Yukon Wildlife Preserve Whitehorse
Discover Yukon's native wildlife in a natural setting. See elk, moose, bison, and more at this rehabilitation preserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are more active
Yukon Wildlife Preserve Whitehorse
Best Time
Animals are more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Yukon's native wildlife in a natural setting. See elk, moose, bison, and more at this rehabilitation preserve.
"Highly recommend checking this place out! Fantastic guide and unforgettable wildlife encounters."
Book Guided Tours Ahead
Private bus tours, especially with specific guides like Brit, are highly recommended for an intimate experience.
Consider the Bus Tour
The bus tour is worth it, especially in winter, for learning and seeing animals up close.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elk and Moose Encounters
Various enclosures
Witness majestic elk and elusive moose in their natural habitat. A true Yukon wildlife experience!
Lynx Feeding Experience
Lynx enclosure
An unforgettable opportunity to see a lynx up close during a feeding session. Book in advance!
Guided Bus Tour
Throughout the preserve
Learn from expert guides and see a variety of Yukon animals on a comfortable bus tour. Highly recommended!
Walking Trails
Designated paths
Enjoy a peaceful hike through the preserve, spotting animals at your own pace. Great for nature lovers!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Best Ways to Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours Ahead
Private bus tours, especially with specific guides like Brit, are highly recommended for an intimate experience.
Consider the Bus Tour
The bus tour is worth it, especially in winter, for learning and seeing animals up close.
Dress for the Weather
Yukon weather can be extreme. Dress in layers, especially if visiting in winter.
Moose Can Be Elusive
Don't be discouraged if you don't see moose; they are naturally shy and can be hard to spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours Ahead
Private bus tours, especially with specific guides like Brit, are highly recommended for an intimate experience.
Consider the Bus Tour
The bus tour is worth it, especially in winter, for learning and seeing animals up close.
Dress for the Weather
Yukon weather can be extreme. Dress in layers, especially if visiting in winter.
Moose Can Be Elusive
Don't be discouraged if you don't see moose; they are naturally shy and can be hard to spot.
Support Wildlife Rehab
The preserve is also a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Your visit helps support their work.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Yukon Wildlife Preserve for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities and the dedication of its staff. The guided bus tours are frequently highlighted as a must-do, offering educational insights and excellent chances to see animals. While some find the moose elusive, the overall experience is described as memorable and worthwhile, especially for families and nature enthusiasts.
"Had such a great time and would go back again! We booked a bus tour, and so glad we did. The walk around the entire preserve might have taken a bit too long, but they do have bike rentals as an option. But we were glad we did the guided tour so we could learn more and ask questions. Piper was a fantastic guide and we were able to see pretty much all the animals in the preserve. Highly recommend checking this place out!"
Natalie Wong
"Excellent staff. Very friendly and helpful. We walked around as we like to hike and prefer that to the tour bus or bike. Animals were great but the moose were elusive which is normal apparently. I've been coming to Canada for 10 years now and never seen one. Maybe they are either very shy or are hiding from hunters?"
Mike Sparrow
"Tour guide was a ton of fun and very knowledgeable. Kept it fun for the kids and moved at a good pace. It was really fun to learn about all of thr animals and see most of them. Thanks for having us!"
Jennifer McCarthy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve without a car can be challenging. There is no public bus service. Some visitors recommend booking a shuttle service through companies like Whitehorse Tours. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi, though this can be expensive. Many visitors opt for guided tours that include transportation from Whitehorse.
No, there is no direct public transportation to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve from Whitehorse. You will need to arrange private transport, join a tour that includes transport, or drive yourself.
Yes, you can take a taxi to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve from Whitehorse. However, this can be a costly option, especially for the round trip. It's advisable to confirm rates with the taxi company beforehand.
The main transportation options are driving your own vehicle, taking a taxi, using a shuttle service offered by some tour companies, or joining a guided tour that includes transportation.
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is located about 25 minutes outside of Whitehorse on the Takhini Hotsprings Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is open year-round. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours, especially for specific tours or feeding times.
Admission fees can vary depending on whether you choose to walk, rent a bike, or take a guided bus tour. Guided tours, especially private ones, will have higher costs but offer a more comprehensive experience. Check their website for current pricing.
While you can often purchase tickets upon arrival, booking guided tours, especially private ones or those with specific feeding experiences like the lynx feeding, is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Yes, you can typically choose between walking the trails, renting a bike, or taking a guided bus tour. Private bus tours with specific guides are also an option for a more personalized experience.
Yes, the preserve is generally suitable for all ages. The guided tours are often designed to be engaging for children, and walking trails offer a family-friendly way to explore.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of Yukon animals, including elk, moose, bison, caribou, muskox, Dall's sheep, and more. The lynx is also a popular resident. 
Many visitors find the guided bus tour to be the most effective way to see a wide range of animals and learn about them from knowledgeable guides. Walking and biking are also options for a more independent exploration.
A bus tour typically takes about 2 hours, with stops for viewing. If you plan to walk the entire preserve, it could take longer, depending on your pace.
Yes, the preserve offers special experiences like lynx feeding sessions, which are highly recommended and often require advance booking.
Absolutely! There are walking trails available for visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace and enjoy the natural surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewing platforms along the walking trails and the stops during the bus tour offer excellent vantage points for photographing the animals. Be patient, as some animals can be elusive.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of the animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the preserve.
While the preserve aims to keep animals in naturalistic habitats, guided tours and feeding sessions can offer closer views. Always maintain a safe distance and respect the animals' space.
While not explicitly advertised as photography tours, private guided tours can sometimes be tailored to photography interests, allowing for more time at specific viewing spots.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best lighting conditions for photography and can also be times when animals are more active.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Walking the trails is another enjoyable option for families, allowing kids to explore at their own pace. Pack snacks and drinks, and be prepared for varying weather conditions. The chance to see animals like elk, bison, and even the elusive lynx makes for an exciting and memorable family outing in the Yukon.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
While a guided tour can offer valuable insights, the freedom of walking allows you to linger at viewpoints that capture your interest or wait patiently for a shy animal to appear. Consider bringing a good pair of binoculars and a field guide to enhance your solo exploration and identification of the diverse flora and fauna.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 While the preserve is not a zoo, the designated viewing areas and tour stops offer good vantage points. Using a telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture detailed images of the wildlife from a respectful distance.Consider booking a private guided tour if possible, as this might allow for more flexibility in terms of time spent at specific locations, which can be beneficial for capturing the perfect shot. Early morning or late afternoon light can also enhance your photography, so plan your visit accordingly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
Spanning over 700 acres, it provides a semi-natural habitat for a variety of animals, including elk, moose, bison, caribou, muskox, Dall's sheep, and more. The preserve's mission is to educate the public about Yukon's wildlife and the importance of habitat preservation, making it an educational and engaging destination for visitors of all ages.Visitors can choose to explore the preserve in several ways. The guided bus tour is a popular option, offering insights from knowledgeable guides who can help spot elusive animals and share fascinating facts about their behavior and conservation status.
The preserve is open year-round, meaning you can experience its wonders in any season. Winter offers a starkly beautiful landscape and the chance to see animals adapted to the cold, while summer brings lush greenery and more active wildlife. Regardless of when you visit, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve provides an authentic and memorable encounter with the wild heart of the Yukon.
+1Maximizing Your Wildlife Viewing Experience
If you opt for walking or biking, patience is key. Animals like moose can be particularly elusive, and spotting them often depends on luck and timing.
Don't forget to inquire about special feeding experiences, such as the lynx feeding. These events offer a unique opportunity for closer observation and are often highlights for visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit