Canada From Coast to Coast – The Yukon

Well today I’m going to talk about the Yukon, so we’re still on the Western side of the country. The Yukon shares its western border with Alaska, and the landscape, terrain is wild and mountainous with more land than people. The first thing I think when I think of the Yukon is the Aurora Borealis also known as the Northern Lights, the wonder of it! Imagine getting to watch the sky dance!

So the slogan for the Yukon is “Larger Than Life”, and really it does seem appropriate! You can get there by plane or boat, but most people road-trip. Oh and even though I can’t imagine it, some people will walk/hike there way there (don’t ask, I don’t understand either!) It also allows you to see BC on your way there! If you are flying from either the US or Canada, make sure you plan your car rental in advance. You can’t see the Yukon without it, because Whitehorse isn’t like Paris, where you can spend two weeks just exploring the city. You will want to get out into the wide open spaces!

There are several regions, and they are as follows: Campbell, Klondike, Kluane, Silver Trail, Southern Lakes, Watson Lake Region, Whitehorse Region so that you can plan accordingly based on both activities and accessability.

So I think it’s safe to say that the Yukon is even more about the outdoors than even British Columbia is, the people that choose to live here do so for the wildness of it. However, because it is a sizable Canadian city, I can’t write this post without touching on Whitehorse.

This is an important thing to note. The Yukon is inside the Arctic Circle, so you need to be aware that in the summer, it doesn’t get dark, EVER! The seasonal solstice ushers in the Midnight Sun, bringing with it 24 hours of daylight from June to September. That means you actually have to tell your brain it’s bedtime or you’ll lose your mind! Which also means that in winter you can have up to 24 hours of darkness per day. It just depends on what latitude you’re at! But be prepared either way.

Whitehorse – is really the only city in the Yukon; with a population of about 30,000 people and the average age of 38.5 (yes they include the half year), it’s a young and vibrant place. I have known people that lived there and say it’s amazing; actually I’ve never heard a bad word about Whitehorse. Plus they even have good transit!

Whitehorse, like Dawson City, owes its existence to the Klondike Gold Rush, which began in 1897. So here are a few tourist related attraction to experience while in Whitehorse:
1. SS Klondike National Historic Site
2. Miles Canyon with it’s 75 foot suspension bridge
3. 30 minutes out of town the Yukon Wildlife Preserve
4. Take a walking tour of the city
5. Takhini Hot Springs
6. MacBride Museum of Yukon History
7. Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

As for food, they’ve got a unique and varied foodie scene. You’ll be able to try proteins that you may never have considered such as seal and elk sausage roll, beer bread made from Winterlong Brewing’s spent mash at The Alpine Bakery, peruse Uruguay wine and Japanese whisky at the pocket-sized shop Corked.

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
So let’s move on to the Northern Lights because this has to be one of the reasons you’re going so far North! I’m borrowing much of the details directly from travelyukon.com because they know what they’re talking about! They also recommend an aurora viewing app such as My Aurora Forecast or checking out Aurora Forecast. 

When and where to have the best experience – Although they are visible from mid-August to mid-April, your best chance (because there are no guarantees, just like whale watching) is during the first few weeks of winter. Ideal viewing conditions consist of dark and clear nights (preferably moonless) with a magic window between 10 pm and 3 am. If you’re in the Whitehorse area, take the scenic route towards Fish Lake or Chadburn Lake Road, away from the city lights.

If a guided aurora tour is more your pace, get ready to be spoiled for choice. The Yukon has a plethora of northern lights tours and experiences including cabins, teepees, lodges, and dog sledding excursions. And don’t worry about the cold—most tour operators will rent winter outerwear or include it in their packages.

I think that the most amazing way to see them, would be soaking in a 47° Celsius natural mineral water pool, as the sky above tries really, really hard to impress you. That, could be you at the Takhini Hot Pools in Whitehorse.

Another unique spot to view the northern lights is the Midnight Dome. This is the most scenic lookout high above the city of Dawson where folks gather to watch the midnight sun during the summer, and the northern lights during the winter. With views of the Yukon River and Klondike Valley.

Well I think we’ve covered the Northern Lights sufficiently! Let’s move on to all the other amazing things you can find yourself doing while in the Yukon.

So when should you go? Well it just depends on what you’re there for, what you’re wanting to do and who you’re going with. Winter Time: Remember it’s dark most of the day; and since everyone has their own preferences for doing things outside in the winter, here’s a list of ideas. Personally my winter activities involve hot beverages, by a fire – inside!!
Snowmobiling / Dog sledding – adventure packages are available as early as the end of October / Skiing both downhill and cross-county / Snow-shoeing / Back country camping / Ice fishing / Skating or outdoor Hockey

Summer time opens up more options that don’t require serious winter gear to keep you from catching hypothermia! Not that I’m biased or anything – hahaha! You can get outdoors and enjoy those incredibly long days: RVing / Camping / Trekking or Hiking / River rafting / Golfing / Mountain Biking / Motorcycling / Cycling / ATVing / Canoeing / Kayaking / Fishing / Boating

Basically you can do anything outdoors that you can imagine, there are guided tours, and self guided options. With something for everyone in your group. Spas and Mineral pools for those that really don’t want to go mountain biking that day, and a day on the water in a kayak for those that want to take a time out but still be out there! It’s up to you.

You won’t get a crazy hot summer (20C or so) but certainly comfortable, but you will get real winter (-13C to -40C), so when you go, dress accordingly. Oh and bring bug spray!

Well there you have it, another beautiful Canadian destination for those that love the great outdoors, and especially those looking to experience the Northern Lights.

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