In a territory the size of the Yukon, how people travel is the history. The Yukon Transportation Museum, at 30 Electra Crescent beside Whitehorse airport, follows that story through indoor and outdoor exhibits on Indigenous transportation traditions, Gold Rush trails and riverboats, the construction of the Alaska Highway and the early bush pilots who opened the north by air. There is a bush pilot room with model aeroplanes, a hangar of vintage trucks, Yukon Airways artefacts and memorabilia, a model of early Whitehorse and a gift shop. The museum is run as a community heritage site, with periodic live events and programmes, and group tours can be arranged by appointment. It is a satisfying stop for anyone who likes machines and old photographs, and it gives useful context for the rest of the trip, because the highway and the airport you arrived by are part of the same story. Its location next to the Beringia Centre means you can see both on one outing.
Hours follow the seasons, so plan ahead. In summer, from about mid-May to late August, the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday during the day, and in the winter months from September to May it opens on Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons only. That winter window is short, so line it up with your itinerary rather than hoping to drop in. Admission details and any combination ticket with the Beringia Centre are on the museum and centre websites, so check them before you buy.
What to look for
The outdoor displays and the hangar are the highlight for most visitors, with vintage vehicles and aircraft artefacts that give a tangible sense of how hard it once was to cross the territory. The Alaska Highway section explains the wartime construction effort that created the road still used for the Skagway, Kluane and Carcross day trips. Allow an hour or so, longer if you read the displays or join a programme.
Who it suits
Families with curious children, history and aviation fans and anyone with a spare weekend or Monday afternoon in the cold months. If your visit falls on a Tuesday to Friday in winter, the MacBride Museum downtown is open on those days and makes a better choice. Combine this museum with the Beringia Centre for an easy afternoon covering the deep past and the modern era, and you will be near the airport hotels at the end of it.
What to expect
The experience
Indoor and outdoor exhibits on Yukon transportation, from Indigenous travel and riverboats to the Alaska Highway and bush planes.
Best time
Summer Wednesday to Sunday daytime, or Saturday to Monday afternoons in the winter months.
How long
About an hour to an hour and a half.
Tips
Winter hours are short, tours can be arranged by appointment and a combination ticket with the Beringia Centre may be available, so confirm before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, history lovers and aviation fans curious about how the north was opened up.
- Families
- Vintage trucks, model planes and big outdoor exhibits keep children interested.
- Couples
- An easy, quiet museum stop combined with the Beringia Centre.
- Pair with
- The Beringia Centre next door and the MacBride Museum on another day.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours.
Good questions
Where is the Yukon Transportation Museum?+
At 30 Electra Crescent, beside Whitehorse airport and next to the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre.
What are the opening hours?+
In summer, from mid-May to late August, it is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. From September to May it opens Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 5 pm.
What is on display?+
Exhibits on Indigenous transportation, riverboats, the building of the Alaska Highway, early bush pilots, vintage trucks and a model of early Whitehorse.
Can I visit it with the Beringia Centre?+
Yes. The two sit side by side, and a combination pass is available, so check both websites for current details.
Are guided tours available?+
Tours can be arranged by appointment or on request, and the museum hosts periodic live events.
