Adventure, culture, and a dash of the unexpected — discover experiences you won’t find anywhere else but the Yukon. Life is full of firsts — your first road trip, your first mountain view, maybe even your first drink with a story to tell. In the Yukon, those firsts become legends. From forests filled with signs from around the world to hot springs where people freeze their hair for fun, here are four truly unforgettable Yukon experiences.

1. Wander Through the Signpost Forest

What began as a single act of homesickness during World War II has turned into one of the most photographed roadside attractions in the North. In 1942, a U.S. soldier named Carl K. Lindley was repairing road signs near Watson Lake when he decided to add one pointing toward his hometown of Danville, Illinois — over 2,800 miles away. That small gesture sparked something big. Today, more than 90,000 signs cover the site — street signs, license plates, handmade wood carvings, even hubcaps — each one left by travelers from across the globe. Bring your own sign to add to the collection or make one at the local Visitor Information Centre. Either way, you’ll be joining a living piece of Yukon history. Location: Watson Lake, along the Alaska Highway. Easily accessible and open year-round.

2. Freeze Your Hair for Fame at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

Most people go to hot springs to relax — but in the Yukon, relaxation sometimes comes with a playful twist. Each February, during the Sourdough Rendezvous Festival, visitors gather at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs near Whitehorse to take part in the International Hair Freezing Contest. When temperatures drop below −20 °C, contestants soak in the warm pools, wet their hair, and sculpt it into the most outrageous frozen shapes possible — from icy crowns to moose-inspired antlers. The results? Some of the funniest, most photogenic moments you’ll ever experience in the North. Even if you’re not competing, visiting the hot springs in winter is an unforgettable experience. Steam rises into the cold air, the stars shine bright, and if you’re lucky, the aurora might dance overhead.

3. Join the Sourtoe Cocktail Club in Dawson City

If your bucket list includes something delightfully bizarre, make your way to the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City. There, in the Sourdough Saloon, you can become a member of the legendary Sourtoe Cocktail Club — by drinking a shot that contains an actual human toe. The tradition dates back to the 1970s when local legend “Captain Dick” Stevenson found a preserved toe that had once belonged to a frostbitten miner. Ever since, brave souls have come from all over to take the “Sourtoe Oath”: “You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow — but your lips must touch the toe.” More than 100,000 visitors have joined the club, and replacement toes (donated voluntarily) keep the tradition alive. It’s strange, it’s famous, and it’s pure Yukon.

4. Pan for Gold Like a Klondike Prospector

Gold built the Yukon’s legend, and you can still feel that golden spirit today. In the late 1890s, tens of thousands of prospectors journeyed north hoping to strike it rich during the Klondike Gold Rush. The rush may be long over, but the thrill of discovery remains. Visit sites around Dawson City or Bonanza Creek, where guided experiences and museums teach you how to pan for gold. With a pan, patience, and a bit of luck, you might just find a small flake of Yukon treasure to take home.

Before You Go

The Yukon is full of adventures that blend nature, culture, and just the right amount of quirk. Whether you’re adding your name to the Signpost Forest, soaking in a steaming pool under winter stars, or raising a glass to the famous Sourtoe, these are the stories you’ll be retelling for years. Pack your curiosity, bring a sense of humor, and prepare to experience the unexpected because in the Yukon, the extraordinary comes standard. Find more inspiration and travel ideas at Yukon Top Spot — your guide to exploring the North in unforgettable ways.