From frozen hairdos to ski bikes, heritage railways to hidden murals, Canada's Yukon Territory serves up the unexpected at every turn. Read on for the latest quirky, creative and downright unforgettable adventures in the Yukon.

Hair-raising adventures

You've heard of bad hair days, but nothing prepares you for a hair day so epic it freezes in place. At Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, contestants in the Hair Freezing Contest relish the -20 °C temps as they contort their locks into striking head pieces – the more ridiculous, the better.

This year's winners of the Hair Freezing Contest at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs walked away with $2000 prize money for their icy masterpieces. Originating in 2011, images from the competition went viral in 2015, garnering global interest, and the event grew exponentially. A decade later, visitors flock from around the world to participate in this eccentric event and experience what it means to be a true Northerner.

Just half an hour from Whitehorse, Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs is heated by natural geothermal activity, with the hot springs hovering around 40 °C . The venue features multiple outdoor soaking pools framed by boulders, saunas and fire pits.  

Click here to see more incredible wintry hair-dos from past contests.

Meet your new winter obsession

If you love skiing and bike riding, 'snogoing' will hit your sweet spot. Jump on a Sno-Go ski bike at Mt Sima, located just 15 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, and experience the thrill of skiing with the ease of biking. The Sno-Go SLAT (synchronised lateral articulation technology) allows riders to replicate the turning and stopping power of skis and snowboards, making it easy even for novice riders to control the bike on everything from green groomers to black diamonds. With no need for bindings, you can ride in any winter boots, adding to the freedom and fun of the experience, and the Sno-Go's chairlift hook makes loading a breeze.

Whether you're new to winter sports, have limited mobility, or are a downhill mountain biker seeking a winter thrill, the SNO-GO promises to reshape how you experience the season. Visit Mt Sima's rental shop for a Sno-Go package, including the Sno-Go ski bike, lift pass and one hour lesson. 

Take a walk on the art side

Downtown Whitehorse just got a whole lot more colourful – and we're not talking about the midnight sun lighting up the sky.

A brand-new self-guided public art map is now available, showcasing 75 art pieces scattered across the city. Think bold murals, stained glass, quirky sculptures, and hidden gems tucked into corners you'd never expect. Like a treasure hunt for creativity, it's the perfect way to explore the Yukon's capital at your own pace.

Winding through downtown streets and alleyways, this walking tour offers a fresh take on the city's personality, revealing stories and perspectives that speak to Whitehorse's rich cultural landscape – from First Nations legends and Northern history to contemporary takes on life in the Yukon.

The printable map is available online here, and printed copies can be picked up at the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre all summer long. It's also great excuse to stop in and chat with local staff – they're a goldmine of local tips and hidden highlights.

The featured image is 'The Whitehorse Horse' by Daphne Mennell. Rearing up over three metres, more than 200 Yukoners from around the territory donated pieces of scrap metal for the sculpture.

Ride the goldrush rails

Ride the train along the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway and feel the desperate hope of the gold-crazed men and women who risked everything for the chance to strike it rich during the Klondike Gold Rush.

Board a motor coach at the White Pass Depot in downtown Whitehorse and cruise along the scenic South Klondike Highway to Fraser, British Columbia, where you'll connect with the world-famous train. The moment you board 'The Scenic Railway of the World' for the 45-kilometre excursion to Skagway, it's like stepping into the pages of a history book. The panorama of mountains, gorges, glaciers, and tunnels are all key players in the legends of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Take your seat in the vintage passenger coaches and enjoy the historic commentary, telling the story of this epic railway that originally stretched from Skagway in Alaska to Whitehorse. Climb nearly 900 metres above sea level, descending over The White Pass with its hair-pin turns, steep slopes and narrow bridges, where the hazards of the unforgiving Klondike Trail of '98 is worn into the rocks, paying eternal homage to the thousands of souls who perished in their futile search for gold.

History comes alive in Bennett

Alternatively, travel to the end of the White Pass, where the tiny town of Bennett, British Columbia, is the perfect pitstop to stretch your legs. This abandoned, historical town is flanked by Lake Bennett, once alive with the rafts of stampeders, who built dinghies to carry them down the Yukon River towards the gold fields of Dawson City.

Stop for a photo at the 115-year-old Bennett Station and take a stroll through the fascinating museum. Take the rare opportunity to walk the final leg of the famous Chilkoot Trail, photograph the lonely church, a lasting relic of the Gold Rush era, and soak up the sweeping views of lake, mountains, and forests. By now, you're a Klondike expert! Board the train again and enjoy the ride to Skagway, Alaska, where you'll stop for lunch before boarding a coach for the picturesque journey back to Whitehorse.

How to get to the Yukon

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada. Additionally, travellers now have the ability to combine WestJet and Air North on a single ticket or itinerary, offering seamless baggage transfer and convenience across Air North's network and more than 100 WestJet destinations.

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