Our Government
Sustainable Whitehorse
Active Transportation

Active Transportation

Whitehorse offers an extensive network of multi-use roads and trails for walking, cycling, and other micro-mobility ways of getting to, from, and around Whitehorse.

Multi-use pathways, including the Robert Campbell Bridge in Riverdale, are designed to be shared respectfully by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

On this site, you will find information to help you get up, get out, and get moving using healthy and low carbon emissions alternatives like walking, cycling, taking transit, and carpooling.

The proposed Transportation Master Plan has a vision for a safe, equitable, sustainable transportation network for all ages, abilities, incomes, and seasons. To learn more, please visit: EngageWhitehorse.ca/tmp

Tools and Resources

Whitehorse has dedicated bike lanes, roads with wide shoulders and multi-use trails along the Yukon River, Two Mile Hill, and Hamilton Boulevard that form the main cycling routes.

The Commuter Cycling Map highlights the routes in Whitehorse that are within approximately 7 km of Downtown, and can be used to plan the best routes. The recommended on-street routes have either wide shoulders or bike-lanes – cyclists should be aware that traffic speeds on the Alaska Highway can be 90 km/hr. There are several off-street routes that are multi-use; always stay on the right of the path and pass other users with caution and respect.

For more information on off-street routes and trail maps, please visit our Trails page.

If you can’t bike or walk, consider taking public transit or carpooling to get in and around the community. For more information, visit our Transit Maps page to plan your trip, or the Yukon Rideshare Program to connect with rides.

Safety and Etiquette Rules

As a pedestrian or cyclist, you are vulnerable road users. Protect yourself from the risk of injury. Here are some road and off-road tips:

  • Use open pathways only
  • Pedestrians should use sidewalks whenever possible
  • Cyclists should stay off of sidewalks
  • Always stay on the right of pathways
  • Use and pass on pathways in a safe, controlled, and courteous manner:
    • Cyclists advise pedestrians that they are passing (using a bell or calling out “passing on your left/right”) and yield to pedestrians
    • Pedestrians control their dogs and are aware of, and make room for cyclists
  • Cross at marked intersections such as designated crosswalks or bicycle crossings, and use arterial/collector roads
  • Follow traffic signs and signals
  • Make eye contact with drivers when crossing in front of vehicles
  • Watch for vehicles turning at intersections or entering/exiting driveways and parking lots
  • Cyclists should watch for drivers opening doors from parked vehicles
  • Plan – stay alert and always be aware of your surroundings
  • Be visible by wearing light-coloured clothing with reflective material in the dark and for cyclists, by using front and rear lights in the dark
  • Cyclists wear a helmet
  • Never scare animals
  • Leave no trace
  • Follow the Bicycle Bylaw safety requirements – it’s the law

For more information on vulnerable road user safety, visit the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals.

Access and Comfort

Active Commute Week

Thank you, Whitehorse, for participating in Active Commute Week 2024!

The winners of the ACW challenge are the Takhini/Yukon U neighbourhood and Holy Family Elementary School. Congratulations! Takhini/Yukon U travelled 1141.25 km and Holy Family Elementary School travelled 120 km using active transportation and City buses during ACW.

The winners will be treated to a BBQ lunch to celebrate their hard work and commitment.

The Marwell neighbourhood accumulated 220 km and won the most per-capita award.

Honourable mentions include:

  • Whistle Bend (614.12 km)
  • Hillcrest (500.28 km)
  • Logan (324.10 km)
  • Porter Creek/Kulan/Taylor (293.90 km)
  • Granger (274.30 km)
  • Riverdale (211.50 km)
  • Cowley Creek (121 km)
  • Crestview (115.66 km)

Whitehorse avoided about 934 kg of greenhouse gas emissions during ACW. That’s the same amount of emissions that would be released driving 4300 km from Whitehorse to Los Angeles. Way to go!

See you next year for Active Commute Week 2025. Meanwhile, stay connected at activecomutewhitehorse.ca and keep on active commuting!