Miles Canyon

Trail · Yukon — Kluane & Interior

The Yukon River narrows through a basalt-walled canyon just south of downtown Whitehorse, crossed by the Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge and looped by a trail along both rims. Balsam poplar and aspen at the canyon edge turn gold through September above water that swamped gold-rush boats bound for Dawson in 1898, before police began regulating passage through the rapids below.

Best for: a short walk near Whitehorse

Don’t miss

  • Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge
  • Basalt canyon walls
  • Aspen color along the rim trail
2026 Forecast

Peak: August 31–September 4

Color builds from August 18 · mostly bare by September 21

Color starts: August 18Peak: September 2Bare: September 21AugustDecember

Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Miles Canyon’s own coordinates and elevation (674 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.

Miles Canyon on the map

More things to do in Yukon — Kluane & Interior

Kluane National Park and Reserve

National park

Typically September 8–September 14

Mount Logan, Canada's highest peak, anchors a park that's 83 percent ice and rock, but the accessible eastern edge along Kathleen Lake turns color fast in the short subarctic autumn. Willow and dwarf birch on the King's Throne trail above the lake go red and gold by early September, with balsam poplar and trembling aspen following in the valley below.

Don’t miss: Kathleen Lake day-use area · King's Throne trail willow color · Mount Logan icefields backdrop

Sheep Mountain / Kluane Lake Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Typically September 8–September 14

A pullout on the Alaska Highway above Kluane Lake, the largest lake entirely within Yukon, facing the bare slopes of Sheep Mountain (Thechal Dhal) where Dall sheep graze above the treeline. Willow and dwarf birch on the flats below the highway turn red and gold in the first half of September, framed by the turquoise lake and the Kluane Ranges beyond.

Don’t miss: Dall sheep on Sheep Mountain · Kluane Lake shoreline color · Alaska Highway pullout

See all things to do in Yukon — Kluane & Interior →

Frequently asked

When does Miles Canyon peak in 2026?
Peak color is predicted for August 31–September 4 (best estimate September 2). Color starts around August 18 and is mostly bare by September 21.
What is Miles Canyon best for?
A short walk near Whitehorse.
See it on the map

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