Ice Tower Adventure Tour in Whitehorse, Yukon

Discover the Ice Tower Adventure Tour in Whitehorse, Yukon

Imagine standing amidst glittering ice formations at Mt Sima, just minutes from Whitehorse, with guides teaching you the basics of ice climbing—all for $162.51 per person. This two-hour adventure offers a taste of Yukon winter thrills, from traversing illuminated ice tunnels to zipping down a high-flying zipline. It’s a genuinely fun, accessible experience suitable for families, groups, and anyone eager to try something uniquely cold and exciting.

What we really love about this tour is its friendly, knowledgeable guides who make even beginners feel confident, and the stunning winter scenery that transforms Mt Sima into a sparkling wonderland. Plus, the cozy campfire with hot chocolate adds a nice touch of warmth and camaraderie at the end.

One possible consideration is the weather dependency—poor weather might cause cancellations, but the tour’s flexible policy means you can reschedule or get a full refund. This experience is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities with a mix of adventure and comfort, especially if you’re traveling with kids or friends looking for a memorable Yukon outing.

If you’re after a unique, hands-on winter activity that combines adventure with scenic beauty and expert guidance, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for those who want to try ice climbing without prior experience and enjoy a genuine Yukon winter adventure.

Key Points

• Accessible for All: No prior climbing experience necessary, welcoming beginners and families alike.
• Expert Guidance: Friendly local guides ensure safety and teach basics for a confident experience.
• Stunning Scenery: Illuminated ice tunnels and towering ice formations create a magical environment.
• All Equipment Provided: Climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, helmets, and ice axes included.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
• Group Size: Small groups of up to 12 travelers allow for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

A Closer Look at the Ice Tower Adventure Tour

When we first hear “ice climbing,” many envision rugged, technical pursuits that require serious skills. At Mt Sima, however, the Ice Tower Adventure Tour makes the thrill of ice climbing accessible and fun for everyone. This is not about scaling vertical cliffs in your city gear but about experiencing Yukon’s winter landscape in a safe, guided environment.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Mount Sima, located at 770 Mt Sima Rd in Whitehorse. It’s just a short drive from town, which keeps transportation simple. For those not renting a car, hotel pick-up and drop-off are available for CA$60, a fair fee considering the convenience. The tour lasts around two hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into a Yukon itinerary.

What to Expect During the Tour

The first part of the experience involves donning all necessary gear, which is provided at the site. We appreciated the wide size range of equipment—from climbing boots to helmets—ensuring everyone gets a proper fit. The guides, likely local experts, will teach you the basics of ice climbing, including how to use crampons and ice axes safely and effectively.

Once equipped, you’ll head to the reconstructed ice towers—these are rebuilt every winter, meaning no two seasons are exactly the same. The towers are a spectacle—tall, shimmering structures that invite curiosity. When conditions allow, some towers feature a zipline, adding an adrenaline rush after your climb, along with ice caves and a roped trek that makes a full circuit around the towers.

The Main Activities

The core of this tour is ascending the ice towers—a process that is safe, guided, and surprisingly accessible for newcomers. As Christopher G. noted in his review, “We felt safe, challenged, and the campfire was a nice touch.” The guides will coach you through every step, making sure you understand proper technique and feel comfortable.

For those interested in more than just climbing, the tour includes ice trekking around the formations and a zipline—a highlight for many. Spectators, for a small fee, can join at the base with micro-spikes, which is perfect if friends or family want to watch the action up close.

Finishing with Warmth

After your icy adventures, you’ll gather around a campfire—an ideal spot to chat about the experience, share photos, and enjoy hot chocolate. The cozy wall tent with a wood stove offers warmth and comfort, making the outdoor experience feel inviting rather than intimidating.

Authenticity and Value from Real Reviews

The single review available praises the “friendly guides” and describes the experience as “magical,” highlighting how safe and enjoyable it felt. That sense of safety and fun is vital for beginners. The tour’s small group size fosters a relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone to feel involved, not overwhelmed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure suits families, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to try something adventurous yet accessible. It’s perfect if you want to experience Yukon’s winter landscape firsthand without extensive technical skills or physical training. The moderate physical fitness level required means most healthy travelers should find it manageable.

Why Choose This Tour? The Value of a Yukon Ice Adventure

At $162.51, this tour offers excellent value for an active experience that’s both fun and educational. You’re getting all equipment, expert instruction, and a scenic setting that’s hard to beat. Plus, the camaraderie around the campfire and the chance to try ice climbing, ziplining, and ice trekking in one outing makes it a well-rounded experience.

Compared with other Yukon activities like aurora viewing or wildlife tours, this offers a hands-on, physical adventure. It’s a chance to step outside your comfort zone in a controlled, guided environment. The tour’s flexibility with cancellation adds a layer of peace of mind, especially for winter travel where weather can change suddenly.

The Experience’s Unique Charm

What truly sets this experience apart is the combination of adventure, scenery, and personal achievement. Whether you’re conquering your first ice tower or just enjoying the views, it’s a memorable Yukon moment. The guides’ enthusiasm and professionalism make all the difference, ensuring you learn, laugh, and feel safe throughout.

FAQs About the Ice Tower Adventure Tour

Is this tour suitable for beginners or those with no ice climbing experience?
Yes, the tour is designed for beginners and includes all necessary instruction. You don’t need prior experience—just a willingness to try something new.

What is included in the price?
All equipment needed for ice climbing—including boots, crampons, harnesses, helmets, and ice axes—plus instruction from an experienced guide.

Can spectators join the tour?
Spectators are welcome to watch at the base for a small fee, equipped with micro-spikes to stay safe and comfortable.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately two hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Always check the weather forecast beforehand.

Is transportation included?
Not automatically, but hotel pick-up and drop-off are available for CA$60 per booking, which can save you hassle.

Final Thoughts

The Ice Tower Adventure Tour in Whitehorse offers a rare chance to enjoy Yukon’s winter landscape through a fun and manageable ice-climbing experience. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll get a taste of Yukon adventure that’s safe, scenic, and intensely memorable. The combination of activities—from ice climbing and ziplining to relaxing by the campfire—ensures you’ll leave with stories to tell and a sense of achievement.

This tour is best suited for those seeking a hands-on winter activity that’s both accessible and authentic, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who want to try something different. The stunning scenery and friendly guides guarantee a memorable Yukon experience that blends adventure with natural beauty.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a curious beginner, this tour offers a genuine taste of winter in the Yukon, all wrapped up in a friendly, well-organized package. It’s an outing that will leave lasting impressions—an adventure that’s as cool as the ice towers themselves.

Experience the Yukon’s winter magic. Book the Ice Tower Adventure Tour for a day of unforgettable fun, scenic beauty, and new skills amid the glittering ice formations at Mt Sima.