Runs

On the Run In… Whitehorse

December 22, 2010
By Denise McHale

While most visitors travel to Yukon in the summer, winter in Whitehorse is an undiscovered magical time of the year for the adventurous runner. Listen to the snow crunching underfoot, watch the northern lights dancing overhead and feel the crisp Northern air. Yukoners are accustomed to long winters and don’t let the temperatures slow them down. Whitehorse is a small but active and vibrant city surrounded by vast, untouched wilderness.

The entire territory has a population of 34,000, 25,000 of whom live in Whitehorse. The city was established as a trans-shipment point during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. It was originally given the name “White Horse” by the gold miners, who thought the rapids at Miles Canyon resembled the manes of charging white horses. The town is rich in history and big on adventure. Whether you’re a “Sourdough” (the term you earn after spending a full winter in Yukon), or a “Cheechacho” (visitor), a running adventure is never far away in this northern capital city.

On the Town

Where to eat

If you’re in the mood for good coffee, homemade soup, panini and giant scones, try Baked Café (100 Main Street) in the Horwoods Mall. Baked is a great place to experience the local vibe at lunch and see what’s happening in town. A couple of other great lunch or casual dinner spots with the locals include Picka-Peppa (2074 2^nd Avenue), where owner Andrea Reti brings her Jamaican roots and culinary skills to serve up delicious rotis and curries, and Sakura Sushi (404 Wood Street), which has the best spicy crunchy tuna rolls in town. If you’re craving pasta and something a little more formal for an evening out, G&P Steakhouse and Pizza (91888 Alaska Highway) serves tasty pasta and delicious souvlaki. It has a fun martini list and a good wine list, in an intimate setting with candlelight and starry skies overhead.

Running gear

For some great running gear or to pick up some gels or electrolyte replacements, stop in at neighbouring stores Coast Mountain Sports (309 Main Street) or Sportslife (305 Main Street).

To stay

For visitor information or to book accommodations, visit travelyukon.com.

Races

For a list of local races, check Athletics Yukon’s racing calendar at athleticsyukon.ca.  Every Tuesday night, from May to September, Athletics Yukon hosts 5K fun runs, and Thursday evenings, Boreal Adventure Running Association hosts a trail run. If you’re planning a vacation and looking for an amazing trail race, it is well worth the trip to Whitehorse to do the Yukon River Trail Marathon. Claiming to be one of North America’s toughest marathons, and voted as one of the top 10 trail races in Canada by Canadian Running, you won’t be disappointed. yukonmarathon.com

Routes

Short 5K - Millennium Magic

This is a nice easy, flat loop right in town. The trail was paved a few years ago and continues to be upgraded. During the winter, it’s maintained regularly. Starting at the Yukon Visitor Reception Centre, follow the riverfront trail through Rotary Peace Park, across from the S.S. Klondike, and cross the Robert Campbell Bridge. From here, you’ll start to see panels describing the route, wildlife and history of the area. The trail winds through a forest of pine and spruce bordering the Yukon River until the Rotary Centennial Bridge. In the summer months, it is worth the detour to the fish ladder, where you can view migratory fish through observatory windows. The fish ladder is also the point where you could continue on to the Yukon River Loop Trail to Miles Canyon. Cross the bridge and follow the trail past the campground. The path continues up the Robert Service Way and back to the start.

Medium 12K - Miles Canyon Madness

This is a challenging but scenic run, with some rolling hills. Start at the fish ladder and take Chadburn Lake Road, across from the blue building. Follow this gravel road up the first big hill, where you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of Swatka Lake. Continue down Chadburn for several kilometres, past the sign to Swatka Lake boat launch, proceeding up the hill to the Chadburn Lake ski trail parking lot on the right hand side. Turn into the parking and take the main trail. You’ll now be on Chadburn Lake ski trails, which you’ll follow for a kilometre or so, until you see the Miles Canyon Bridge. As you cross the bridge, you’ll get a spectacular view of the Yukon River. Take the steep trail straight ahead and turn right onto Miles Canyon Road. This road is not ploughed in the winter, so be prepared for some snow running. Follow the road as it eventually veers left and continue running by Swatka Lake, past the floatplanes, until you reach the south access. Turn right onto the road for 100m or so, and turn right again into the Robert Service Campground. You’ll hit the back end of the Millennium Trail shortly, where you’ll turn right. Cross the Rotary Centennial Bridge, where you’ll turn right again to complete your loop to the fish ladder.

Long 32K - Long and Hilly

This is a great run if you’re training for a spring marathon. It’s an out-and-back, fairly flat run, and can be adapted as your training progresses and your long run increases. Drive north on the Alaska Highway and turn left down Fish Lake Road. About 4K or so up Fish Lake Road at the top of a hill, you’ll find a parking spot on your left, the start of the Copper Haul Road, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. Snowmobilers use this road frequently, so it’s relatively packed down. Hit the trail and run as far as you like, keeping in mind you’re going to have to turn around and repeat. The trail ends at the Mt. Sima Road, which is 16K one direction. If you’re looking for some great hill training, instead of taking the Copper Haul road, adjacent to the parking lot, you can cross to the other side of Fish Lake Road, run a short downhill, and get ready to start climbing. This is Heckel Hill and is 7.2K of uphill bliss. Depending on snow levels, you may want to consider snowshoes for this one. Follow the trail as it winds its way up and up. Bring an extra jacket, as it gets windy at the top. Enjoy the view from the wind turbines.

Denise McHale is a champion ultrarunner and adventure racer based in Whitehorse.