In September, when the Yukon and Alaska blaze with autumn colors, this exceptional journey invites you to discover one of the most beautiful spectacles in the North. Between endless valleys, mountains sculpted by glaciers, and golden light, each day becomes an immersion in a magnificent and pristine natural world.
In September, when the Yukon and Alaska blaze with autumn colors, this exceptional journey invites you to discover one of the most beautiful spectacles in the North. Between endless valleys, mountains sculpted by glaciers, and golden light, each day becomes an immersion in a magnificent and pristine natural world.
It’s also one of the best seasons to hope to observe the iconic wildlife of the North. Bears still take advantage of this period of abundance before winter, while bighorn sheep frequent the open slopes and alpine heights, sometimes offering breathtaking scenes in spectacular settings. Each outing offers the possibility of a memorable encounter, always guided with respect, patience, and keen observation.
Designed for travelers seeking authenticity, wild beauty, and exclusive experiences, this trip between the Yukon and Alaska combines comfort, emotion, and immersion. More than a journey, it’s a rare escape to the heart of the vast northern wilderness, where autumn reveals all its power and elegance.
Trip highlights:
- Autumn light and colors
- Small group for a unique experience (max 6 people)
- Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including bears and bighorn sheep
- On-foot exploration in a wild setting
- Experience life in the Far North in a cozy cabin setting
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival in Whitehorse
Participants arrive in Whitehorse the day before the tour date and spend the first night at the hotel (included), to rest from the journey and prepare for the adventure.
Day 2 – Departure for the wild heart of the Yukon
Meet your naturalist guide in the morning for a trip overview and briefing on upcoming wildlife sightings.
After any additional shopping you might need, depart along the legendary Alaska Highway towards Kluane Lake. The drive itself is an immersive experience: vast glacial valleys, vibrant boreal forests, and your first chance to spot moose or bison.
Check into your lodge overlooking the mountains of Kluane National Park. Your first nature outing is possible, depending on the schedule.
In the evening, join us for a wildlife viewing excursion: if conditions are right, you’ll have your first chance to see the Northern Lights.
Days 3 to 6 – Kluane Park Wild Exploration
The following six days will be punctuated by various outings at sunrise or earlier to reach sites bathed in beautiful light and increase your chances of encountering wildlife. We have the opportunity to encounter bears, bison, coyotes, Dall sheep, lynx, wolves, moose, elk and many others.
We will try to observe the elk bellowing during this rutting season, join the bighorn sheep herd in the mountains, and watch the grizzly bears foraging for and eating berries. We will also have the chance to admire the magnificent autumn colors in this northern landscape.
Before each outing, breakfast will be provided, and a packed lunch will be given to each of you. Dinner will be shared around the table with a magnificent view of the Kluane National Park mountains and the lake. It will be a time to discuss and debrief the day and plan the next day.
Day 7 – Drive to Alaska and Haines
Departure at sunrise for Alaska (Haines), where we will spend the rest of our stay. Along the way, we will keep a sharp eye out for wildlife sightings.
We’ll settle into our accommodation and then we’ll go in search of grizzly bears fishing for salmon that run up the rivers at this time of year.
Days 8 to 10 – In the Kingdom of the Grizzlies
We will get up before dawn to go to the riverbank to see the first bears until late morning, then we will have breakfast. Afterwards, we will go for a walk in other areas before lunch in town. The early afternoon will be free before we head out again to see more bears and return to the riverbank from morning until nightfall. We will return to town for dinner and then back to our accommodation. I am open to suggestions if the group would like to do anything in particular.
Day 11 – Return to Whitehorse
This last day in Haines will begin like the previous ones, and then in the late morning, we will drive back to Whitehorse. We will take our time on the road in case we have any other encounters. We will arrive at the Whitehorse hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 12 – Departure from Whitehorse
After these days immersed in the heart of the vast northern wilderness, it’s time to head to Whitehorse Airport for departure. The end of the trip marks the return home, carrying with us powerful images, precious memories, and the profoundly impactful experience of wild nature.
