23 Mar 2016
The freshness, the freedom, the farness “The Spell of the Yukon” – Robert Service
It's a land that is larger than life. Home to magic skies and to wild places that are still wild. These are a few of the “must-dos.”
- Flightseeing over Kluane National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the world's largest nonpolar ice fields and Canada's highest peak.
- Visit Dawson City, the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush! Catch a show at the regal Palace Grand Theatre and the can-can dancers at Canada's first casino – Diamond Tooth Gerties. Pan for gold or visit Jack London's cabin.
- Our highways are legendary for their scenery, their history, and for the places they'll take you…across the Arctic Circle, to the “top of the world” and to some of the Yukon's cherished protected wilderness places.
- Join in the fun! From rousing music festivals and diverse cultural experiences to sport events and commemorative holidays, the Yukon adds its flavour to every event hosted here.
- Experience natural phenomenon in the Yukon skies: the energising midnight sun or mesmerising northern lights provide an illuminating backdrop to your larger than life Yukon adventure!
Winter/Spring
How will you spend the bright days and crisp nights during your Yukon winter experience? With the epic, 1,000-mile Yukon Quest sled dog race, Yukon's “cabin fever” carnival - Sourdough Rendezvous festival, International Snow Sculpting Challenges and more, there are plenty of ways to become a local and experience winter from late November to early April, the way Yukoners do!
- Dogsledding. This classic winter pastime starts with being greeted by your team of happy-go-lucky sled dogs. Sit in the sled for an exhilarating ride, or learn how to “mush” your own dog team – “gee” and “haw” your way along smooth, snow-covered trails.
- Northern Lights Viewing. The magic…it starts with a hint of colour in the sky. Then a burst of green ribbons. Soon a wondrous display of dancing aurora borealis! The best viewing is often during the thick of winter in December and January, but northern lights are in fact active late summer to early spring!
- Winter Trails. With over 700 kilometres of mapped trails in Whitehorse alone, and dozens of groomed trails in our national and territorial parks, there's no shortage of exploring that can happen. For a more relaxed pace, strap on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis. Or if you're looking to let loose, hop on a snowmobile for a high-speed adrenaline ride.
Summer/Autumn
Experience the midnight sun's gloriously long days. Mid-May to mid-September are the Yukon's warmest months and bring the most light! While autumn (late August to early October) brings an array of stunning colour to the forests and the tundra, and soaring northern lights to the skies. Here are a few suggestions on how you might spend your time if you visit this time of year…
- Roadside Wildlife Viewing. Along with the spectacular scenery, our highways offer remarkable wildlife viewing. Watching from your vehicle is safest and allows you to view the animal in its natural state.
- Festivals. Music, dancing, storytelling and more! Our festivals are filled with fun, cultural exploration and plenty of Yukon character. And we love nothing more than inviting visitors to join in. In fact, we expect that you will!
- Midnight Sun Fun. Road trips, heritage sites, and hiking trails littered with history; exploring the nooks and crannies in small towns and villages or catching the fish of a lifetime - the extra-long dose of daylight hours allows the time you need to pack it all in.
About the Yukon
Covering an area almost twice the size of the UK, with a population of just 36,000 (or so), more than 80% of the Yukon is wilderness. But it's still easy to reach, with access by land, sea and air. Major airlines offer daily flights from the UK. Several cruise lines and the comprehensive ferry system serve neighbouring Alaska. And historic, scenic highways lead from British Columbia, Alberta and Alaska with hotel or camping options along the way.
All year long the Yukon has spectacular skies: the magical midnight sun in summer and clear starry nights with northern lights (early autumn through to early spring)! Every season offers rich cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and its own unique wildlife viewing.
North America Travel Service offer a 12-day 'Silver Trail Explorer' fly-drive tour of the Yukon from £1919 per person (land only). Tel: 0333 323 9099 or visit: www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk
Off the Map Travel offer a 6-day 'Canada Aurora Dream' package at a choice of luxury accommodations from £1999 per person (land only). Tel: 0800 566 8901 or visit: www.offthemaptravel.co.uk
Wildlife Worldwide offer an 8-day 'Canoeing the Yukon River' package to the Yukon from £1495 per person (land only). Tel: 01962 302 086 or visit: www.wildlifeworldwide.com