Yukon

Overview

The vast province of Yukon is one of the least changed areas in the world. Brimming with wild, natural landscapes, it’s an outdoor adventurer’s holiday paradise with plenty to do and plenty of space to do nothing. About the size of Spain with a population of less than 40,000 people, more than three quarters of which live in the capital of Whitehorse, the area is beautifully untouched.

The Yukon weather is perfect for viewing the spectacular Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Best viewed between October and April across the darker skies of winter, they provide a mesmerising show for all those lucky enough to be watching - whether on a guided tour, from a secluded log cabin or simply from your hotel room.

During the winter months the snow-covered landscapes beckon and opportunities to glide down ski-hills or crunch though picturesque snow-shoe trails are endless, with a multitude of cross-country routes to explore. For an experience like no other, travel behind a team of enthusiastic huskies as they hurtle across the snow. Once you have a taste for it, you can stand back and cheer on the teams competing in the famous Yukon Quest sled race. Winter also brings many lively festivals with great events such as snow sculpting, winter sports and live music.

In summertime the days are long, with up to twenty hours of sunshine, and outdoor activities abound. Wherever you stay there are opportunities to explore, from hiking, biking or horse riding across grassy plains between craggy mountains and glaciers, to canoeing or kayaking on glass-like lakes and twinkling rivers. Blow-off the cobwebs with an exhilarating rafting trip or enjoy some quiet time with the local wildlife. In Yukon, moose outnumber people by two to one, so your chances of encountering them, as well as other inhabitants such as grizzly bears, marmots and porcupines, are high!

Whitehorse, the province’s largest town by far, has many of its own attractions including the SS Klondike (a historic paddle-wheeler), a good collection of shops and restaurants and a vibrant arts scene. The smaller town of Dawson is also an interesting place to stop. Once the centre of the Gold Rush, it has a rich history and friendly, quirky vibe. Head off on your own search for gold with one of the many tours where you can learn to prospect and pan, and maybe you’ll even strike it rich.

Although the Yukon landscapes are wild, they are surprisingly well connected. The network of roads that wind through the province provide excellent links between the many different attractions and adventures, as well as being scenic drives in themselves. Take the Dempster Highway and drive across the Arctic Circle, or meander along the less travelled Campbell/Canol route beside pretty rivers and the aptly named Quiet Lake, for a real retreat from the everyday bustle.

For a different perspective of the province, jump in a flightseeing plane from Haine’s Junction and soar over the mountains and glaciers. You can even land on the icefield and step out onto the endless snow for some fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy the eerie silence.

Yukon is a wild, uncluttered land, scattered with inspiring, artistic people. Here you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life while on holiday, soak up the nature and traditional culture, and let your worries melt away.