Top Employers & Industries
The economy around Whitehorse is more diversified than many northern cities:. It is the territory’s center of government & public administration: The Government of Yukon is consistently one of the largest employers in the territory which is a stable employer in administration, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Yukon Hospital Corporation which runs the Whitehorse General Hospital, is a major employer providing emergency, surgical, and specialist services.
There are a number of private sector employers in Whitehorse. Air North is Yukon’s primary airline and is headquartered in Whitehorse. Large retailers and national chains, as well as local stores provide a range of goods and services. Tourism operators benefit from access to wilderness parks and cultural attractions. While mining operations are often outside Whitehorse, administration, support services and logistics in the city are key to the territory’s resource economy.
Shopping & Local Amenities
Whitehorse has a full range of shopping options for everyday life, centered in the Downtown and Riverfront. There is a good mix of independent shops, cafés, local boutiques, art galleries, breweries and restaurants which creates a lively core. The community has grocery stores, pharmacies, major banks, services, and retail chains are readily available, with even some big-box options and specialty stores (though with a smaller selection than in large urban centres). Seasonal markets like the Fireweed Market support artisans and local food producers. Keep in mind that many items cost more due to northern transportation, but there is a Northern Residents income tax credit that partly offsets that.
Schools & Education
Whitehorse is the educational hub of the Yukon with a variety of schooling options:
There are numerous elementary and secondary schools, operated by Yukon Education that offer English, French immersion, Catholic and diverse programs. Secondary schools include Porter Creek Secondary, F.H. Collins Secondary, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary and lots of elementary schools (e.g., Elijah Smith, Hidden Valley, Takhini, Selkirk), plus École Émilie-Tremblay (French first-language K–12).
For Post-Secondary, there is Yukon University, located in Whitehorse, is the only university in northern Canada, offering degrees, diplomas, trades training, adult education, and community programs.
Recreation
One of Whitehorse’s biggest draws for homebuyers is ready access to outdoor recreation. The city has an extensive trail systems, parks and riverfront pathways for hiking, biking, running and cross-country skiing, depending on the season. The Yukon River is popular for kayaking and fishing, and in winter there is snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and skating.
The community also his home to museums, historical sites, galleries, festivals, theatre and cultural events reflect Yukon heritage and the First Nations cultures.
Home Prices & Real Estate
Whitehorse’s housing market reflects its status as a northern capital with house prices (in 2025) for $700,000 for single-detached houses, and $500,000 for condominium apartments. Other units that include semi-detached or row are in the middle range of prices. The challenge for buyers is that housing supply is limited and vacancy rates are low, meaning competition for homes and rentals can be strong.
