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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Whitehorse, Yukon

Whitehorse is the capital and largest city of Yukon, Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Whitehorse is the capital and largest city of Yukon, Canada. It is located in southern Yukon on the Yukon River and along the Alaska Highway, and it developed as a transportation and supply centre during the Klondike Gold Rush. The city was incorporated in 1950 and became the territorial capital in 1953.

History

Whitehorse developed in the late 1890s during the Klondike Gold Rush, when it served as a transport and supply hub. It was incorporated as a city in 1950 and became Yukon’s capital in 1953.

Geography

The city is in southern Yukon on the Yukon River and is positioned along the Alaska Highway. Its downtown and Riverdale areas are on both shores of the river.

Economy and role

Whitehorse is the main administrative centre of Yukon and an important transportation hub. Britannica describes it as a major centre on the Alaska Highway and the Yukon headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Population

Whitehorse is the most populous city in Yukon and the largest city in Northern Canada. The 2021 census recorded 28,201 residents in the city proper and 31,913 in the census agglomeration.

Key facts

  • Whitehorse is the territorial capital of Yukon and its largest city.
  • The city was incorporated in 1950 and designated capital in 1953.
  • It is located on the Yukon River in southern Yukon, near Miles Canyon and the former Whitehorse Rapids.
  • The city grew during the Klondike Gold Rush as a staging and distribution centre.
  • Whitehorse lies on the Alaska Highway at Historic Mile 918 / kilometre 1426.
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Canadian context

Whitehorse is one of Canada’s territorial capitals and the administrative centre of Yukon, making it important to national governance, transportation, and northern settlement.

Frequently asked questions

What is Whitehorse?
Whitehorse is the capital city of Yukon and the largest city in Northern Canada.
When did Whitehorse become the capital of Yukon?
Whitehorse became Yukon’s capital in 1953.
When was Whitehorse incorporated?
Whitehorse was incorporated in 1950.
Where is Whitehorse located?
It is in southern Yukon on the Yukon River, along the Alaska Highway.
How did Whitehorse get its name?
The city was named after the White Horse Rapids, which were said to resemble the mane of a white horse.
What was Whitehorse’s population in 2021?
The 2021 census recorded 28,201 people within the city boundaries and 31,913 in the census agglomeration.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitehorse
    Supports: Incorporation year, capital status, location, naming origin, and 2021 population figures.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Whitehorse
    Supports: Capital status since 1952/1953, geography, Gold Rush origins, and role as a transportation centre.
  3. Canadian Immigrant — https://www.canadianimmigrant.ca/settlement/profile-of-whitehorse-yukon
    Supports: Alaska Highway location, former railway terminus, capital year, and naming origin.