The Edgewater Hotel at 101 Main Street is Whitehorse's boutique choice, a small downtown hotel across from the Yukon River that traces its lineage to the Klondike Gold Rush. With 33 guest rooms, it feels more personal than the larger hotels, and its guests rate it very highly. Rooms include standard queen rooms, deluxe doubles and king rooms with premium bedding, bathrobes and flat-screen televisions, plus a one-bedroom suite with a kitchen for longer stays. There is an on-site restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi, free parking, a concierge and luggage storage, and the property is pet friendly for a nightly fee. Reviewers often mention a free airport shuttle, although it is not in the formal amenity list, so confirm when booking. It is a good choice for couples and travellers who want character, a walkable location and attentive service rather than a large-chain feel.
Location and walking distances
The hotel is about two minutes on foot from the MacBride Museum, three from the Visitor Information Centre and the waterfront, eight from the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre and around ten from the S.S. Klondike. That makes it the most convenient base for a trip focused on downtown sights, with restaurants and cafes close by. Winter pavements are icy, so pack proper boots, and ask the staff about cab and shuttle options after dark.
The rooms and the building
Rooms are modest in size, around 258 square feet in most categories, so think comfortable and neat rather than spacious. Some reviewers note that the building has no elevator, so ask for a ground-floor room if stairs are an issue. Free parking is limited and street parking is metered, which matters in winter if you arrive by rental car.
The restaurant and lounge are the social centre of the hotel, but check which dining options are open during your stay, because arrangements have changed over the years. Light sleepers should know that some guests have mentioned noise from the bar next door that runs into the early hours, so request a quieter room facing away from the street.
Who it suits
Couples, history lovers and travellers who prefer a small hotel with local character to a corporate chain. It is also the best fit for those who want to walk to dinner and the museum without a vehicle. It sits at the top end of the Whitehorse price range for a standard room, though rates vary by season, and the guest scores justify the premium. Book early for the aurora season and holidays, since a 33-room hotel fills quickly.
Why stay here
- ✓33-room boutique hotel
- ✓Across from the Yukon River
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Free parking (limited)
- ✓Kitchenette suite
- ✓Pet friendly
- ✓Walk to the MacBride Museum
Good questions
How far is the Edgewater from the MacBride Museum?+
About a two minute walk, and the Visitor Information Centre and the waterfront are roughly three minutes away on foot.
Is parking free?+
Parking is free but limited, and street parking nearby is metered, so ask the hotel what to expect if you arrive by car.
Are there any drawbacks?+
Rooms are modest in size, there is no elevator according to some reviewers, and some guests have noted noise from the bar next door, so ask for a quiet room.
