20 Apr 2022
Everything about the Yukon territory is wild. Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination. The Yukon is one of North America's most undiscovered destinations; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. 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, with a human population of only 41,000, approximately 23% of which are indigenous people.
Here are some of the ways visitors can experience the Yukon wilderness this summer.
Remote Arctic Parks
The parks of the Arctic and Northern Yukon region are treasured places that provide travellers the chance to experience breathtaking wilderness. These extraordinary places offer extremely rewarding experiences for those wilderness adventurers who are willing to make the trip. Ni'iinlii Njik-Fishing Branch Territorial Park and Habitat Protection Area is a unique ecosystem with remarkable limestone caves, year-round open water and unparalleled opportunities to view grizzlies fishing for salmon. To protect the bears and the habitat, access to this park is limited and tightly managed. In the summer, the midnight sun does not set in Vuntut and Ivvavik National Parks. Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park also enjoys 24 hours of daylight, offering endless hours to explore.
Horseback ride under the Midnight Sun
Horseback Horse riding enthusiasts can explore the wildest place on earth via horseback with Wild Yukon. Run by knowledgeable and experienced guides, the three-hour tour is available between June - September under the shine of the Midnight Sun. Departing from Sky High Wilderness Ranch, the tour offers majestic mountain views of Whitehorse and Fish Lake. Going off the beaten track via trusty steed will take adventurers to a photographer's paradise.
Thrill a minute mountain biking trails
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the Yukon has become a top destination for mountain bikers looking for extraordinary trails with something special. These trails offer panoramic views of neverending vistas and trace culturally significant First Nations footpaths and follow historic gold and silver mining routes. Under the Midnight Sun in summer, visitors have endless opportunities to hit the trails. Terra Riders use their extensive knowledge of the terrain to offer tours on these world class trails with maximum enjoyment and safety in mind. They also offer a full day Pedal and Paddle tour for those that wish to do both and it includes a full morning of cycling on Mount Mac followed by an afternoon paddle down the Yukon River.
Raft Canada's oldest river
The Firth river offers the rafting trip of a lifetime. Experience landscapes that are home to moose, caribou, wolves, grizzlies and black bears, and visit wetlands that are habitat to an abundance of migratory waterfowl. Up in the Arctic Circle, visitors can experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, the migration of over 100,00 caribou. The geology here is truly unique and there is an abundance of hiking opportunities available too. With no roads into these parks, visitors access them by chartered plane - an exceptional opportunity to get a bird's eye view of these amazing areas.
Based in Old Crow, the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nations, this remote community is only accessible by plane. Josie's Old Crow Adventures offers one- and two-day packages, as well as hourly tours focusing on the First Nations way of life on the land. Overnight in traditional wall tents, go ice-fishing with local Elders, taste ice-water tea and homemade bannock. Visitors will leave with a strong connection to the land, dogs and caribou. Tours include dog-sledding adventures, northern nights excursions, river and mountain tours, as well as snowshoeing.
There's nothing quite like paddling the glistening-green Yukon river surrounded by the stunning raw beauty of northern nature. Spot wildlife like golden eagles, osprey, moose, and even grizzlies. Visitors can kayak the river and camp out every night along the way. Wild Yukon offers a variety of kayaking excursions for visitors, which include historic gold rush routes, remote and untouched backcountry water, big water rapids, canyons, glaciers and icebergs on Yukon's Canadian Heritage River. Local guides will escort the groups, and reveal secret, secluded locations on multi-day adventures.
Whitehorse is known as 'The Wilderness City' as the backcountry starts within the city limits. Hikers can take to the historic Chilkoot Trail and literally follow in the footsteps of the Gold Rush prospectors and pass abandoned settlements. Kluane National Park is a hiker's dream, offering alpine and subalpine landscapes for hikers of all abilities. The park is home to Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, and the world's largest non-polar icefield. The backcountry trails pass wildflowers in bloom and more adventurous hikers can take a floatplane into the park to start a trail further up. Tombstone Territorial Parks also offers spectacular hiking locations. Known as the 'Patagonia of the North', Tombstone is located north of Dawson City and lies within traditional territory of Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nations people who have hunted, camped and traded here for centuries. The Grizzly Lake Trail is the only established trail into Tombstone's backcountry. The 11km trail is a full day hike with an elevation gain of up to 800m.
Take me on a wild Yukon adventure this summer:
Windows On The Wild - Ivvavik National Park
8 nights from £5205 per person departing London Heathrow in June 2022.
Price includes: return international flights, two nights room only in Whitehorse, return flights from Whitehorse to Inuvik, two nights room only in Inuvik (one before and one after the camping tour), bush plane flight to Ivvavik National Park, four nights camping (tent and camping mattress provided), all meals and snacks whilst camping, guided hikes in the National Park and services of an Inuvialuit cultural host.
To book, visit www.windowsonthewild.com or call 0208 742 1556.
First Class Holidays: Yukon River Canoe Adventure
8 days from £2219 per person (departing London Heathrow) or £2369 per person (departing Manchester). Departing 19th June 2022.
Price includes: return international flights, two nights' accommodation, five nights camping in two-person tents, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages during canoe trip, canoe and camping equipment and experienced and licensed guide throughout.
To book, visit www.fcholidays.com or call 0161 888 5630.
For further information on the Yukon, visit www.travelyukon.com
