Epic Girls' Trip to Alaska & Yukon

From Cocktails in Whitehorse to Campfires in Haines — the Perfect Wild North Adventure

When you imagine the ultimate girls’ trip, chances are you picture tropical drinks and sandy beaches. But what if the best bonding experience takes place under the Northern sky, surrounded by mountain ranges, glacial lakes, and one unforgettable dance floor with dogs? Let me take you on our epic loop through Yukon and Southeast Alaska, featuring Whitehorse, Skagway, and Haines — a trip filled with delicious food, bucket list views, and soul-nourishing moments that will stay with us forever.

Getting There: Direct Flight to the Wild

We flew with Air North, which offers surprisingly seamless service from Toronto with a short stop in Yellowknife. Pro tip: they’re one of the last airlines to serve full hot meals, and their legendary chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to start your northern adventure.

Whitehorse: Cocktails, Canyon Views & the Most Unforgettable Bar

We kicked off our Yukon adventure in Whitehorse, the capital city with a quirky, frontier-town vibe and a surprisingly upscale food scene.

Highlights:

• Welcome Drinks at Woodcutter’s Blanket: A heritage log cabin turned into a craft cocktail bar and brewery. Try the “Welcome to the North” cocktail for a spicy-sweet intro to Yukon flavors.

• Dinner at Big Bear Eatery & Taphouse: The elote dip and inventive chicken wings set the tone for a weekend of surprisingly excellent food.

• Miles Canyon: Just outside of town, this emerald-blue canyon is a must for scenic walks and Instagram-worthy group shots.

  📸 Photo Tip: Get a shot from the suspension bridge — especially golden hour!

Then came the real surprise…

• The 98 Hotel (aka “The 98”): Part dive bar, part museum, part surreal fever dream. There were pelts on the walls, dogs on the dance floor, and a live folk duo that transported us to another era. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And it’s absolutely not to be missed.

Scenic Drive: Whitehorse to Skagway via Carcross

The next morning, we set off on the drive of dreams, winding through Carcross (snap a photo with the colorful buildings and desert dunes!) and Emerald Lake, one of the most photographed spots in Yukon.

📸 Photo Tip: Get your group photo with the electric blue waters of Emerald Lake as your backdrop. Early morning light makes the colors pop!

Skagway: Crab Benedict, Brothel Tours & Historic Train Rides

We stayed overnight in a charming Holland America-owned hotel, nestled in the heart of this quirky Gold Rush-era town. Our time here blended kitsch and class in the best way:

• Skagway Fish Company: The crab benedict brunch? Unforgettable.

• Red Onion Saloon Brothel Tour: Equal parts history lesson and cheeky fun.

• Skagway Brewing Company: Grab a pint of their signature Spruce Tip Blonde Ale.

• White Pass & Yukon Route Train Ride: A must. The historic narrow-gauge railway climbs into the clouds, tracing the same path as 1898 gold seekers.

  
  

• 🎟️ Interested in this ride? Ask me about packages that include this historic train with your cruise or land tour.

Ferry Ride to Haines: Inside Passage by Water

We took the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Haines, a short ride that felt like a mini cruise through the Inside Passage — seals, mountains, and still water reflecting the sky. It was breathtaking.

📸 Photo Tip: Snap from the deck as you pull into Haines — panoramic views of the fjords are unreal.

🛖 Haines: Yurts, Hot Tubs & Bear Country

Haines may be the most underrated town in Southeast Alaska. We stayed in a cozy yurt overlooking the Chilkat River, complete with a private hot tub, fire pit, and epic mountain views.

• Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site: We drove through this bear-viewing hotspot, hoping for a glimpse — no luck, but the scenic beauty was compensation enough.

• Campfire snacks, wine, and laughter in the great outdoors made this one of the most memorable nights of the trip.

🛣️ Scenic Return Along the Alaska Highway

On the return to Whitehorse, we took the Alaska Highway route, and words truly can’t do it justice. It was like driving through a living photo gallery, every turn more beautiful than the last.

📸 Set your camera to “landscape mode” and just leave it on the dashboard — you’ll want to capture everything.

♨️ Final Day: Hot Springs, Pasta & Farewell Drinks

Back in Whitehorse, we capped off the trip in pure relaxation:

• Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs: A stunning spa complex with multi-temperature pools, sauna, steam room, and cold plunges. Our sore hiking muscles were very grateful.

• Tony’s Pasta & Seafood House: The best Italian food in the North, with homemade pasta and a live band. We couldn’t have planned a better final dinner.

• Farewell drinks at The Dirty Northern: Classic Yukon dive bar vibes to send us off with smiles.

🎒 Ready for Your Own Girls’ Adventure to Alaska & Yukon?

This trip was more than sightseeing. It was sisterhood, surprise, and serenity in one unforgettable loop.

🌲 Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, a honeymoon, or just want a trip that’s way off the beaten path — I’d love to help.

✅ Click here to get your free Girls’ Trip Packing List

✨ Let’s plan your perfect Alaska-Yukon adventure.

🍪 And yes, I’ll make sure Air North saves you a cookie.