Storytelling is part of the Yukon’s soul. First Nations people handed their stories down through the generations. The Klondike Gold Rush produced writers such as Jack London and Robert Service who famously added to the Yukon’s collection of stories. The frontier has always had a special place in the heart of storytellers. And where better to uncover the stories of a place than in its museums and cultural centres?
MacBride Museum of Yukon History, Whitehorse
Housing one of the most comprehensive collections in the Yukon, you can learn the Yukon’s stories through more than 30,000 artifacts, documents, and photographs as well as special events and presentations that bring history to life.
Dawson City Museum, Dawson City
Not only is this museum housed in the beautifully restored Old Territorial Administration Building, it offers an in-depth look at Dawson’s social and mining history, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in people, pre-gold rush history, the colourful Gold Rush era, and the natural history of the Klondike.
Old Log Church Museum, Whitehorse
The Bishop Who Ate His Boots and other fascinating stories of the Yukon’s early pioneers and missionaries can be found in this unique structure, which was the Yukon’s first church.
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Whitehorse
Journey through the last ice age when an area from the Yukon to Siberia remained a glacier free giant steppe on which woolly mammoth’s, steppe bison and Yukon horses grazed. Predators were there too, including American lions, scimitar cats and the first humans to migrate across the land bridge from Siberia.
Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, Dawson City
First Nations are a vibrant and integral part of contemporary Yukon, and cultural centres can be found throughout the territory. The Dänojà Zho (long time ago house) brings to life the stories and culture of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
Yukon Transportation Museum, Whitehorse
When you’re faced with a vast and unforgiving landscape, finding ways to transport people and goods presents significant challenges. But sheer grit and determination opened the Yukon up to the world. Stampeders on foot, bush pilots, steam ships, the Alaska Highway….the stories have become an integral part of the Yukon fabric.
Da Kų "Our House", Haines Junction
Celebrating the vibrant language, culture and traditions of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations people. The centre features interactive displays, presentations and the work of local artists and artisans.
Kluane Museum of Natural History, Burwash Landing
Over 70 dioramas of animals, birds, fish and plants of the Yukon, plus displays of Southern Tutchone artifacts, tools and clothing.
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, Whitehorse
Situated on the Yukon River, this is a gathering place celebrating the heritage, culture, and contemporary ways of life of Kwanlin Dün citizens. The building was designed to reflect the traditions and landscape of the Kwanlin Dün and received the 2012 Prairie Wood Design Award. Extensive windows allow expansive views of the river and its escarpment.
Keno City Mining Museum, Keno
Catch a glimpse of what life was like in this remote community during the gold and silver mining days of the early 1900s
Binet House Museum, Mayo
Housed in a restored 1920s building, this museum features everything from medical artifacts to local permafrost studies. It gives a look inside the lives of Mayo residents and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun.
Copperbelt Railway and Mining Museum, Whitehorse
An interpretive learning experience about the Yukon’s mining and rail history. Ride on a passenger train pulled by an historic diesel mining engine (a “Loki”) through the boreal forest.
Northern Lights Centre, Watson Lake
Panoramic video and surround sound immerses you in the beauty of the northern lights.
Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre
Located on the shores of Teslin Lake, visitors to the heritage centre are greeted by five traditional Clan totem poles carved by local artists. They represent the Raven Children, Frog, Wolf, Beaver and Eagle clans. Inside, the gallery showcases both modern and traditional Tlingit arts and culture. There is also a traditional fish camp, kitchen cache and canoe shed on site.