There is a lot to do and see in Whitehorse in late winter to early spring. January and February are great for ice fishing, dog sledding, snow shoeing, snow mobiling, skiing and anything else you can think of to do in the snow!
Do not forget about the Aurora. This spectacular light show put on by Mother Nature is one of the key draws to the Canadian north during the darker months. There are also some exciting events—most notably the Yukon Quest and the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous.
Below is a list of some of the fun events in Whitehorse if you visit in January to April. There are also live music performances (Jazz in the Hall) and live theatre shows to watch.
For more information about individual events, visit the Yukon Tourism Website.
January 2017
Whitehorse Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships
12-15 January 2017
Whitehorse Curling Club, 300-1 Sumanik Drive
Whitehorse.
Alcan 200 International Snow Machine Road Rally
13 January 2017 at 8:00am
14 January 2017 at 5:00pm.
Starts on the US side of the border on the Haines Highway to Dezadeaash Lake and return.
Carbon Hill Sled Dog and Skijor Race
15 January 2017
Mt Lorne
Whitehorse.
The Carbon Hill Sled Dog and Skijor Race is a fun and friendly community-spirited event based out of the Mt. Lorne Community Centre on the Annie Lake Road.
Participants range from rookie mushers to seasoned Quest veterans. The Carbon Hill race is “The biggest little race in Yukon.”, and the inaugural race kicking off Yukon’s mushing and skijor season.
Pivot Theatre Festival
26-29 January 2017
Yukon Arts Centre, 300 College Drive
Whitehorse.
A series of solo and duo performances created and performed by five theatre artists. The festival spans seven days of diverse and entertaining theatre. Main venue will be the Yukon Arts Centre.
QuestFest
Daily: 30 January-3 February 2017
Old Fire Hall, 1105 1st Ave
Whitehorse.
Talks, presentations, art and movies about the Yukon Quest.
February 2017
Air North Challenge
1-28 February 2017
Location TBD
Whitehorse.
This event is designed to challenge participants to ski the whole trail system at Whitehorse Nordic Centre. Air travel draw prizes.
YUKON QUEST 2017 EVENTS
Meet the Mushers
1 February 2017, 6:00-10:00pm
Mount McIntyre Rec Centre, 1 Sumanik Drive
Whitehorse.
Here is your opportunity to meet your favourite musher and ask any questions. Open and free to everyone.
Yukon Quest Start, and Draw Banquet
2 February 2017, 5:00-10:30pm
Yukon Convention Centre, 4051-4th Avenue
Whitehorse.
A signature event that precedes the start of the Quest Race. Come out to enjoy a great meal and salute the mushers before they leave on the Yukon Quest.
Yukon Quest Race Start
4 February 2017, 11:00am
Shipyards Park, 2nd Ave and Shipyards Park
Whitehorse.
Watch the dog sled teams of the Yukon Quest start their epic journey. This is an exciting and adrenaline-filled event!
Yukon Quest
4-18 February 2017
Whitehorse, YT-Fairbanks, AK.
The Yukon Quest is an annual, international dog sled race that starts in Whitehorse, Yukon and ends in Fairbanks, Alaska. This is the toughest dog sled race in the world!
Available Light Film Festival
4-12 February 2017
ALFF is Canada’s largest film festival north of 60°! It is a multi-day festival that showcases international and Canadian films, feature documentaries, panel discussions, workshops and more.
Yukon Arctic Ultra
5-18 February 2017
Yukon.
The Yukon Arctic Ultra is one of the world’s coldest and toughest races. Competitors (teams or individuals) mountain bike, cross-country ski or run the Yukon Quest Trail from Whitehorse to Braeburn—which is the 160-km race, or to Pelly Farm—which is the 483-km race.
Marsh Lake Ski Loppet
11 February 2017
Marsh Lake, Yukon.
The Marsh Lake Ski Loppet is one of the most popular cross-country ski events in the Yukon. 1-km, 3-km, 10-km and 20-km races are available for everyone from the recreational skier to experienced competitors. Come enjoy the hot food, refreshments, prizes and more.
Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous
17-26 February 2017
Shipyards Park, 2nd Ave and Shipyards Park
Whitehorse.
The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous is fun for the whole family! Take part in events such as axe throwing, dog sledding, flour packing and chainsaw chucking. Or taste sweets from the Sugar Shack, watch Can Can Dancers and help elect the next Yukon Rendezvous Queen.
International Snow Sculpting Challenge
22-25 February 2017
Shipyards Park, 2nd Ave and Shipyards Park
Whitehorse.
This feature event of the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous showcases snow carvers from around the world. The sculptures are detailed and amazing! Carving starts on Wednesday, and the sculptures are judged on Saturday morning. The awards are given out on Saturday afternoon on location.
March 2017
EDI Hut to Hut
4 March 2017
Venue TBD
Whitehorse.
A family event that encourages skiers and snowshoers to visit three trail huts for treats and surprises, finishing with a BBQ at the ski chalet.
40th Annual Yukon Native Hockey Tournament
17-29 March 2017
Canada Games Centre, 200 Hamilton Blvd
Whitehorse.
Come cheer on your favourite teams and players at this famous Aboriginal hockey tournament!
Buckwheat Ski Classic
25 March 2017
Log Cabin Ski Trails
Whitehorse.
An annual ski race on the scenic Log Cabin ski trails on the South Klondike Highway.
April 2017
Spring Spruce Bog Craft Fair
2 April 2017
Best Western Gold Rush Inn, 411 Main Street
Whitehorse.
This craft fair offers a wide selection of handcrafted Yukon-made items.
Rotary Music Festival
19-29 April 2017
Various venues
Whitehorse.
The Rotary Music Festival creates venue space for young musicians to showcase their talents in piano, flute, woodwinds, voice, strings, guitar, percussion, bands, choirs, and more. Around 1,200 participants come each year for performance and adjudication. Come support young Yukon musicians!
Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast is a short drive away from any of these fun events. Book your room today, and take part in a real-life Yukon Adventure!