Page 145 - Travel Guide to Canada 2019
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TR'ONDËK HWËCH'IN DANCERS, DAWSON CITY • TOURISM YT/J. BERGERON
doesn’t slow down a Yukoner—join them in possible. In Whitehorse, the June sun brings
snowmobiling, ice fi shing, dogsledding an average of 269 hours of sunshine.
and sitting out on a pitch-black night to There are all sorts of ways to connect—
watch the “silver dance of the mystic across the territory you’ll fi nd both
Northern Lights,” as described by poet accessible experiences and off the beaten
Robert Service. When the weather warms, path escapes.
there’s canoeing, kayaking and rafting on
lakes and rivers; and hiking, biking, HEAD OUTDOORS—THE
horseback riding, camping and wildlife GRAPHICS ARE AMAZING!
viewing on dry land. Meet the people— The Yukon can lay claim to true wilderness
th
you’ll fi nd unassuming, unspoiled and like nowhere else south of the 60 parallel.
unhurried individuals and communities. More than 80 percent of the territory is still
pristine forests, tundra and even desert.
REFUEL YOUR WANDERLUST The territory is home to the protected lands
A summertime road trip through the Yukon of several vast Parks Canada sites, includ-
is high on many bucket lists. The famed ing wild, uninhabited parks like Kluane,
Alaska Highway passes through the western Ivvavik and Vuntut.
reaches of the Yukon, a vital link to the The chance of encountering Yukon
smaller areas of Watson Lake, Teslin, wildlife is excellent. Bears and mountain
Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Beaver sheep create “wildlife jams” as passersby
Creek. On two wheels or four, it’s a road trip spot them beside the roadways; caribou,
made in heaven! moose and grizzly bears are found across
the territory.
THE GREAT YUKON The wilderness knocks at the back
GETAWAY—YEAR-ROUND doors of the Yukon’s few urban areas—the
Yukoners know how to embrace the City of Whitehorse and the historic town of
guaranteed snow of the season and they Dawson City. Dense greenery edges ribbons
celebrate it with a host of outdoor activities, of highway and, in summer, brilliant
On off er are some of Canada’s most eccentric festivals, world-class races and magenta fi reweed—the Yukon’s territorial
scenic icefi elds, forests and mountains, competitions. Bundle up and jump in for fl ower—lines many roadsides. Mountains,
everyday opportunities to spot wildlife, sled dog mushing experiences, snow lakes, rivers and some of the country’s most
year-round festivals and a diverse menu sculpture competitions, snowshoeing, majestic glaciers provide a photographer’s
showcasing the Yukon’s rich culture and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. dream. Outfi tters like Nature Tours of
recreation. After a long day, dip into thermal hot springs. Yukon off er Arctic Circle nature photo
In the warmer months, the “Land of the tours, designed for shutter enthusiasts
A FULL MENU OF POSSIBILITIES Midnight Sun” means light-fi lled days and (www.naturetoursyukon.com ).
Winter and summer, the Yukon gleams nights of summer, perfect for enjoying the
with sparkling lakes, rugged mountains outdoors. The June solstice sun doesn’t set CULTURAL FOOTPRINTS
(Mount Logan is Canada’s highest peak) and at the Arctic Circle, so golfi ng at midnight The territory’s dynamic 1890s Klondike
emerald green forests. A little winter weather or hiking into the wee hours are both Gold Rush history is still on display.
