Winter in the Yukon is quietest and most beautiful away from the road, and a guided snowshoe trip to a frozen waterfall is one of the best ways to get there. The outing leaves from Whitehorse, drives out along the Alaska Highway and then continues on foot through snowy boreal forest, with the sound of your own steps and the occasional bird the only noise. At the end of the trail a waterfall that tumbles in summer has frozen into columns and curtains of blue-white ice, and the guide lights a campfire so you can warm up, drink something hot and take your time looking at it. Snowshoeing is a forgiving activity. You do not need prior experience, because the snowshoes spread your weight and the guide sets the pace, stopping for rests, explaining the tracks and plants you see and keeping the group together. The effort is moderate rather than punishing, although there can be some climbing near the end. Expect to feel pleasantly tired and well fed by the time you get back, and to have photographs of a landscape most visitors never see.
Format and timing
A typical trip takes most of a day. Roughly two hours go on driving to the trailhead, about two hours on snowshoes and about two more at the waterfall, where the guide runs a campfire with snacks and hot drinks and you can explore at your own pace.
Snowshoes are provided, and the group is usually collected from or meets at a set point in town. The season runs through the deep winter months, so check the dates and the minimum group size with the operator before you commit, as small trips may need a minimum number of guests to run.
What to wear
This is a day of moving and then standing still in the cold. Dress in layers, with a moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid layer and a windproof outer shell. Waterproof insulated boots matter more than anything, and you should bring spare dry socks, warm gloves with liners, a hat, a scarf or neck warmer and sunglasses for the glare off the snow. Carry water and a little food of your own even though the guide provides snacks. A small daypack keeps your hands free.
How to plan around it
The outing works well on a day when you are not booked for a late-night aurora tour, because you will want energy for both. A good pairing is a snowshoe day followed by a soak at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs on the next afternoon, or by a wildlife visit at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. If your group wants something less active, the ice tower tour covers a similar theme with far less effort, and if you want more adrenaline, the snowmobile tour and dog sledding cover the more thrilling side of winter.
Who it suits
Active couples, friends, and families with older children who are comfortable walking for a couple of hours in the cold. It is not a tour for very young children or for anyone with serious mobility limits. The reward is the combination of quiet forest, a frozen waterfall and a fire in the snow, which many visitors list as a highlight of a Yukon winter.
What to expect
The experience
A guided drive, a snowshoe hike through boreal forest and a campfire stop at a frozen waterfall.
Best time
Deep winter, when the waterfall is frozen and the snow is reliable.
How long
Most of a day, with roughly two hours of driving, two of snowshoeing and two at the waterfall.
Tips
Wear waterproof insulated boots, layer up and bring spare socks, sunglasses and a water bottle.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active visitors who want a real winter wilderness day with a guide and a campfire reward.
- Families
- Suits older children who can walk for a couple of hours; not for very young children.
- Couples
- A quiet forest walk and a fire beside a frozen waterfall is a memorable shared day.
- Pair with
- The Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs the next afternoon, or an evening aurora tour.
- Time needed
- A full day, so keep the evening free or plan the aurora for another night.
Good questions
Do I need snowshoeing experience?+
No. The guide sets the pace and snowshoes are provided. The effort is moderate, with some climbing near the end.
How long does the trip take?+
Most of a day: roughly two hours of driving, two of snowshoeing and two at the waterfall with a campfire.
What is provided?+
Snowshoes, transport, a guide, and snacks and hot drinks at the campfire. Bring your own winter clothing and boots.
When does it run?+
Through the deep winter months when the waterfall is frozen. Check the season and the minimum group size before booking.
Is it suitable for children?+
Older children who can walk comfortably for a couple of hours in the cold usually do well; check the operator's age rules.
