An Uncanny Resemblance

Meet the Arctic Winter Games mascot Michael Jay's cousin, in real life, in the flesh ... hmm, fur! Learn all about red foxes and the other wildlife that call the Yukon home.  

🦬 Explore at Your Own Pace: General Admission

The classic experience lets you discover the Preserve’s 5km loop on foot, at your own pace, helping you get those 10,000 steps in. Wander through boreal forest, past towering cliffs and open snowy landscapes all while spotting Canadian iconic wildlife showing off their winter resilience:

 It’s self-guided, flexible, no need to book in advance (just show up between 11am - 5pm any day). And it's ideal for everyone - families, teams, and solo explorers.

❄️ Add-On Winter Fun: Rentals for the Whole Crew

Want to elevate your experience? Add a winter equipment rental to your visit.

• Fat Bikes – cruise in style over snow-packed trails.

• Kicksleds – A northern favourite that’s fun for all ages.

It’s an unforgettable way to explore the loop — and a great way to shake out your legs between Arctic Winter Games events.

🚌 Stay Warm with a Guided Bus Tour

Prefer a cozy, informative experience? Our Guided Bus Tour offers:

• A heated, accessible ride around the full 5km loop

• Expert interpretive commentary

• Insider wildlife knowledge and stories

• Incredible photo stops

• 1.5 hour tour offered everyday at 12noon and 3pm

It’s ideal for visiting teams, families, and anyone wanting a deeper dive into Yukon wildlife ecology and encounters.

We recommend booking in advance as seats are limited. You can book online for your preferred date and time! 

🌟 Go Behind the Scenes: VIP Experiences

Looking for something extraordinary?

Our VIP experiences offer exclusive, private opportunities to connect with wildlife in a meaningful way. Depending on you selected tour, you may:

• Meet animal care staff

• Learn about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation stories

• Experience up close, personalized behind-the-scenes access

• View an animal feeding

Winter brings crisp air, frosted trees, and that magical northern light photographers dream about. If that's you, we suggest booking the Photo Adventure Tour.

📍 How to Get to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve

We’re located on the Traditional Territories of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. We are out of city limits and surrounded by wide-open wilderness — but still easily accessible.

🚗 By Car 

• 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse

• Free on-site parking

• Clear highway signage

🚌 Transportation Options

If you’re visiting for the Arctic Winter Games without a vehicle, check our website’s transportation partners page for:

• Local tour shuttle providers

• Taxi services

• Tour operators offering Preserve guided experiences

• Rental cars

Many Arctic Winter Games visitors coordinate group transport — it’s worth asking your host committee or accommodations provider for options.

🔗 Visit our Getting Here page online for current transportation partners and directions.

🍴 Staff Favourites: Where to Eat & Explore in Whitehorse

After your wildlife adventure, fuel up like a local. Here are a few staff-approved recommendations:

🥩 Meat Lovers:

Smoke and Sow - If you’re craving bold flavours and serious barbecue, this is your stop. Perfect stop right in between the Preserve and downtown Whitehorse after all your exploring at the Preserve. 

🕯️ A Unique Yukon Experience:

Lumel Studios & Gather Cafe & Taphouse
Pair the immersive art-meets-dining experience at Lumel Studios with incredible local food and drink at Gather. It’s a creative Yukon combo.

🏛️ Dive into Yukon History

While you're exploring:

• Beringia Interpretive Centre – Step back into the Ice Age and discover the story of the land bridge that shaped the land and the animals of the North.

• MacBride Museum – Yukon history comes alive here. And when you visit, be sure to say hi to Doug for us!

☕ The Takhini Hot Springs Road Trifecta

Make it a day and combine a visit to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve with Bean North and Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

Bean North Coffee Roasting Co.

A peaceful, locally loved café perfect for a quiet moment.  Roasted right there at the cafe, fair-trade coffee, cozy vibes, and a chance to warm up after the trail. Open daily 10am to 5pm. 

We often talk about the Preserve as a place to disconnect to connect — with nature, with each other, and with yourself. Extend that experience with a visit to:

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Soak under the winter sky, breathe in crisp northern air, and let the hot mineral waters melt away the chill. It’s the perfect complement to a wildlife-filled day. Think of it as precious, well-deserved, grown-up time - open daily 9am to 10:30pm.

If you’re visiting the Yukon for the Arctic Winter Games, take some time between events to experience the wild side of the North at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Just outside Whitehorse, it’s an easy adventure where you can see iconic northern wildlife, explore snowy landscapes, and discover a few local favourites along the way. Whether you stay for a quick visit or make a full day of it, it’s a Yukon experience you won’t want to miss.