Yukon Wildlife & Nordic Hot Springs Experience

If you’re considering a trip to the Yukon and want to combine wildlife viewing with some serious relaxation, the Yukon Wildlife & Nordic Hot Springs Experience offers just that. This five-hour tour promises a close encounter with iconic northern animals followed by a soothing soak in mineral-rich waters — a unique blend of adventure and leisure. Based on multiple reviews and detailed descriptions, this tour is perfect for travelers who crave authentic wilderness immersion but also want a chance to unwind in comfort.

What we love about this experience is its well-balanced approach: a guided wildlife tour provides genuine insights into the local ecosystem, while the hot springs offer a peaceful retreat in nature’s embrace. The second standout feature is the expert guidance, which brings the region’s stories and ecology to life in a friendly, accessible way. A potential drawback? The hot springs are adult-only; if you’re traveling with children under 18, you’ll need to look for alternative options. This tour suits those who enjoy nature, wildlife, and a touch of luxury — perfect for couples, solo travelers, or small groups seeking a well-rounded Yukon adventure.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines wildlife viewing with relaxing hot springs.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance understanding of Yukon’s ecology.
• Authentic Encounters: Close-up views of animals like muskox, caribou, and mountain goats.
• Adult-Only Hot Springs: A peaceful, mature environment designed for relaxation.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind.
• Small Group: Limited to nine participants, ensuring personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

This five-hour tour is designed to maximize your Yukon experience without feeling rushed. It begins with a pick-up at one of eight convenient locations in Whitehorse, which makes it easy to join regardless of where you’re staying. The first major stop is the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where a two-hour guided tour offers intimate views of the territory’s most beloved animals.

The Wildlife Preserve: A Window into the North

The preserve is a carefully maintained environment where animals like wood bison, elk, muskox, woodland caribou, and mountain goats roam as they would in the wild. What makes this stop special is the opportunity for close-up wildlife viewing without disturbing the animals — a genuine chance to see them in natural settings. The guides, who are regional experts, make these moments engaging by sharing stories and facts that deepen your understanding of the Yukon’s ecological tapestry.

One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained the animals’ behaviors, making the experience both fun and educational.” The preserve’s wide-open landscapes and forested trails provide a scenic backdrop as you absorb the stories of how these animals survive and coexist in the harsh northern environment.

The Hot Springs: A Tranquil Finale

After about two hours at the preserve, the tour continues to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, just outside Whitehorse. Here, you switch gears from exploration to relaxation, enjoying roughly 2.5 hours soaking in naturally heated mineral pools surrounded by boreal forest and mountain views. The waters are rich in minerals, promising both physical and mental benefits, especially after a day of wildlife spotting.

The hot springs are designed with outdoor serenity in mind, offering plunge pools, relaxation areas, and scenic vistas. The experience is reminiscent of traditional Nordic bathing, emphasizing health, wellness, and connection with nature. Be aware that the hot springs are adults-only, so families with children under 18 will need to plan accordingly.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation is comfortable, with a small group size (up to nine people), ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience. The tour’s flexible booking system allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is a real plus given unpredictable weather or changing travel plans.

Since the tour lasts about five hours, it fits well into a day’s itinerary, especially for those based in Whitehorse. The pickup and drop-off locations are centrally located, making it convenient to start and end your day without extra hassle.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Travelers Say About This Tour

Reviews highlight exceptional value for money, with travelers appreciating the combination of wildlife and relaxation. One traveler noted, “The wildlife tour was insightful, and the hot springs were a perfect way to unwind — a real highlight of our trip.” Several reviews mention the small group size and the attentiveness of the guides, which makes the experience more personal and engaging.

Some have pointed out that the adult-only policy at the hot springs might be a surprise if you’re traveling with family, but for those seeking peace and quiet, it’s a definite plus. The flexible cancellation policy also adds peace of mind, allowing travelers to plan without stress.

Deep Dive: Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For the price, you get both an educational wildlife experience and a luxurious soak — a rare combination that’s often offered separately. The guided tour enhances the experience by providing context that you wouldn’t get exploring alone, making the animal sightings more meaningful. The hot springs, in turn, provide a genuine wellness experience, with mineral waters proven to have therapeutic qualities.

Given the reviews and the detailed itinerary, this tour provides excellent value for travelers who want a well-rounded Yukon experience. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate small-group intimacy and expert guidance, ensuring you don’t just see animals but learn about them in a meaningful way.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who also value relaxation. It’s perfect if you want to combine a taste of Yukon’s wilderness with a peaceful spa-like experience. If you prefer family-friendly activities, you might want to look for options that allow children, as the hot springs are restricted to adults.

Travelers looking for a balanced day trip that offers both education and rejuvenation will find this tour to be a highly satisfying choice. It’s also great for those who prefer small-group settings over large tours, as the limited number of participants means more personalized interaction.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This tour strikes a good balance between wildlife observation and relaxing wellness, making it a unique way to experience Yukon’s natural beauty. Expect genuine encounters with animals in habitats that mimic their natural environment, combined with the chance to unwind in mineral pools surrounded by unspoiled landscapes.

The value for money is hard to beat, especially given the quality of guides, the scenic beauty, and the luxury of the hot springs. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a well-rounded, authentic Yukon experience that appeals to the senses and the mind.

If you’re after a day that offers both adventure and peace, this tour can be a memorable highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, with pickups at several centrally located spots in Whitehorse. The tour uses an Epic North vehicle to ensure a comfortable ride.

How long does the wildlife tour last?
The guided wildlife portion lasts about 2 hours, giving plenty of time to see a variety of animals and hear insightful stories from the guide.

Can children join this tour?
No, the hot springs are adult-only, so children under 18 are not permitted at the hot springs. However, there is a separate tour option for wildlife-only visits if traveling with minors.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear for the hot springs. Dress appropriately for outdoor activities and weather, and wear comfortable shoes for walking at the preserve.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

How big are the group sizes?
The tour is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience and better interaction with the guide.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The description doesn’t specify accessibility details, but the outdoor nature of the activities suggests some walking is involved. Check with the provider if you have specific mobility concerns.

How does the hot springs experience differ from other thermal baths?
The Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs offers outdoor mineral pools in a natural setting with mountain views, inspired by Nordic traditions — a peaceful, scenic soak rather than a crowded spa.

Is this tour worth the cost?
Based on reviews and content, it provides excellent value by combining wildlife viewing with a relaxing hot springs experience in a small-group setting, making it a worthwhile investment for a memorable Yukon day.

To sum it up, the Yukon Wildlife & Nordic Hot Springs Experience offers a thoughtfully curated taste of northern wilderness paired with genuine relaxation. It appeals to those who want to see the animals that define Yukon’s landscape while also taking time to unwind in mineral waters amidst stunning scenery. With small-group intimacy, expert guides, and flexible booking, it’s a tour that balances adventure with comfort, providing a well-rounded Yukon experience that’s both educational and rejuvenating.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby