Midnight Sun Inn

Midnight Sun Inn takes its name from the Yukon summer, when the sun barely sets and the hours of light seem endless. It sits at the budget end of the Whitehorse range, so it appeals to road-trippers, backpackers, families watching their spending and anyone who plans to spend most of the day outdoors. Rooms, facilities and extras change over time, so check when you book what is included before comparing it with other places in town.Whitehorse is the Yukon capital and the main stop on the Alaska Highway, so many visitors need just a night or two on the way to Dawson City, Alaska or the Kluane region. Others come for the wildlife, the history and the winter sky. Either way, a modest inn that keeps costs down can free up money for the things that matter here: tours, a boat trip on the river, hot springs or a dog sledding outing.

Budget travel in the north has its own logic. Distances are long, fuel and food cost more than in the south, and good tours are not cheap, so saving on the bed makes sense. Look for a clean, quiet room with reliable heating and somewhere to park, and you will usually have what you need. The real experience is outside: the Yukon River and Miles Canyon, the Beringia Centre and its ice-age story, the S.

S. Klondike sternwheeler, and the wide skies above town on a clear night.Seasons change the picture dramatically. From June to August, the very long days let you start late and finish late, and the roads are open for the classic loop to Carcross and Emerald Lake. In winter, temperatures can drop far below freezing, vehicles need extra care, and aurora viewing is the major draw.

If you are driving yourself, ask about parking and plug-in options, and allow extra time for travel on icy roads. If you are relying on tours, ask your operator where pickups happen and whether late returns are possible.Who is this for? It suits independent travellers, couples on a modest budget, families who need practical space, and groups of friends travelling together. It is less suitable if you want a restaurant, a spa or a lively lobby, in which case compare the full-service hotels listed alongside it.

Check the details when you book, including bed types, breakfast arrangements and any extra charges for parking or pets. Book early for July and August, when Whitehorse is at its busiest, and for the aurora months from late August onwards. If you can, add a night to your plan, because the Yukon is better enjoyed slowly and a small buffer protects you from delayed flights or road closures.