Yukoners are adventurous people. They live near the Arctic Circle in 80% pristine wilderness, in a land of extremes. During the summer the Yukon boasts more than 20 hours a day of sunshine under the magnificent Midnight Sun and in the winter, their home turns into a stunning snow-covered wonderland with temperatures sometimes reaching minus 30-degrees Celsius.
These extremes bring year-round outdoor experiences that are amplified to a grand scale.
The Yukon summer season runs from June - September and at the height of summer, the sun sets at midnight and temperatures can peak to 26°C.
Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination. Home to Canada's highest mountain (Mount Logan) and the planet's largest non-polar icefields located in Kluane National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of North America's most undiscovered destinations; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. Roughly the size of Spain at just over 186,000 square miles, the Yukon is home to more than 160,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds, with a human population of only 40,000.
Here's how visitors looking for enriching experiences in the wilderness, can live like a Yukoner this summer:
The discovery of Klondike gold in 1896 began a stampede of more than 100,000 prospectors. There's still gold here, but today it's the period's captivating history that draws visitors to the territory. Gold Rush town, Dawson City, looks and feels like an old movie set. Goldbottom Mine Tours, run by The Millars - a three-generation gold mining family - offers daily trips to their active mine. Tour the original Goldbottom Roadhouse and discover what other treasures frozen in time are sometimes uncovered. Gain insights into the day-to-day life of a modern miner and hear of fortunes made and failures endured. Visitors will learn how raw gold is concentrated, cleaned and worked with, before experiencing the thrill of panning for their own gold from the very same pay dirt that is being sluiced.
First Nations history runs as deep as the rivers in the Yukon. The territory has rich and varied Indigenous cultures and visitors can immerse themselves in a lifestyle dating back more than 12,000 years and learn about the 14 distinct First Nations, each with their own unique traditions and heritage. Visitors to the Yukon are always extended a warm welcome by local First Nations communities and here they will discover an unparalleled richness of First Nation artwork, craft, storytelling, music and dance. To truly experience the Yukon's First Nations cultures, travellers must journey on the mighty Yukon River. Fishwheel Charter Services in Gold Rush Town Dawson City, takes visitors on river tours with experienced guide Tommy Taylor, a Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizen. Tours offered include Dawson City river tours, custom multi-day river trips, custom single or multi-day snowmobile adventures, and rustic cabin rentals. Visitors are encouraged to visit Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, the gateway to Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in heritage and is a must visit First Nations attraction.
The long (sometimes 24 hours long) summer days of Yukon mean one thing to many Yukoners: time to hike. Lace up those boots and retrace the steps of the gold prospectors from more than 100 years ago, as they made their way to the Klondike goldfields via the Chilkoot Trail. Alternatively, spend a day trekking through Tombstone Territorial Park or Kluane National Park and Reserve, with trails and terrain to suit all levels of experience. Closer to home, the capital city of Whitehorse is home to more than 435 miles of world-renowned hiking trails, including the waterfront Millennium Trail and the historic walk to Canyon City. Cameras should be kept close at hand at all times as the local wildlife may come out to say hello.
Yukoners firmly believe in immersing themselves in the abundance of nature found in the Territory, and there's no better way to get amongst it than by pitching a tent. Rent all the required gear in Whitehorse, or hire an RV and head out to any of Yukon's tranquil camping sites. Stay at Kathleen Lake nestled at the edge of Kluane National Park, and spend time fishing and hiking, or head north to Kluane Lake for truly exceptional scenery and a chance to spot one of the local furry residents – grizzly and black bears, and moose. Dawson City, a scenic six-hour drive from Whitehorse, has a number of campgrounds, offering the perfect base for a journey rich in gold rush history and outdoor fun.
The opportunities to experience the summer solstice in the Yukon are endless and locals and visitors love to celebrate the arrival of summer in every corner of the Yukon. In the northern hemisphere, summer solstice generally falls on or around 21 June. During the weeks before and after the longest day of the year, the skies are packed with an abundance of glorious daylight. North of the Arctic Circle, the sun stays above the horizon for weeks. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this energising time of year in the Yukon. Join the National Indigenous Peoples Day festivities held in communities throughout the territory, welcome summer with a picnic at the top of the Dome in Dawson City, or head out to explore the sandy beaches of Carcross before enjoying a locally crafted beer on a patio under the glow of the midnight sun.
Discover North America's new 14-day Yukon & Alaska Walk includes one night in a hotel in Whitehorse and 12-nights camping throughout the Yukon and Alaska. The itinerary includes Kluane National Park, Tombstone Territorial Park, the Chilkoot Trail and Dawson City. 14 days from £2,739 per person including one night in a hotel, 12 nights camping, services of a professional tour guide, all transportation by private vehicle, 12 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 12 dinners, and activities and sightseeing as specified.
