Miles Canyon Guide: Best Time to Visit, Hikes & Itinerary

Miles Canyon is a geological masterpiece and a historical bottleneck that once struck fear into the hearts of Gold Rush stampeders. Carved by the mighty Yukon River through a flow of basaltic lava, the canyon features 50-foot vertical walls of jagged rock that plunge into mesmerizing turquoise waters. Before the hydroelectric dam slowed its flow, this churning rapid was a treacherous obstacle; today, it is a serene yet powerful reminder of nature’s force, located just minutes from the amenities of Whitehorse.

Walking the trails here feels like stepping back into 1898. The forest floor is soft with pine needles, and the air is scented with spruce and sage. As you cross the swaying suspension bridge, the sheer scale of the landscape becomes apparent, offering a perspective that is both humbling and exhilarating. It is a place where the midnight sun keeps the shadows at bay, allowing for exploration long into the luminous northern nights.

The Devil’s Punch Bowl and The Tramway

Historically, Miles Canyon was known as the “Grand Canyon of the Yukon.” During the Klondike Gold Rush, many prospective miners lost their rafts, and their lives, in the swirling whirlpools, leading the North-West Mounted Police to enforce strict safety rules. To bypass the danger, entrepreneurs built a wooden tramway on rails to transport goods around the rapids. You can still hike to “Canyon City,” the ghost town where these stampeders camped and transferred their loads.

Geologically, the canyon is a relatively young feature, created by lava flows from the Golden Horn volcano about 8.5 million years ago. The river eventually cut a narrow channel through the rock, exposing the fascinating hexagonal basalt columns that line the walls today. This combination of volatile human history and volcanic geology makes Miles Canyon unique in the Canadian North.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge - This 1922 footbridge is the primary access point for the best views. It spans the narrowest part of the canyon and is free to access. It is located 9 km from downtown Whitehorse.

Canyon City Historic Site - A flat, 2.5 km (one way) hike from the main parking lot takes you to the site of the old tramway terminus. While no buildings remain, interpretive panels and tram remnants bring the history to life.

Schwatka Lake - Just upstream from the canyon, this man-made lake created by the dam is popular for floatplanes and paddling. It serves as the calm before the canyon’s historic storm.

Grey Mountain - Dominating the skyline above the canyon, a drive to the upper communications tower offers a bird’s-eye view of the river system. The road is gravel and steep, best suited for SUVs.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Miles Canyon is straightforward, but requires a vehicle. It is a short 15-minute drive south of downtown Whitehorse via the South Access Road and Miles Canyon Road. Note that the road down to the bridge parking lot is often closed in winter (November to April), requiring a short hike down from the highway gate. There is no public transit directly to the site, so a rental car or a guided tour is essential.

When packing, remember that the Yukon weather is variable. Even on a sunny summer day, a sudden wind from the mountains can drop temperatures significantly. Bring layers, good walking shoes with grip for the basalt rocks, and bear spray. While the area is close to town, it is still wild country, and wildlife encounters are possible. Keep dogs on a leash and stay on marked trails to protect the fragile lichen and moss.

Miles Canyon is a destination that changes profoundly with the seasons, offering a different kind of magic whether you visit under the Midnight Sun or the Aurora Borealis. Whether you are a history buff tracing the path of the stampeders or a photographer chasing the perfect light on the turquoise water, this basaltic jewel of the Yukon promises an unforgettable connection to the true North.