The Perfect Yukon Mountain Bike Tour Itinerary
/The Top 5 Riding Destinations in the Yukon.
The Yukon Territory is quickly becoming a Canadian mountain biking hotspot. There is a lot of competition on the west coast of Canada for world class riding destinations; you would think a Territory with a population lower than the enrolment of the University of British Columbia would struggle to stay in the running. Thankfully Yukon trail builders are focusing on what the Yukon does best, ruggedness.
There isn’t much to speak of when it comes to flow trails (apart from the awesome Hammerstrand in Dawson City) so If you’re looking for kilometre after kilometre of jumps and drops, maybe stay further south. However, if you’re looking for something to test that do it all 160mm bike that is begging for some natural tech, load it in on the rack and make the beautiful drive up the Alaska Highway.
If you don’t have the time to drive, there’s no better way to get there than on The Yukon’s airline, Air North. Voted the best airline in Canada and one of the best in the world for customer satisfaction, a bike packed down into a bag will set you back $52.50 and your checked baggage is free! If you need help rebuilding your bike or getting packed away, look no further than our friends at Cadence Cycle at 505 Steele Street.
Day 1
Whitehorse - Classic Mountain bike tech with 360 degree views.
Whitehorse offers exceptional views on exceptional trails. We start our multi day Yukon MTB tours in the Territories capital. A quick scenic route along the Yukon river is our favourite way to wake up the legs after a flight and to give the bike a shakedown before heading up to Grey Mountain
Riding above the Yukon River within Whitehorse city limits
Once on Grey Mountain, we can head to mid mountain if you’re a beginner to intermediate rider or if you’re an advanced rider and want to get straight down to business we can take you straight to the steeps. Signage is limited so a guide is recommended! End the first day of incredible riding with a quick dip in the lake.
Day 2
Carcross - Single track to make you smile
Formerly known as Caribour Crossing, Carcross offers some of the funnest riding around. There’s such a diverse mix of trail and surfaces to ride on Montana Mountain that you’ll feel like you’ve ridden in 3 different bike parks in one day. From grippy rock slabs, to loose, 2 wheel drift, ear to ear smile including sandy single track to fresh loam that see’s less than 1/100th of the traffic of southern trails that it feels like its a brand new secret trail in the Sea to Sky corridor. If you’re in the Yukon for multiple days, you simply cannot miss this gem of the north. If you like to climb, you can earn your turns. If you like to get as many laps as possible, we have our dependable shuttle truck available to get you to the top quicker.
Day 3
Mountain Hero - Carcross
IMBA named this trail an IMBA Epic for a reason, it is truly an epic day of climbing, vistas, wilderness and descending. This trail is remote, get things wrong and you’ll want someone with you. That someone should have wilderness first aid training, bear training and a sound knowledge of the area. We suggest you take one of our qualified Yukon Mountain Bike Guides.
Day 4
Active Rest Day - Yukon River
You may not be expecting us to suggest this on a mountain bike itinerary but, an active rest day after an IMBA Epic trail is probably a worthwhile investment of your time to make sure you can be at your riding best for the rest of the trip. Our Yukon Canoe Guides can take you on your choice of day trip on the Yukon river or one of the many beautiful lakes nearby.
Day 5 & 6
Dawson City
The home of the Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson City’s newest rush is ripping down the Dome. If you’re into shuttling, this is one of the best days in the north. Coupled with the historic buildings, great food and accommodation and steeped in gold rush history, a 2 to 3 day trip to Dawson City is well worth the investment. Its possible to descend over 22,000ft in one day here. After that much abuse, you’re body will need some R n’ R at one or more of Dawson City’s famous establishments such as Diamond Tooth Gerties.
There are 2 options to get here (well, 3 if you include the 8-10 day canoe trip), flying with Air North or a 6 hour journey through the Yukon Wilderness on the Klondike Highway. If you’re a small group, we have a smooth and quiet GMC Yukon Denali to get you and your gear there.
Bonus Days
If you’ve got the time to stick around a little longer, there are many more trails to experience and views to soak in. Local knowledge will help you squeeze the most out of every kilometre you have in your legs.
Make 2022 the year you venture north to strike it rich on 2 wheels in the Klondike.