We've got the colourful five per cent and we are proud of it. Yukon and Yukoners are not about mundane, boring experiences. We strive to be different in personality and by nature. We've got long winters to think about how different we are and what we can do to emphasize it. We've also got natural phenomena reflected in our "Larger than Life" tagline.


Night Magic
The Yukon enjoys exceptional viewing of the aurora borealis. This phenomenon—known to many people as the Northern Lights —appears like undulating ribbons of green, blue and red light. Scientifically speaking, the Northern Lights are the aftermath of explosions on the sun known as solar flares. These explosions send a wave of high-energy particles into space. This 'solar wind' is drawn towards Earth's magnetic fields, and solar dust particles concentrate like rings around the polar regions. They hit gases in our upper atmosphere and charge the gas molecules, making them glow like neon lights. If the earth did not have a magnetic field, we would not have the aurora.
Yukon's low-light winters make for excellent viewing, and fall and spring produce the best effects. According to some, the northern lights even make a crackling noise, and the lights have inspired many myths and legends. The Yukon is also home of the Northern Lights Space & Science Centre housed in Watson Lake. The centre welcomes visitors year-round to learn about the aurora borealis and view simulations.

Dawson's Sour Toe Cocktail
Stroll into Dawson City's Downtown Hotel, belly up to the bar in the Sourdough Saloon, order the infamous Sour Toe Cocktail and no one will look at you strangely. This local concoction is garnished with a genuine, alcohol-preserved human toe. The original toe was reportedly from the frostbitten foot of a stampeder who traversed the Chilkoot Trail. That toe is long gone—every few seasons, another accidental toe swallower seems to come along, and luckless Downtown Dick has to find himself another digit. Partakers of the Sour Toe Cocktail receive a certificate for their achievement, while swallowers are severely chastised.

The World's Smallest Desert
The Carcross Desert is affectionately known as the world's smallest desert. The dry climate and wind conditions have created sand dunes and forced special vegetation to adapt to the surroundings. This pocket desert is a popular tourist attraction.

Land of the Midnight Sun
On June 21, summer solstice, the sun never sets in some parts of Yukon. All over the Territory you can read a book, paddle a canoe, or fish outdoors all night. The midnight sun makes for long summer days, and wondrous carmine and magenta skyscapes that last for hours, rather than minutes. Yukoners fill up their batteries, take in a little extra vitamin D and take advantage of this light to enjoy their favourite outdoor activities. It truly makes up for the longer, dark, days of winter.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE YUKON?
Discover the authentic, unpretentious Yukon. Meet Yukoners, learn about local traditions and share a story or two at one of Yukon's dozens of lively community events and festivals. Here are just a few Yukon icon events, but there are many others happening in Yukon communities throughout the year:

Commissioner's Ball (13 June, 2015)
The Commissioner's Ball in the Palace Grand Theatre. Don your ball gown and step back in time!  www.dawsoncity.ca

Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay (20 June, 2015)
During the long sunny days of June, more than a thousand cyclists wind their way through the high mountain passes of the scenic Haines Highway in an epic race from Haines Junction, Yukon to Haines, Alaska.  The 155 mile route passes through Kluane National Park and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park to the coastal Alaskan town of Haines. www.travelyukon.com/kluane-chilkat-international-bike-relay

Yukon River Quest (24-28 June, 2015)
The Yukon River Quest is the 'summer cousin' of the wintertime Yukon Quest. It's the longest endurance marathon canoe race in the world, with canoes and kayaks taking to the Yukon River at Whitehorse trying to be the first boat to Dawson City, 444 miles downriver.  www.yukonriverquest.com

Dawson City Music Festival (24 - 26 July, 2015)
Dawson City's famed music festival is a three-day celebration of music and dancing under the midnight sun. Musicians from across Canada perform folk, rock, blues, world beat, traditional, jazz, hip-hop and more in varied venues such as the Palace Grand, St. Paul's Anglican Church and the big tent in Minto Park.  www.dcmf.com

Great Klondike International Outhouse Race (8 August, 2015)
If you don't happen to own one, that's okay – you can rent one! Teams race and perform a scavenger hunt in decorated outhouses on wheels through the streets of Dawson City. Arrive at the finish in speed or style.  www.dawsoncity.ca

Yukon Quest (6 February, 2016)
Experience the excitement of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, a 1,000 mile journey between Fairbanks, Alaska and Whitehorse.  www.yukonquest.com

Yukon Arctic Ultra (4 - 12 February, 2016)
The world's coldest and toughest race for mountain bikers, runners, cross-country skiers and skijorers. Marathon, 100, 300, and 460 mile distances.  www.arcticultra.de

Dawson City International Short Film Festival (24 - 17 March, 2016)
The Dawson City International Short Film Festival strives to present a diverse and eclectic range of short films from Yukon and around the world in addition to guest speakers, panel discussions and workshops.  www.dawsonfilmfest.com



Background on Yukon
Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination, and with scenic drives into all corners, it's a driver's dream.  The territory boasts a network of highways that rank among the world's premier driving adventures including the legendary Alaska, Top of the World, Klondike and Dempster highways.  Yukon also has an exhilarating combination of postcard scenery, heritage sites and cultural attractions and just beyond the dashboard are inviting towns, campgrounds and countless adventures.
This is a land of friendly characters, midnight sun and breathtaking scenery. In fact, the Yukon is one of North America's major wilderness attractions; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. Roughly the size of France, the Yukon is home to more than 160,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds… and only 36,000 humans!

Artisan Travel offer a variety of Yukon adventure holidays starting from £1049 per person. For more information contact 01670 785085, info@artisantravel.co.uk or visit www.artisantravel.co.uk

North America Travel Service offer a 14-day 'Silver Trail Explorer' fly-drive tour of the Yukon from £2955 per person. For more information contact 0845 1228899, sales.enquiries@nats-uk.com or visit www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk