The MacBride Museum of Yukon History occupies a block in downtown Whitehorse and tells the territory's story through galleries on gold, First Nations culture, policing, natural history and the people who shaped the north. Exhibits include a collection of Yukon wildlife and relics from the Klondike Gold Rush, along with historic buildings on the site, such as Sam McGee's cabin, which inspired a famous Robert Service poem. The museum is open all year, with winter hours of Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 5 pm that the museum says are currently in effect. Admission is modest, with discounts for seniors, students and youth, and children under 12 are free with a paying adult. Some of the museum's seasonal extras are summer-only and not part of a winter visit, such as the Copperbelt Mining Museum and the Waterfront Trolley. The Roundhouse tours are included with admission. It is a short walk from most downtown hotels, and it is the practical choice for a day when the weather is too cold for outdoor sightseeing.
A visit makes sense of the rest of your trip. The Klondike Gold Rush was a short, intense event that built Dawson City and drew thousands of people through Whitehorse, and the museum shows what that looked like through photographs, tools and stories. The First Nations galleries cover the long history that came before the rush and continues today, and the natural history displays help put names to the animals you may see at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Allow around two hours to see the main galleries comfortably.
Practical notes
The downtown museum is the location with winter hours, from Tuesday to Saturday. Other sites in the museum's family run in summer, so do not plan around the trolley or the mining museum in winter. Admission is charged at the door, and the museum website shows the current prices and any special event days. The location is walkable from the downtown hotels, and nearby you will find the Yukon Visitor Information Centre, riverfront trails and cafes for a warm stop afterward.
Who it suits
History lovers, families who want a warm stop with something to see for children, and first-time visitors who want context before heading out to Miles Canyon or Carcross. It works best early in a stay so that later sights make more sense, and it is a good pairing with the Beringia Centre, which covers the much older ice-age story.
What to expect
The experience
Indoor galleries on the Klondike Gold Rush, First Nations history, policing and Yukon wildlife, plus historic buildings on site.
Best time
Winter afternoons when it is too cold for outdoor sightseeing, or early in your stay for context.
How long
Around two hours for the main galleries.
Tips
Winter hours are Tuesday to Saturday, the Copperbelt Mining Museum and Waterfront Trolley are summer operations, and children under 12 are free with a paying adult.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and first-time visitors who want context for the Yukon and the Gold Rush.
- Families
- A warm, engaging stop for children, with wildlife displays and historic buildings to explore.
- Couples
- A calm, interesting museum visit before dinner downtown.
- Pair with
- The Beringia Centre for ice-age history and the S.S. Klondike grounds nearby.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
What are the MacBride Museum's winter hours?+
The downtown museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 5 pm in winter, and the museum says it is open all year.
How much does admission cost?+
Adults pay a modest fee, with lower prices for seniors, students and youth, and children under 12 are free with a paying adult.
Is the Waterfront Trolley running in winter?+
Not in winter. The trolley and the Copperbelt Mining Museum are summer operations.
What are the highlights?+
Gold Rush exhibits, First Nations galleries, police history, Yukon wildlife and historic buildings such as Sam McGee's cabin.
How long should I allow?+
Plan about two hours for the main galleries, with extra time if you read every display.
