The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is a unique wildlife viewing property just outside Whitehorse, offering a close look at northern animals in large, natural landscapes. The 5 km loop through the preserve passes a mix of grasslands, wetlands, forest, and rocky slopes, and is laid out for walking, biking, skiing in winter, or joining a guided bus tour. The preserve is open year round, so you can see wildlife in every season.
Visitor parking is located at the entrance, near the main reception building. From there you can choose to explore the 5 km loop on your own or book a regularly scheduled guided bus tour. Most visits take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos and how many animals are active. Personal vehicles are not allowed on the loop itself, but you are welcome to walk, bike, ski, or use other non-motorized options, and in winter you can even rent a kicksled on site.
The preserve covers more than 700 acres and protects several distinct northern ecosystems. Enclosures are large and designed to match each species’ natural habitat, which creates good viewing and photography opportunities while still allowing animals space to roam. You may see moose, wood bison, elk, caribou, thinhorn sheep, mountain goats, muskoxen, mule deer, Arctic foxes, red foxes, Canada lynx, and Arctic ground squirrels, along with a variety of birds and smaller wildlife that make the preserve their home.
Interpretive signs along the route share stories about each species, and staff wildlife interpreters are available to answer questions and lead tours. The preserve focuses on education, conservation, and animal welfare, and is recognized as one of Canada’s accredited zoological facilities.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted anywhere on the Yukon Wildlife Preserve grounds. This helps protect the animals from disease and reduces stress for both wildlife and domestic pets, so visitors are asked to leave pets at home.
For current hours, tour times, and admission, visit yukonwildlife.ca before you go.
