The Yukon feels like the hidden gem of Canada.
It has a population of 44,000 for the whole territory, 27,000 of those living in the capital city of Whitehorse. Travel to the Yukon, it’s a huge territory, so that leaves a lot of wilderness to be explored! There are twice as many moose as people, along with black bears, grizzly bears, bison, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves… the list goes on. Not to mention the rich history of the Klondike gold rush in the late 1800s. And of course the fascinating history of the First Nations which can be seen all around you. It’s an intriguing mix of history, culture, wildlife and wilderness.
Whatever season you visit, there’s always something to do. I also have some guides on what spring is like in the Yukon; how to sleep during summer in the Yukon; and how to deal with winter in the Yukon.
If you’re still undecided, read on to find out more about the reasons why you should travel to the Yukon.
Breathtaking natural beauty
The Yukon is known for its stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and vast forests, up to the Tundra. There’s even a desert! Yes, the Carcross Desert. is the smallest desert in the world and such a unique environment. Who would’ve thought the Yukon had a desert? It was formed from the last ice age, as glaciers melted they created lakes… and when these lakes eventually dried up, the silt was left behind. Walk up to the top of the dunes for a spectacular view.
There are lakes like Emerald and Spirit Lake, which look turquoise and like they belong in the Mediterranean. Emerald Lake is known as “Rainbow Lake” by the First Nations, a beautiful and fitting name. These colours are the result of the last ice age too.
Then there are mountains like Montana Mountain, with its largest peak at 7,243 feet and encompassing 180 square kilometres. Boreal Forest covers the Yukon, boasting a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. This makes visiting in the Autumn a truly breathtaking experience with the blend of orange and evergreen trees.
Such a vast landscape! The untouched wilderness provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and photography.
See the northern lights
The Yukon is one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis. The clear, dark skies in this remote region create optimal conditions for viewing this natural phenomenon. They’re even visible in Whitehorse!
There are a plethora of resorts and lodges where you can stay to view them in comfort. Or, stay in a campground whilst you travel on your road trip. There’s not much light pollution in the Yukon, so there are plenty of dark spots to watch this stunning show that nature has to offer.
They can be seen whenever night falls, so during Winter time is best. Be sure to check the forecast to see if they will make an appearance, and wrap up warm.
Outdoor adventures
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the Yukon offers a wide range of activities. These include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, dog sledding, snowmobiling… you get the idea. The territory’s vast wilderness provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Whether it’s the Summer or Winter, you won’t be bored in the Yukon. And they make it so easy to do all of these things. You can rent bikes and skis at Icycle Sports; you can also do dog sledding and snowmobile tours from outside your door at resorts like Southern Lakes Resort. There are exciting hiking trails with all skill levels. And it’s not just tourists that do these activities. It seems like everyone in the Yukon has their own ATV, snowmobile, or boat! Even a small plane or two. They know how to make the most of being outside, and they’re here to show you how it’s done!
After all of that exercising, there are even natural hot springs to soak your sore muscles after a long day of exploring. Visit Eclipse Hot Springs just outside of Whitehorse for a spa day.
Rich indigenous culture
The Yukon is home to 14 First Nations communities, who speak 8 languages. Approximately 25% of the Yukon population is Indigenous, making your travel to the Yukon an unmissable opportunity for learning. Each community has its unique traditions, art, and history. You can learn about their cultures, attend events, and even participate in workshops to gain a deeper cultural understanding.
It’s important to recognise not only their beautiful way of life but also they’re scarred past. Take the time to visit the cultural centres along your travels. You will leave appreciating their lifestyle and increasing your sense of wonder for their people. They have so many lessons to teach us to enrich our own lives.
A beautiful town to visit is Carcross. Here is the Carcross Commons, a beautiful town centre with boutique shops decorated with First Nations art. There are also Tinglit and Tagish totem poles for you to marvel at, a restaurant, and a coffee shop. It’s open from May to September, 9am to 5pm. Carcross is worth the short 1.5 hour drive from Whitehorse (you’ll drive past Emerald Lake and the Carcross Desert!).
Goldrush history
You can’t talk about the Yukon without talking about the gold rush. The Yukon played a significant role in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. The remnants of this history can still be seen in towns like Dawson City. Walk along the boardwalk and it’s like walking back in time with the historical buildings everywhere you look. Visit historical sites, and museums, and learn about the hardships and dreams of those who sought their fortunes here. You can even pan for gold yourself! There are quirky activities too, like the Sour Toe Cocktail (it’s exactly what it sounds like).
The gold rush led to Dawson City being established and eventually, the Yukon Territory, making it a significant historical event. There are a ton of books to pique your interest, especially about the women of the day who overcame incredible obstacles. Travel to the Yukon to immerse yourself in their stories.
Wildlife viewing
Seeing as there is so much wildlife in the Yukon, it makes for some pretty incredible viewing. Wildlife enthusiasts will have the opportunity to observe all of these majestic creatures in their natural habitats.
You don’t even have to make much of an effort. Just driving through the Yukon on a road trip offers a lot to be seen! You will drive past all of the wild animals at some point. Whether that’s the black or grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and bison. There are a few things to increase your chances, such as driving in the mornings and evenings – keep your eyes peeled. Sometimes it just comes down to luck.
It’s wise to practice safe wildlife viewing, however exciting it may be when you do come across animals. If it’s from your vehicle: slow down only in a safe place along the road; don’t roll down your window or make loud noises; never try to feed them; never get out of your vehicle!
If you’re hiking or camping, it’s super important to take the necessary safety measures. Read the Yukon Government’s advice for staying safe in a bear country and how to travel safely in the wilderness.
If you would like to see animals safely, visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve just outside of Whitehorse.
Friendly locals
Yukoners are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. You’ll come across a lot of locals who are eager to share their stories and insights about living there. There’s often a lesson to be learned from their stories too!
For example, when living in such a remote area, it’s important to help people you come across in need. If someone is stranded in their vehicle in Winter, it could mean death if you don’t stop to help. Winters in the Yukon can drop to -50 Celcius! With such a harsh weather environment and remote towns, life is much more difficult without a community to help you. If you’re driving along the highway, it could be hours before you drive past another vehicle.
So everyone helps each other out and is happy to have a chat in the process. Those who live in the Yukon are passionate about where they live. It’s not always an easy place to live, after all. They are happy to pass on helpful tips and tricks and point out useful information. Use these opportunities to learn a local’s knowledge of the Yukon.
Unique festivals and events
The Yukon hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from Indigenous traditions to contemporary arts. These events provide a chance to engage with the local culture and community.
There are so many talented artists in the Yukon. It’s almost like all of this wilderness and nature inspires them or something… From Dawson City’s Thaw Di Gras to Yukon Rendezvous, film, and music festivals. There’s always a market to check out, live music to listen to, and art exhibits to explore. They make the most out of the Summer months. The Summer doesn’t last long in the Yukon! Take a look at What’s Up Yukon to plan which events to stop at along your travels.
Unplugged experience
If you’re seeking a break from the fast-paced modern world, the Yukon offers the chance to disconnect in nature. The absence of urban distractions allows you to truly appreciate the tranquillity and beauty of the natural surroundings.
Why stare at your phone when you’re standing in front of Miles Canyon? And there’s no time to be scrolling social media when you’re hiking up a mountain or kayaking calm lakes. If you’re looking at your phone then you’ll miss the wildlife along the roads (you’re in the passenger seat, obviously!). Get lost in appreciating the landscape rolling by, and it will feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Internet and cell service is limited between the towns, and even then it can be sketchy. So once you’ve prepared all you need to stay safe, put away distractions, and enjoy the wilderness. You won’t regret it.
Accessible wilderness
Despite its remote feel, the Yukon is relatively accessible by air and road. The Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse, is well-connected to major Canadian cities, making it easier to embark on your Yukon adventure.
It’s also easy to rent a car in Whitehorse as you will need it if you want to travel further out. When you arrive, visit the Information Centre for helpful brochures like the Yukon highway map, bear safety, etc. They are incredibly helpful and make great souvenirs to take back home.
So don’t be nervous about the vastness of the wilderness. It’s also quite easy to move around the Yukon as there’s usually only one road to your destination. So that makes things a lot easier!
Are you ready to travel to the Yukon?
Add travelling to the Yukon to your bucket list! Don’t have one? Read my guide on how to create a bucket list.
Visiting the Yukon can be a transformative experience. It allows you to reconnect with nature, learn about difficult cultures, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a unique travel destination… the Yukon has something special to offer for everyone of all ages.
