A day that swaps screen time for fur and steam. This guided combo pairs a Yukon Wildlife Preserve visit with a soak at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, one of Whitehorse’s most relaxing contrasts. You get expert guiding in English, plus admission handled for both stops.

I like how it’s built for real viewing, not just a quick drive-by. The wildlife preserve time gives you a chance to spot northern mammals in their natural setup, and the hot springs stop is long enough to actually unwind in the rock pools.

One thing to consider: this experience depends on good weather, so if conditions are off, your plans may shift.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Two included admission tickets so you’re not hunting down prices at each stop.
• Small group max of 9, which helps you hear the guide and ask questions.
• Yukon’s only hot springs at Eclipse, with four rock pools of natural hot spring water.
• Towels provided for the hot springs, which saves packing space.
• Air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your hotel lobby area in Whitehorse.
• Cozy sauna/heat rooms and drinking water on-site, based on what I found people praising most.

From Mammals to Nordic Soaks in 5–6 Hours

This is the kind of tour that feels like a reset button. First you’re out for wildlife viewing at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, then you’re soaking at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, Yukon’s only hot springs facility. The schedule is tight enough to be efficient, but not so rushed that you never catch your breath.

I like that the pace respects both halves of the day. You spend a solid block at the preserve (about 1 hour 30 minutes), then shift gears into relaxing time (about 2 hours) at the hot springs. For many visitors, that rhythm is the whole point.

You should also know it’s adults only. If you’re traveling with kids, this one won’t fit. If you want a quieter, more relaxed group vibe, that adult-only format is often a plus.

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve: Northern Mammals Up Close

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is designed for wildlife viewing in a realistic setting. You’re not just looking at animals behind barriers; you’re visiting a property built to showcase 12+ species of northern Canadian mammals in their natural environment. That matters because it changes your expectation from spotting to observing.

Plan for this stop to feel educational. Based on the praise for the guide, you can expect a good mix of animal spotting and context about Whitehorse and the surrounding region. If your brain likes facts as much as it likes photos, you’ll probably have a good time here.

What You’ll Likely Do Here

At a high level, you’ll be:

• Touring the preserve at a steady walking pace
• Watching for the mammals the property is known for
• Asking questions during the guided portion

You don’t need to be a hardcore wildlife expert. This isn’t an all-day expedition where you have to identify every species with binoculars. It’s more about getting real exposure to northern wildlife in a guided, structured visit.

A Practical Consideration

Wildlife viewing always has a weather element, but the bigger issue is mindset. You’re in northern country, and animals don’t treat tourists like appointment calendars. Bring patience. Even if sightings vary, the experience still has value because you’re learning what to look for and why.

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs: Yukon’s Only Soak Stop

After the preserve, you head to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, and the mood changes fast. Eclipse is Yukon’s only hot springs, and it’s set up around four luxurious rock pools filled with natural hot spring water. That’s not a minor detail. Real hot springs water is the difference between a casual dip and a genuine, body-saying-thank-you soak.

Why the Hot Springs Portion Works

The hot springs time is about 2 hours, which is long enough to do more than a quick rinse. Many spas feel too short for recovery. This one gives you room for a full soak, then a bit of time to reset and cool down at your own speed.

People also spotlight the comfort features inside the facility. You’ll find cozy sauna rooms and heat rooms, plus complimentary water to drink at the location. That combination is simple but smart, especially if you’re coming in from the cold.

What You’ll Enjoy Most

• The rock pools and natural hot spring water
• The ability to relax without rushing
• The indoor warmth options for getting comfortable between soaks

One Thing to Be Ready For

Hot springs are great, but they can be hard on your schedule if you arrive stiff and stressed. This is the kind of stop where you’ll feel best if you treat it like a real break, not a checkbox. Give yourself a few minutes to settle in, even if you feel like you’re late.

Pickup, Timing, and a Small Group That Feels Manageable

Start time is 1:00 pm. The tour is about 5 to 6 hours in total, which is a solid chunk of your afternoon and evening planning. You’ll want to plan a slow morning or a simple lunch, because you’ll likely be ready to move into relaxation mode after the hot springs.

Pickup is offered, and you should be ready about 10 minutes before departure in your hotel lobby. You’ll look for an Epic North van. This level of clarity helps you avoid the classic travel problem where you stand outside, cold and confused, playing tour-waiting roulette.

The group size is capped at 9 travelers. In practice, smaller groups usually mean:

• Easier guide communication
• Better chances to hear animal explanations
• Less time lost to crowd wrangling

Also, the tour runs in English and includes an expert tour guide. In the praised experiences, people specifically mentioned a guide named Rick who was strong on wildlife preserve details and Whitehorse context. If you like guides who can connect what you’re seeing to the place you’re in, that’s a good sign.

What’s Included (and What You Can Leave at Home)

This tour is priced at $186.13 per person, and the inclusions matter because they remove a chunk of decision-making.

Included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Expert tour guide (English)
• Entrance fees to Yukon Wildlife Preserve
• Entrance fees to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs
• Towels to use at the hot springs

Not included:

• Any private expense

Value Check: Does $186.13 Make Sense?

For a short, guided combo tour, I think the price is reasonable because you’re paying for two separate admission entries plus guided transport. You’re also getting towels taken care of, which sounds small until you’re packing and trying to travel light.

It’s not the cheapest option in Whitehorse, but it’s also not purely a transfer service. You’re buying expert guiding and structured time at both stops, with the hot springs component being the biggest “value anchor” for many people. If you’re the type who would otherwise pay for entry somewhere and then feel rushed, this setup can feel like a clean, one-price deal.

What You Should Bring

Even though towels are provided, I’d still bring the usual hot-springs basics:

• Swimwear you’re comfortable changing in and out of
• A small bag for damp items
• A layer for afterward, because moving from warm water to cooler air is a thing

If you like photos, bring your camera plan too. You’ll likely want shots of wildlife areas and then the indoor hot springs spaces.

Weather Rules and How to Plan Around Them

This experience requires good weather. That means your day might be adjusted if conditions aren’t right, and you should be ready for it. The good news is that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll typically get offered another date or a full refund.

Minimum travelers can also affect whether the tour runs. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll get offered a different date/experience or a full refund. This is standard for smaller-group tours, but it’s still worth noting so you don’t build your whole trip day around a single afternoon.

If you’re planning your schedule, I recommend leaving some flexibility. Think of this as a bonus afternoon that pairs well with other Whitehorse activities rather than the single keystone block.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a great match if you want:

• A guided wildlife experience without doing a DIY driving-and-parking puzzle
• An actual hot springs soak, not just a quick look
• A small group vibe with an English-speaking guide

It also works well if you want to combine “learn and look” with “relax and reset” on the same day. The preserve gives you the northern animals focus, while the Eclipse stop gives you warmth, comfort, and time to unwind.

It may not be your best choice if you’re traveling with kids, since it’s adults only. It also might not suit you if you hate weather-dependent plans. On the flip side, if you’re flexible and you’re okay with nature being nature, this format is a satisfying day.

Should You Book This Yukon Wildlife and Nordic Hot Springs Tour?

If you want one afternoon that covers both northern wildlife viewing and a real hot springs break, I’d book it. The structure makes sense: included entry to the preserve, then a long enough soak at Eclipse with towels and warmth options on-site. The small group limit also makes the day feel more personal and less chaotic.

I’d only hesitate if you’re uncomfortable with weather-related changes or you’re traveling with children. Otherwise, this is the kind of Whitehorse tour that leaves you with two different memories: the thrill of seeing northern mammals in their environment, and the calm of soaking in natural hot spring water.

FAQ

What stops are included on the tour?

You’ll visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and then Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. Entrance fees for both stops are included in the tour price.

How long does the experience take?

The tour runs about 5 to 6 hours total. The preserve stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the hot springs stop is about 2 hours.

Is pickup available, and where do I meet the guide?

Pickup is offered. Be ready about 10 minutes before the tour start time in the lobby of your hotel, and look for an Epic North van.

Is this tour for adults only, and is the group small?

Yes. It’s adults only, and the tour has a maximum of 9 travelers.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather or the minimum number of travelers?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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