Canada’s wild western edge is remote, wild, and brimming with adventure. Home to the nation’s highest peak – Mount Logan – as well as coastline along the Arctic Ocean, Yukon is a smorgasbord of parks and reserves, untamed rivers, vast forests, and sparkling lakes.
Mountains of Ice And Stone
Mount Logan is protected within Kluane National Park, where rivers of ice flow from the mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site can be seen in a day trip or a week-long expedition. See the park from the air using a private tour guide for an afternoon to remember.
In the far north, Ivvavik National Park protects Arctic habitats and caribou herds. Like nearby Vuntut National Park, it is largely undeveloped and accessible only by charter plane, but the hardy explorers who make it here can see wolverines, wolves, moose, and golden eagles.
Yukon is brimming with lakes and rivers. Fly fishers and anglers can bushwhack to a remote stretch of river or hire a guide to launch into uncharted waters and cast for Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic char.
Winters in Yukon: Make the Most of Short Days
Yukon lives for its winters, and there are myriad ways to enjoy this long season. Strap on skis and visit downhill resorts such as Mt. Sima near Whitehorse or Mt. Maichen near Watson Lake. World-class backcountry skiing is available for the properly equipped on White Pass and Haines Pass, while cross-country skiers will find hundreds of miles of groomed trails around Whitehorse, Watson Lake, and even remote communities such as Atlin and Carcross. Prefer to go where no one has gone before? Helicopter skiing outfits offer trips to untamed runs. Guides can lead you to ice climbs in Kluane National Park or snowshoeing adventures through endless forests. Whitehorse has become one of the country’s most popular fat bike destinations – rent one for the day and see how the wide tires make it seem like you are floating on the snow. Like your winter sport indoors? Practically every settlement in the territory has its own curling rink!
Follow Historic Trails or Beat Your Own Path
Strap on your hiking boots and explore the thousands of kilometers of trails in the Yukon. Choice hikes include the 40-mile Slim’s River West Trail in Kluane National Park, which leads to the summit of Observation Mountain, as well as the Kings Throne Trail, which is also in Kluane. The Nares Mountain Trail treks across rough and bare ground near Carcross, while the Fish Lake Trail satisfies trekkers who want to stay close to Whitehorse.
The famous 1,387-mile Alaska Highway bisects the Yukon and passes through memorable landscapes – soaring mountains, huge icefields, historic First Nations sites, and transparent rivers. Pack your car and set off along it to explore remote villages, quiet camping areas, and wildlife refuges like the Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area.
Racers will find plenty of events in the Yukon, too. The Yukon River Marathon is held every summer in Whitehorse, and Whitehorse is also home to the Yukon Arctic Marathon, which runs each winter, and the 24 Hours of Light mountain bike race, held each June. For a race like no other, grab a group of friends and sign up for September’s Klondike Trail of ’98 International Road Relay, where teams of up to 10 runners race along the old Gold Rush route.
Yukon truly has a year-round landscape for adventure and exploration – pack your bags start planning today!
Kluane National Park & Reserve
Covering over 22,000 squared kilometres, the Kluane National Park & Reserve is located in southwestern Yukon. Established in 1976, Kluane Park is known for hosting Mount Logan in the Saint Elias Mountains – Canada’s highest mountain.
A hotspot for outdoor activity, Kluane offers miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the Alsek Pass, plus rafting the Alsek River, and fishing for rare species like Arctic grayling.
Miles Canyon
While visiting the city of Whitehorse in the northern Canadian territory of Yukon, take time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Schedule time for fun in Miles Canyon, located south of downtown Whitehorse. This protected popular recreation area is included in the Greenbelt Park Reserve, along with Hidden Lakes and Grey Mountain. Lace up comfortable shoes for trekking along the numerous hiking trails and be sure to view the suspension bridge.
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Yukon River, Schwatka Lake and the canyon walls from the Robert E. Lowe suspension bridge. Walk a short distance from the bridge, to capture a picture of the Devil's Punchbowl, rapids that took the lives of rafters during the Klondike Gold Rush. Mountain biking and cross-country skiing are also popular recreational activities near the canyon. Make the most of your time in Whitehorse, by checking into the local Best Western hotel, where exceptional guest amenities await.
Northern Tales Travel Services
The Yukon territory awaits those ready to see it all. What better way to do so, than with Northern Tales Travel Services. The first-class Aurora Borealis viewing tours are one of the more popular tours offered during the winter. Enjoy viewing the spectacular Aurora Borealis from the comfortable Northern Lights Trading Post. Summer tours include photography tours and birding excursions. While in the Whitehorse area, rest comfortably with Best Western hotels.
Up North Adventures
Ready for an adventure? Look no further than with award-winning travel outfitters, Up North Adventures. Located in downtown Whitehorse, Up North Adventures offers adventure for every level. Winter adventures include ice fishing and snowmobiling. Summer-time excursions include fishing, hiking and Yukon River trips. The twenty-four hours of sunlight only enhances the experience. Take a break from the action, in a comfortable Best Western guest room and enjoy a wonderful night's rest.
Schwatka Lake
Schwatka Lake, located near downtown Whitehorse, was created with the daming of the Yukon River. One of the Whitehorse's main power generating sites, the lake is also a popular base for float planning, fishing for the Chinook Salmon during the salmon run, and recreational boating.
Yukon Quest
Held every February, the Yukon Quest is a dog sled race held between Fairbanks, Alaska and Whitehorse. It its known as the most challenging dog sled race in the world. The route, which follows the historic route of the Klondike Gold Rush, runs along and near the frozen Yukon River.
While Whitehorse is traditionally the starting point of the race, it has also acted as the finishing line for several years.
Yukon Wildlife Preserve
Get in touch with nature, while in the Whitehorse area. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is located 25 minutes north of Whitehorse and offers visitors self-guided walking and skiing tours. The interpretive bus tours are another great way to learn about this wonderful preserve. Schedule plenty of time at the preserve to see the ten major species of northern animals, in their natural habitat. After a fun day outside, check into a comfortable Best Western guest room and enjoy a wonderful night's rest.