If you want the literal northern experience, North Yukon is about as far as you can go. The stark beauty of the region is protected within five wilderness parks and largely encompasses the range of the Porcupine barren-ground caribou herd. In spring, thousands of caribou and migratory birds return to have their young, and by fall the land is ablaze with crimson, orange and gold. Home of the Gwich'in, Hän, Inuvialuit and Northern Tutchone peoples, North Yukon also boasts the only Canadian highway that crosses the Arctic Circle—the Dempster Highway.

NORTH YUKON PARKS

Herschel Island – Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park
Journey into the Arctic with a visit to Herschel Island – Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park. Located off Yukon's north coast in the Beaufort Sea, Herschel is a lush Arctic Eden with carpets of wildflowers, lots of birds and wildlife, and a rich history. Trips can be arranged by air and water from Inuvik, Northwest Territories. www.yukonparks.ca

Vuntut National Park
Vuntut offers opportunities for experienced backcountry enthusiasts, including canoeing the Old Crow River, mountain hiking, and winter ski trips. Travellers must be self- sufficient and able to handle emergencies on their own. www.parkscanada.gc.ca/vuntut

Ivvavik National Park
Canada's first national park established as a result of a land claims settlement, Ivvavik (a place for giving birth and raising young) National Park protects part of the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. Rafting the Firth River from the British Mountains out to the coastal tundra plains is one of the most popular activities in this region. www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ivvavik

Old Crow
With a population of just 247, North Yukon's only community is the close-knit Vuntut Gwitchin village of Old Crow. This fly-in community has regularly scheduled air service and is located at the confluence of the Old Crow (Chyàh Njìk) and Porcupine (Ch'oodeenjìk) rivers. The First Nation continues to harvest caribou as a primary source of food. Although amenities are limited, accommodations, wildlife viewing and cultural experiences can be arranged if planned in advance.


LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Dempster Highway #5
One of the world's unique drives, the Dempster is famous for its colourful alpine tundra landscapes, wildlife, scenic vistas and memorable driving adventures. Starting just south of Dawson City, this unpaved 736-km two-lane highway crosses North Yukon and continues north to Inuvik, Northwest Territories. This gravel highway runs through remote wilderness with very limited services.

Tombstone Interpretive Centre
Start your journey up the Dempster Highway with a visit to the interpretive centre, about one hour north of the Dempster Corner turnoff. Tombstone Territorial Park interpreters offer local knowledge, park and travel information, special events and tips for wildlife viewing from the highway. This is also the site of Tombstone Mountain Campground. www.yukonparks.ca

Arctic Circle
Stop at the Arctic Circle viewpoint at 66° 33' North latitude to enjoy the breathtaking views. On summer solstice, June 21, the sun doesn't set at the Arctic Circle. Imagine the great activities you can enjoy with all this light!

John Tizya Centre, Old Crow
The visitor information centre in Old Crow preserves and celebrates a truly rich heritage. From evidence of the last great ice age, to the migrating Porcupine caribou herd, to the deep culture and traditions of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Vuntut National Park, don't miss this multi-use facility.


TRIP TO TOMBSTONE  
Tombstone Territorial Park may be a popular backcountry hiking destination, but its visitor programs and accessible roadside location appeal to anyone who wants to experience this special landscape.

Day 1 – Grab the Camera
Pack your camping gear, stock up in Dawson City, and drive north from the Dempster Corner toward Tombstone's jagged, black peaks and sweeping tundra. The Dempster Highway runs through the park, making wildlife, birds and tundra vegetation accessible to roadside explorers.

Day 2 – World-class Visitor Centre
Knowledgeable staff at the impressive Tombstone Interpretive Centre offer travel information, interpretive programs, park registration and guidebooks. This is a place where you can pass hours exploring exhibits, sipping mountain tea and hanging out with other travellers. Join a guided walk or participate in one of Tombstone's art, culture and natural history special events.

Day 3 – Traditional Territory
Drive the highway through the park soaking in the subarctic scenery and watching for wildlife. Stop for roadside rambles at North Fork Pass and Two Moose Lake. Learn about the Hän and Gwich'in people, who have hunted, camped and traded here for centuries.

DRIVE THE DEMPSTER
Canada's only all-weather road across the Arctic Circle is an iconic driving route. With services at both ends, and one lone outpost in the middle, this unpaved two-lane highway is an original driving adventure.

Day 1 – Plan Your Dempster Driving Adventure
An enjoyable, safe journey up the Dempster Highway involves careful planning, you'll find garages, stores and service suppliers in Whitehorse and Dawson City.

Day 2 – Tour the Klondike
Explore historic Dawson City and learn about the Klondike Gold Rush. A century after thousands of miners flooded into Dawson looking for gold, it's a story that still captivates and entertains. Visit national historic sites, take a town walking tour, and enjoy Dawson's lively nightlife.

Days 3 & 4 – Cross the Arctic Circle
Embark on your journey to the Arctic! Visit Tombstone Park, hike from the roadside, and watch the parade of wildlife. Dempster accommodations are at Eagle Plains near the Arctic Circle, and in Dawson City and Inuvik. Camping gives you more options: try Tombstone, Engineer Creek or Rock River campgrounds.

Days 5 & 6 – Visit the Mackenzie Delta (NWT)
Descend from the Richardson Mountains and ride two free river ferries to reach the delta towns of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and Inuvik.

Day 7 – Southbound Migration
Take your time on the drive to Dawson City, soak in the spectacular tundra scenery and abundant wildlife. Early summer brings a flush of young animals, mid-summer heralds long days under the midnight sun, and late summer visitors are treated to crimson and gold tundra vegetation.


Frontier Travel offer an 8-day 'Arctic Explorer' fly-drive from £945 per person (land only) or a 7-day 'Explore Remote Valleys' hiking holiday in Tombstone Territorial Park from £1839 per person (land only). For more information contact 020 8776 8709, canada@frontier-travel.co.uk or visit www.frontier-canada.co.uk

The Independent Traveller offer a 14-day River Expedition package from £999 per person (land only). They also offer motorhome rentals starting from £40 per day. For more information contact 01509 618 800, holidays@uni-travel.co.uk or visit  www.itiscanada.co.uk