Whitehorse is small enough that you can cover downtown by foot. A pleasant paved walkway follows the Yukon River from the SS Klondike to the north end of town.

To learn more about local history, take a volunteer-led 45-minute historical walking tour (June–Aug. Mon.–Sat. at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.) of downtown Whitehorse buildings offered by the Yukon Historical & Museums Association. It leaves from Donnenworth House (3126 3rd Ave., 867/667-4704). If the tour times don’t fit into your plans, stop by the Donnenworth House, pick up the walking tour book, and take a self-guided tour.

The Yukon Conservation Society (302 Hawkins St., 867/668-5678, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.) leads a variety of hikes, from two to six hours, several times a day in July and early August. One of the most interesting is a two-hour trip to Miles Canyon; or if the family is with you, the kids may enjoy joining the association’s Kid Ed-Ventures program for a morning. The hikes are free; bring bug spray, wear sturdy boots, and have a lunch for the longer excursions. You can also buy self-guided trail booklets at the society’s office and set out on your own.