
They are a winter attraction, best when the ice is thick and the nights are long. Check the operating dates before you plan.
Do I need to be fit?+
No. It is a short, easy outing, though the ground is icy so good boots are essential.
Is it better after dark?+
Many visitors prefer an evening visit because the lit ice looks spectacular, but daytime visits show the colours of the ice well too.
Can I take photos?+
Yes, and the guide can suggest viewpoints. Bring a spare battery, because cold drains phones quickly.
Is it suitable for children?+
Older children usually enjoy it if warmly dressed. Check the operator's age guidance and keep everyone off the ice structures.
