Every February, Whitehorse, Yukon, transforms into a hub of creativity and camaraderie during the Winterlong Music Festival. This isn’t just a concert series—it’s a gathering that respects the fierce spirit of the Yukon winter, blending local culture, raw landscapes, and vibrant music into an unforgettable experience. The Festival’s venues range from warmly intimate lounges to lively pubs, offering a variety of Indigenous and local acts, crafting a soundtrack that challenges the cold rather than retreating from it.

Whitehorse itself feels alive during Winterlong. The crisp air carries the crackle of live strings and rhythmic drumbeats, while outside, the snow holds stories—tracks of wildlife daring you to explore beyond the city lights. This event, lasting several days, is both an invitation and a challenge to engage with the season rather than endure it.

Planning your visit means preparing for a Yukon winter that’s unforgiving but strikingly beautiful. Daylight is scarce—often just six to eight hours—meaning your time outdoors may be limited but intensely rewarding. Dress in layers adapted for sub-zero temps, reliable footwear for icy streets, and plan indoor activities around the festival schedule.

The music is the heart, but exploration is a pulse you can’t ignore. Just beyond the city, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council’s trails offer forested paths where snow hushes the ground and trees stand as silent guardians. Though not directly part of the festival, these trails provide a tactile balance—a place where nature audibly breathes beneath the snow, urging you to listen.

Whether catching a set from an emerging artist inside a cozy venue or winter hiking nearby, visitors find themselves immersed in a Yukon winter shaped itself—wild, beautiful, and uncompromising. Winterlong Music Festival doesn’t soften winter’s edges but celebrates its depth, inviting you to meet the season on its own terms.