Haines Junction to Whitehorse, Yukon – 6 September 2024

We (especially Derek) were looking forward to some relaxation time at the Eclipse Spa again. We stayed in the same campsite Takhini RV as we had on the way into Yukon.  It was very convenient to just walk across to the Spa. The Campground was fairly deserted but got busier that evening due to a running event that day in Whitehorse so a lot of people had come into town, and many were camping in the park. We suspected the Spa would be quite packed that day (Saturday) so we decided to go to the Yukon Preserve that afternoon instead.

We booked a bus ride through the park that stopped at all the enclosures allowing for time to get a good look at the animals and listen to some history and information being provided by Park staff.  We saw Bison, Musk Ox, various Deer, Caribou and Elk.  Also we were able to see Dall ewes and rams and Mountain goats close up. There was even a red fox that came into the Dall ram enclosure to get some water. The highlight was seeing Watson a large bull Moose as well as a one year old bull Moose with fuzzy antlers.

On Sunday after taking Jax for a walk on one of the trails around the campsite we walked over to the Spa.  It was very full and we had to wait about half an hour before we were allowed in. Luckily they had a café so we were able to get a snack while we waited. The day turned out to be just as we expected – very relaxing.

The following morning we left Takhini RV campground and moved to Caribou RV which was closer to downtown Whitehorse. After 2 days of zero cell coverage and no internet due to the amount of trees in the campground, I was anxious to get caught up on work. We booked 4 days in Whitehorse hoping to also to see some of the museums and do some of the hikes we had missed on the way in.

There was a small restaurant on the campground property so we treated ourselves to dinner. The days that followed were dedicated to work but we did take a break to go for a walk along the Yukon river and also caught up on some much needed grocery shopping.

We were lucky enough to have a relatively cloudless night while we were there and were able to capture some vivid photos of the Aurora.