Free Time in Downtown Whitehorse Near the Gold Rush Inn

Aspire Canada Tours (ACT) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 02:22:47 GMT

Last updated: June 26, 2026

One of the advantages of staying at the Best Western Gold Rush Inn is its central location in downtown Whitehorse. During your free time, you can choose from local museums, galleries, riverfront walks, shops, cafés, and a few more active options, all within a manageable walk of the hotel.

Walking times below are approximate and depend on pace, weather, sidewalk conditions, and how much time you spend browsing along the way. Please check current hours before heading out, especially on Sundays, holidays, and outside the main summer season.

A simple downtown walking route

For a relaxed self-guided route, consider this sequence:

Arts Underground → Yukon Visitor Information Centre → Old Log Church Museum → Log Skyscrapers → MacBride Museum → riverfront / S.S. Klondike grounds

This route gives you a good mix of local art, Yukon history, downtown heritage, and riverfront scenery without needing a vehicle.

Walkable places to consider

Elements Hair Studio and Day Spa

Approximate walk from the hotel: Inside the hotel

A convenient option for guests who would like a haircut, spa service, or quiet personal time without leaving the hotel. Advance booking is recommended.

Visit Elements Hair Studio and Day Spa

Arts Underground

Approximate walk from the hotel: 2–3 minutes

A very easy stop close to the hotel, with local art, exhibitions, and Yukon-made items. Good for a short browse during lighter free time.

Visit Arts Underground

Yukon Visitor Information Centre

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

A useful first stop for maps, local information, and orientation. It is also a good place to ask about current trail conditions, exhibits, and seasonal events.

Visit the Yukon Visitor Information Centre page

Old Log Church Museum

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

A small historic site near the hotel, officially associated with the Old Log Church and Rectory. It is a good short visit for guests interested in early Whitehorse history.

Learn about the Old Log Church and Rectory

Log Skyscrapers, 208 Lambert Street

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

One of Whitehorse’s more unusual heritage sights: multi-storey log buildings in the downtown core. This is an easy photo stop and pairs well with the Old Log Church Museum.

Learn about the Log Skyscrapers

MacBride Museum of Yukon History

Approximate walk from the hotel: 10–12 minutes

One of the best indoor free-time options in downtown Whitehorse. The museum gives helpful context on Yukon history, the Gold Rush, Indigenous history, transportation, and life in the North.

Visit MacBride Museum

North End Gallery

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–15 minutes

A strong option for guests interested in Yukon and Canadian art, jewellery, carvings, prints, and higher-quality souvenirs.

Visit North End Gallery

Yukon Artists @ Work

Approximate walk from the hotel: 10–12 minutes

An artist-run gallery featuring work by Yukon artists. A good choice for guests who enjoy original local art and quieter browsing.

Visit Yukon Artists @ Work

Mac’s Fireweed Books

Approximate walk from the hotel: 5–7 minutes

A good stop for books, maps, cards, and Yukon reading material. Useful for guests who like independent bookstores and local titles.

Visit Mac’s Fireweed Books

S.S. Klondike National Historic Site grounds

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–15 minutes

A pleasant riverfront walk and one of Whitehorse’s signature heritage landmarks. Interior access can be seasonal or unavailable, but the exterior and grounds remain worthwhile for photos and a look at Yukon riverboat history.

Visit the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site page

Millennium Trail

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–15 minutes to the S.S. Klondike area / trail access

A paved Yukon River walking route suited to active guests who want fresh air and river views. The full loop is longer, so choose a short out-and-back if you prefer a lighter walk. Allow extra time for photos and rest stops.

Guest note: Wear comfortable shoes and check conditions if the weather is wet, icy, smoky, or unusually hot.

Learn more about the Millennium Trail

Black Street Stairs

Approximate walk from the hotel: 7–10 minutes to the base of the stairs

A steep public staircase from the downtown Black Street area up toward the airport trail network. This is best for energetic guests who want a short fitness climb or viewpoint-style walk.

Guest note: Not suitable for luggage, airport transfers, icy conditions, or anyone with mobility, balance, knee, hip, or breathing concerns.

Learn more about the Black Street Stairs and clay cliffs

Lumel Studios

Approximate walk from the hotel: 12–15 minutes

A memorable Whitehorse activity where guests can watch or participate in glass blowing. This is best pre-booked if you want a hands-on session.

Visit Lumel Studios

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Approximate walk from the hotel: 15–20 minutes

Located along the riverfront, this is an important cultural site in Whitehorse. Programming and public access can vary, so check current hours and exhibits before visiting.

Visit Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

MacBride Waterfront Trolley

Approximate walk from the hotel: 10–15 minutes to the waterfront boarding area

A seasonal option that can be a pleasant way to enjoy the riverfront without a long walk. Check the current schedule before planning around it.

Learn about the MacBride Waterfront Trolley

Fireweed Community Market at Shipyards Park

Approximate walk from the hotel: 18–22 minutes

A lively seasonal market with food, crafts, local products, and a strong community feel. Best if your free time happens to line up with market hours.

Visit Fireweed Community Market

Arts in the Park at LePage Park

Approximate walk from the hotel: 4–6 minutes

A close-by seasonal music and arts event in downtown Whitehorse. It is an easy add-on when dates and times align.

Visit Arts in the Park

Yukon Theatre

Approximate walk from the hotel: 3–5 minutes

A simple evening option close to the hotel, especially if you want an indoor activity after dinner. Check the current film and event schedule.

Visit Yukon Film Society / Yukon Theatre

For a light free-time outing

Choose one or two nearby stops, such as Arts Underground, the Yukon Visitor Information Centre, the Old Log Church Museum, or the Log Skyscrapers. These are close to the hotel and do not require a long walk.

For a history-focused outing

Walk to the Old Log Church Museum, continue to the Log Skyscrapers, then carry on to the MacBride Museum of Yukon History. This gives a compact overview of early Whitehorse, northern architecture, and Yukon history.

For fresh air and river views

Head toward the S.S. Klondike grounds and the Millennium Trail. You do not need to complete the full loop to enjoy the riverfront. A short out-and-back walk can be just as rewarding, especially if you want a gentler outing.

For active guests

The Black Street Stairs offer a short but steep climb from downtown toward the escarpment and airport trail area. This is a fitness-style option, not a casual stroll. Please use caution, especially in rain, snow, ice, or smoky conditions.

For a hands-on local activity

Consider Lumel Studios for glass blowing, or Elements Hair Studio and Day Spa inside the hotel for a relaxed appointment. These are best arranged in advance when possible.

A final note

Whitehorse is compact, but northern weather and seasonal conditions matter. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and a quick check of current hours or trail conditions will make your free time easier and more enjoyable.

Aspire Canada Tours Blog

Free Time in Downtown Whitehorse Near the Gold Rush Inn

A simple downtown walking route

Walkable places to consider

Elements Hair Studio and Day Spa

Arts Underground

Yukon Visitor Information Centre

Old Log Church Museum

Log Skyscrapers, 208 Lambert Street

MacBride Museum of Yukon History

North End Gallery

Yukon Artists @ Work

Mac’s Fireweed Books

S.S. Klondike National Historic Site grounds

Millennium Trail

Black Street Stairs

Lumel Studios

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

MacBride Waterfront Trolley

Fireweed Community Market at Shipyards Park

Arts in the Park at LePage Park

Yukon Theatre

For a light free-time outing

For a history-focused outing

For fresh air and river views

For active guests

For a hands-on local activity

A final note