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Canada
Yukon
Yukon

Miles Canyon – Whitehorse

Moderate

4.8

(10)

36

hikers

Miles Canyon – Whitehorse

04:19

16.6km

100m

Hiking

Whitehorse, an iconic Yukon city, owes much of its beauty to the river from which this northern Canadian territory takes its name. A symbol of this environment, Miles Canyon is a superb hiking destination. Whitehorse doesn't have a working train station nearby. The easiest way to get there is by plane and then by bus to the city center.

If you need information about the region, a Yukon visitor center is located right next to the trailhead. Then, follow the river and cross it at the Rotary Centennial Bridge. This is where the dam that shaped the city's landscape is located, creating the artificial Schwatka Lake, which you'll follow for several kilometers. At the entrance to Miles Canyon, the shoreline narrows to form stunning gorges with emerald-green waters.

To return, cross the canyon via a beautiful suspension bridge. The return journey is on the opposite bank. Once you've completed the loop, take advantage of downtown to recharge. This hike is relatively long. It can be done in a day, but don't forget to bring a snack or even a packed lunch for midday.

by

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

376 m

Yukon Visitor Information Centre

Highlight • Rest Area

The Yukon Visitor Information Centre in Whitehorse is one of six visitor centers in the province. It is located downtown between 2nd Avenue and the Yukon River and is open year-round, with varying hours during the summer and winter months.

For more information, visit: travelyukon.com/en/get-information/visitor-information-centres

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

3.07 km

Whitehorse Dam

Highlight • Structure

The Whitehorse Rapids Dam was built between 1957 and 1958 to supply electricity to a growing population in the Yukon via the Whitehorse hydroelectric power station. In summer, the four turbines can generate up to 40 MW of electricity. In winter, with lower flow in the Yukon River, only about 25 MW can be produced.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3

3.87 km

Schwatka Lake

Highlight • Lake

Schwatka Lake is a reservoir created in 1958 by damming the Yukon River south of Whitehorse. The water in the reservoir is used for hydroelectric power generation. The White Horse Rapids, which gave the city its name, disappeared with the creation of the reservoir.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwatka_Lake

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

8.21 km

Miles Canyon

Highlight (Segment) • Canyon

Before the Whitehorse Dam was built, the canyon was home to rapids. Today, its calm waters are an extension of Lake Schwatka. The setting they form with the basalt walls of the gorge is perfect for peaceful hiking.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

9.06 km

Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge spans the emerald-green waters of the Yukon River where it flows through the volcanic rock walls of Miles Canyon. The bridge was built in 1922 to help cross the Yukon River before there were any nearby roads. Today's modern suspension bridge was built in the same spot and is a pedestrian-only bridge that gently sways.

Tip by

6

12.6 km

Whitehorse Water Aerodrome

Highlight • Structure

The Whitehorse Water Aerodrome is a seaplane base on Schwatka Lake, south of Whitehorse. The airport is managed by Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

16.6 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.12 km

6.27 km

2.66 km

597 m

Surfaces

7.04 km

6.31 km

2.20 km

491 m

452 m

158 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Weather

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Monday 13 July

21°C

7°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Comments

May 28, 2023,🇨🇦 YT - Whitehorse - Miles Canyon Loop
Miles Canyon is located about 7 km south of downtown Whitehorse on the Yukon River. The White Horse Rapids and Miles Canyon posed a major challenge for prospectors en route to the Klondike Gold Rush. The rapids are the reason for the founding of the town of Closeleigh further north on the Yukon River. She was later renamed Whitehorse.
Although …

Showing Translation

February 13, 2026

Whitehorse, an iconic Yukon city, owes much of its beauty to the river from which this northern Canadian territory takes its name. A symbol of this environment, Miles Canyon is a superb hiking destination. Whitehorse doesn't have a working train station nearby. The easiest way to get there is by plane

Translated by Google •

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Moderate

4.8

36

Miles Canyon – Whitehorse

04:19h

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100m

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