Caribou Crossing Adventure Tour: Emerald Lake, Sand Dunes & Carcross Culture from Whitehorse
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks on uneven sandy and rocky terrain
Overview
A six-hour day tour from Whitehorse that stitches together Emerald Lake’s turquoise, wind-swept sand dunes, Bennet Lake views and the Story Poles of Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Perfect for travelers who want vivid landscapes with cultural context and minimal hiking.
Caribou Crossing Adventure Tour: Emerald Lake, Sand Dunes & Carcross Culture from Whitehorse
Select participants and date
You step off the van and the air feels different — thinner, colder, bright with possibility. Around you, mountains press close and a ribbon of highway slides between lakes that glint like metal. This is the approach to Caribou Crossing, the small Carcross/Tagish community where roads, water and First Nations history converge. The tour spends six hours tracing that meeting point: a quick visit to Emerald Lake, a walk across otherworldly sand dunes, a scenic drive along the South Klondike Highway and a grounding stop in the village to view Story Poles and Bennet Lake.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for rapid temperature change
Bring a warm midlayer and a packable waterproof shell — northern weather can shift from sun to drizzle in an hour.
Footwear for sand and shale
Wear sturdy trail shoes with good grip for sandy dunes and rocky viewpoints; flip-flops are not advised.
Respect cultural sites
Ask before photographing people or ceremonial carvings and follow local signage around Story Poles and village areas.
Bug protection in summer
Carry insect repellent and a head net if you plan to linger near lakes in July and August.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- moose
- bald eagles
History
Carcross sits on routes used by First Nations for millennia and was a key waypoint during the Klondike Gold Rush as prospectors moved between lakes and trails.
Conservation
The area is sensitive: stay on marked trails, pack out waste, and support local stewardship efforts that protect shorelines and cultural sites.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Whitehorse
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects against cold rain and wind common in shoulder seasons.
spring specific
Sturdy trail shoes
Needed for sand dunes and uneven shorelines.
summer specific
Insect repellent
Mosquitoes and blackflies can be persistent near lakes on warm days.
summer specific
Camera with extra battery
Emerald Lake and the dunes are high-payoff photo stops; batteries drain quickly in cold conditions.