Yukon Brewing is the territory's home-grown craft brewery, and its store and tasting area in Whitehorse is the easiest way to taste the north without leaving town. The brewery runs a guided tour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons at 1 pm, lasting about 45 minutes, with groups capped at 12 people and a modest per-person fee. Walk-ins are welcome when there is space, but it is sensible to arrive about 15 minutes early, and phone bookings are taken for the same or next day. The tasting area is small, with limited seating and no food, and the tap list offers samples, pints, flights and growler fills alongside seasonal beers sold in tall cans. The company also makes Two Brewers Single Malt Whisky, and samples of beer and spirits are part of the tasting experience. It suits adults who enjoy craft beer, anyone who likes to see where local products come from and travellers who need a dry, warm half hour between outdoor activities.
Timing is the thing to plan. Tours happen only on three days a week, so decide early if you want one and slot it into a Thursday to Saturday afternoon. The store itself is open seven days a week with longer hours from Thursday to Saturday, so it is a flexible stop on other days even without a tour.
Holiday hours can differ, and the brewery website posts a banner when they do, so check before a visit around a public holiday. The venue serves adults, with tastings of alcohol, so those travelling with children should treat it as a short adults-only stop.
What you will see
The tour explains how the beer is made and gives a feel for the brewery's northern identity, and tasting follows at the tap area. Expect a small, friendly, no-frills operation rather than a large visitor centre, and expect to buy a few cans or a growler to take home if you like what you taste. Seasonal beers change, so the tap list is worth a look even if you have visited before.
Who it suits
Couples and friends on a relaxed afternoon, craft beer and whisky fans and anyone looking for a local, low-key activity that is not weather dependent. Pair it with a downtown walk, the MacBride Museum or the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, and keep dinner plans flexible if the tasting turns into a longer stop than expected.
What to expect
The experience
A short guided brewery tour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons, plus a daily store and tasting area with samples, pints and flights.
Best time
Thursday to Saturday afternoons for the tour; any day for the store and tasting area.
How long
The tour takes about 45 minutes, and tasting adds another half hour or more.
Tips
Arrive about 15 minutes early, book by phone for the same or next day, remember groups are capped at 12 and check holiday hours before visiting.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adults who enjoy craft beer or whisky and want a warm, local stop.
- Families
- Not designed for children; treat it as an adults-only stop.
- Couples
- A relaxed tasting and a story about northern brewing.
- Pair with
- The MacBride Museum or the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre for a downtown afternoon.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours.
Good questions
When are the brewery tours?+
Tours run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons at 1 pm and last about 45 minutes, with a maximum of 12 people.
Do I need to book?+
Walk-ins are welcome when there is space, and phone bookings are taken for the same or next day. Arrive about 15 minutes early.
Can I taste without a tour?+
Yes. The store and tasting area are open seven days a week, with samples, pints, flights and growler fills.
Is food served?+
No. The tasting area has limited seating and no food, so plan a meal separately.
What else do they make?+
The company also makes Two Brewers Single Malt Whisky, which is part of the tasting offer.
