Yukon is the land of the midnight sun, where skies are glorious and summer light just won't quit, with the best time to visit between May and August. Life flourishes under hours of intense sunlight as the land hosts millions of migratory birds and explodes in wildflower blooms. On summer solstice, the sun doesn't set at the Arctic Circle—the further north one travels, the higher the sun and the longer the season of the midnight sun. All over the Yukon, summer is a busy time of festivals and outdoor play and visitors can enjoy the long days to drive, hike, paddle or just relax.
 
Across the Arctic Circle
This route takes you to the home of one the world's greatest gold rushes, past the spectacular Tombstone Mountains, and up above the Arctic Circle where you're treated to an extra-long dose of midnight sun.

Day 1 – Head North!
The drive from Whitehorse to Dawson City is easily done in a day. Take time to stop in Carmacks and visit the Tagé Cho Hudän Interpretive Centre. Arrive in downtown Dawson City, itself a national historic site. Remember, just because it doesn't get dark doesn't mean there's not nightlife! Live music at local bars and can-can dancers and casino action at Diamond Tooth Gerties make for lively nights.    

Day 2 - Gold in the Hills and Magic in the Skies
Touring National Historic Site Dredge #4 or taking a creekside hiking trail, Dawson City has plenty of ways to fill your day. As evening approaches, take a drive to Midnight Dome, a high point near Dawson City that gives a view of both the Yukon and Klondike Rivers and an amazing vantage point of the sun hovering above the horizon.

Day 3 – Wake Up, Fuel Up, Gear Up
Turn toward the Arctic Circle. The Dempster Highway is maintained, but being prepared is imperative. Have a full tank, a spare tyre, and a plan for where you'll camp (for a detailed list of all campgrounds in the Yukon: http://www.env.gov.yk.ca/camping-parks/campgrounds.php). The interpretive centre is your first stop in the stunning Tombstone Territorial Park. Drop in for a cup of Mountain Wild tea, visit the library, join a guided walk, and enjoy the interpretive programs and displays.

Day 4 – Maximize Your Midnight Sun Exposure
The farther north you go, the brighter the evening hours. Up above the Arctic Circle, the sun truly doesn't set for weeks. And this is where you're heading! Eagle Plains is the halfway mark on the highway and is a good stop to fill up and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to snap a photo at the Arctic Circle sign before carrying on to Inuvik, NWT. Gear up for your return drive and enjoy the especially long daylight hours in the far north.    
 
Don't Miss Activity: This route offers great options for hiking so give yourself time to appreciate the unique flora and fauna as well as the extra special scenery that surrounds you.

Don't Miss Event: Discovery Days in Dawson City is a week-long celebration that includes an arts festival, can-can dancers, a writing competition, a golf tournament that tees off at midnight, and more (13 - 17 August, 2015).

Bon Voyage offer a 14-day 'The Silver Trail - Summer In Yukon' fly-drive tour that operates from May through August. Prices from £2815 per person including return flights from London Heathrow to Whitehorse, 14 days 4 x 4 car rental and 13 nights accommodation. For more information contact 0800 316 3012 or visit www.bon-voyage.co.uk

Canadian Affair offer motorhome packages to the Yukon from £1889 per person including return flights from London Gatwick to Vancouver with Air Transat connecting to Whitehorse on Air Canada, 1 night at Westmark  Whitehorse Hotel and 10 days small motorhome for 2 adults (includes convenience kits, prep fee and insurances). For more information contact 0207 616 9184 or visit www.canadianaffair.com