Living in Whitehorse
Parks & Facilities
Trails

Trails

There is an estimated 230 km of trails of city-wide significance, and over 850 km of local and neighbourhood trails used by Whitehorse residents. The trail network within the municipal boundaries of Whitehorse includes a full range of trail types from paved trails, double track trails, natural surface single-track trails, old roads, and hinterland trails. The network reflects the unique wilderness setting of our community, and includes options for both motorized and non-motorized users. The trail network is designed to link neighbourhoods, provide access to the surrounding hinterland, and facilitate public movement about the community. An integrated trail system provides a range of recreation and transportation benefits.

Did you know that Whitehorse has approximately 33.9 km of trails per 1,000 residents? The Canadian average is 0.9 km per 1,000 residents!

Whitehorse Trail Network

Paved Trails (Type I)

The Millennium Trail is a non-motorized, multi-use paved trail that is ideal for all ages and abilities. This 5 km loop follows the embankment of the Yukon River on both its east and west sides, crossing the river by way of the Robert Campbell Bridge on the north end and the Rotary Centennial Bridge on the south end.

The Millennium Trail connects to the Riverfront Trail at the Robert Campbell bridge, providing a non-motorized route along the river in Downtown Whitehorse. For more information regarding commuting on paved trails, please visit our Active Transportation page.

Natural Surface Trails (Type II, III, IV)

Non-Motorized

Whitehorse encompasses an extensive single-track and double-track trail network throughout the city, highlighted by popular areas for recreational activities such as walking, running, hiking, bicycling, and cross country skiing.

Popular areas include the Chadburn Lake, Grey Mountain, and Mount McIntyre trails. Many trails can be accessed within a short distance from various neighbourhoods throughout Whitehorse. The extent of the non-motorized network can be viewed on the Whitehorse Trails Map.

Motorized

The Motorized Multi-Use (MMU) network permits All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use from April 1 to October 31, and prohibits their access from November 1 to March 31 each year while they are in use by snowmobiles. The network is designed to include “out and away” trails to facilitate access between urban and rural areas. The Motorized Multi-Use Trail Map provides an overview of the network. Please note: This map is currently under review.

Trans Canada Trail

The Trans Canada Trail (TCT) utilizes the Whitehorse trail network by dividing into two routes through the city. One route enters the more populated urban areas of Whitehorse, passing through the downtown area of the city, while the other provides a rural passage through the west side of City-limits. The TCT routes are displayed in the Whitehorse Trails and Motorized Multi-Use Trails maps.

Trail Etiquette

  • Leave no trace: Pack out what you pack in.
  • Share the paths and trails: Bikes yield to pedestrians. Downhill yields to uphill.
  • Mind your pets: Pick up dog waste and keep your four-legged friends under control.
  • Be prepared: Tell someone where you are going when you head out on the trails.
  • Be a good trail steward: Pass politely and say “Hi!”

Reminders for Trail Users

  • When using City trails, please remember:
    • No person shall drive an automobile on a City trail unless it was developed, designated, and approved for such a purpose;
    • No person shall make ruts or displace vegetation from its place of growth;
    • ATV operators, please check out our rider requirements and stay safe this season!
    • Snowmobile operators, please check out our rider requirements and stay safe this season!

City of Whitehorse Trail Plan 2020

The City of Whitehorse Trail Plan 2020 was adopted by City Council in December 2020. The Trail Plan identifies priorities to direct the City in future trails-related initiatives, policies and actions over a 10-year period.

Bylaws and Policies

Bylaws

Policies

Trail Development Policy

We are committed to the development and support of trail construction, trail enhancements, and trail rehabilitation and maintenance that contribute to a diverse, accessible, sustainable, and inclusive trail network. The purpose of the Trail Development Policy is to describe the policy and procedure to authorize trail construction, trail enhancements, and trail rehabilitation and maintenance on municipal and/or Crown lands within the municipal boundaries of the City of Whitehorse. To propose a new trail within city limits, please complete and submit a Trail Development Application Form to [email protected].

Trail Maintenance Policy

The objectives of the Trail Maintenance policy are to create appropriate, high quality trails within the community and provide equal opportunities for all residents to access a public trail close to their neighbourhood. This policy describes the trails within municipal boundaries that are to be maintained, and the level of service to which they are to be maintained.