Travelling to the Yukon

The Yukon Territory is located in Northern Canada, between Alaska and the Northwest Territories. It is a sub-arctic region covered in mountain ranges. Travelling to the Yukon appeals to those interested in outdoor activities including camping, hiking, climbing, canoeing, and fishing.

When to Go
Winters are to be avoided, as they are long, dark and cold. The average number of daylight hours in January is six while the average number of daylight hours in July is nineteen. The summers are short, but they can be hot. June to August are the best visiting months.

Where to Go
Major Attractions: Alaska Highway, Kluane National Park and Reserve, Dawson City

The Alaska Highway – This road begins in British Columbia and enters the Yukon from the Southeast. In the summer, numerous visitors flock to this highway. Considered one of the major engineering feats of the 20th century, construction of this military highway began in 1942. Canadians and Americans worked together for eight month to build the highway, which stretches 2450 km. In 1949, the road was opened to civilians, and for the first time, year-round overland travel to Alaska from the South became possible. Whitehorse, the capital of the Territory, sits on this highway.

Kluane National Park – This UN World Heritage Site is home to the St. Elias Mountains and the world’s largest non-polar ice fields. The park is two thirds glacier and displays valleys, glacial lakes, alpine forest, meadows and tundra. At Silver City, the remains of a trading post and police barracks can be seen. The park is ideal for hiking, fishing and for spotting wildlife including grizzly bears, caribou and moose.

Dawson City – Once the heart of the gold rush, this city used to be filled with deluxe hotels, restaurants and luxury stores. Many of the city’s original buildings still stand and these attract a number of tourists in the summer. Dawson City has an ‘edge of civilization’ feel which is appealing. Some of its sites include: Two National Historic Mining Sites, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall, And The Palace Grand Theatre.

Other Highlights when Travelling to the Yukon Include:

• Vuntut and Ivvavik National Parks
• The Dempster Highway
• Yukon River North from Carmacks

Travel Insurance
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