The Yukon is one of the most quirky whilst scenically spectacular destinations in Canada. A northern territory of Canada (not to be confused with the Northwest Territories) it has big competition with Alaska bordering to the west and British Columbia to the south. This is a vast open wilderness boasting towering mountains, vast ice-fields, thick coniferous forests and vast meandering rivers. A magnificent deserted landscape to explore, it is twice the size of the UK, but with just a minute fraction of the population. Making it the perfect remote getaway.
Top 5 highlights of the Yukon:
Dog Sledding
Two of the most prestigious and gruelling dog sledding races in the world are set in Yukon and neighbouring Alaska. Dog sledding is a prestigious sport here and has a deep history with some of the best Alaskan huskies and race dogs you can find. This is the place to try your hand at dog sledding. Travel with your own team and explore the hundreds of miles of mapped trails with incredible scenery at every turn.
Follow the Klondike trail
Yukon is bursting with history, the majority of which surrounds the mass gold rush of the late 1800’s. The Klondike Gold Rush saw mass migration into the Yukon soon after the discovery of gold with treacherous journeys for prospectors. Today, this history is still apparent in the quirky communities. Dawson City was at the heart of this and you can still gold pan today – definitely a must do for any tour of the Yukon.
Cross the Arctic Circle
The infamous Dempster Highway is widely known as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stretching 460 miles, this vast gravel road leads through the northern Yukon all the way to the Arctic Circle passing through small offbeat towns along the way. The scenery is unmissable, displaying some of the most magnificent wilderness in the world. Passing through three mountain ranges there is not only impressive peaks but a wide variety of wildlife to see along the way.
Ice bear viewing in the Yukon
Nowhere else in the world can you view the phenomenon of the ‘ice bears’. Set within a stone’s throw of the Arctic Circle, Bear Cave Mountain is an extremely remote lodge visited by just a handful of people per year. With just a 6 week window, this is the place for the true wildlife lover and for photographers seeking something new and extraordinary. Due to a seasonal phenomenon, when snow is thick on the ground and winter sets in hard, watch as grizzlies fishing for salmon, dive into icy waters emerging with great icicles hanging off their thick furs.
The Northern Lights of the Yukon
Whilst auroras can be seen closer to home, the Yukon cannot be forgotten for its impressive winter light displays. Experience the total silence and solitude of the winter here whilst watching for the bright multi-coloured light displays seen each year. Tied in with dog sledding adventures or ski escapes, the Yukon should not be missed for a winter escape.
