Destination Attractions Things to do in Yukon

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

There are many things to do in the Yukon area of Canada. These activities range from hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and rafting, fishing, hunting, aurora viewing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding, golf, gold panning, horseback riding, running, wildlife viewing, scenic drives and flightseeing and charters.

Hiking and mountaineering are both limitless challenges because of the mountain ranges and endless trails supplied by the Yukons regions. The northern area of the Yukon, rich with lush valleys and tawny slopes complete with jagged pinnacles cloaked in ice present many mountaineering experiences as well as the southern Yukon valleys and mountains that stretch from the Coast Mountains to the Selwyn Range. These areas also offer superb hiking, whether it is an afternoon stroll or a weekend expedition for hikers of all ages.

Biking in the Yukon is an experience for everyone, whether it is testing the rough terrain or simply cruising through the breathtaking countryside. The Yukon has many historic trails rated by Bike Magazine making it one of the top areas to mountain bike. Whether it is simply riding for pleasure or a ride like no other, the Yukon offers something for every biker.

A river adventure in the Yukon is like no other adventure whether it is with canoes, kayaks or rafts. River adventures are the best way to experience the scenery and adventure of the Yukon, complete with glaciers and wildlife, such as Grizzly bears and the arctic tundra plains. Whitewater rafting past blue glaciers or a rafting trip down the Snake River are also both adventures that are great experiences.

Fishing in the Yukon includes species such as the Arctic grayling, northern pike and lake trout found in the icy streams and pristine lakes of the Yukon. Whether the angler has flown in to a remote area or has chosen to explore the fishing conditions with the family along the roadside, the angler will undoubtedly make memories that last a lifetime. Most anglers insist that there is no place like it. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release.

Hunting in the Yukon is different from most other places because only one outfitter may operate in each geographical guided area. With this rule in place, the hunter does not have to worry about the risk of unwelcome trespassing from other outfitters.

Aurora viewing, taking place during the winter, is a stunning display of the Northern Lights, known as Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights is a nightly lightshow that occurs across the night sky with brilliant displays of forms and different intensities and colors ranging from pale yellow to lime green to red. A visitor to the Yukon can find out more about the Aurora Borealis by visiting the Northern Lights Space and Science Center.

Dog Sledding, the original form of transportation in the Yukon, is still depended on by many natives as their only means of transportation across the wilderness. Dog sledding, now available to visitors by several tour operators on half-day to full week or longer trips allow the visitor to step back in time. Most of these companies teach the visitor the basic techniques required to drive the dog sleds. While on the dog sled trails, accommodations range from rustic wall tents and wilderness cabins to fully furnished cabins and lodges, complete with all the amenities anyone could want.

Snowmobiling is a perfect alternative to experiencing the Yukon, especially if dogs or skis are not what the visitor is longing to try. There are many trails, with varying difficulty levels, which are perfect for all riders regardless of experience levels. While traveling these trails, the riders will have the opportunity to explore old mining roads, wilderness areas as well as groomed and ungroomed trails. With all the trails available in the Yukon, having that crowded feeling seldom felt. Riders can bring their own sleds if they choose to but they do not have to as every thing needed can be found at any of the many outfitters.

Other outdoor recreation include golf in Whitehorse, Dawson City, Watson Lake or Faro, gold panning in the Klondike or Silver Trail Regions, running down a scenic trail, horseback riding, off-road vehicles over rough terrain, cross-country skiing on miles and miles of trails or downhill skiing down Mount Sima, Mount Maichen or Moose Mountain.

The Yukon also has an interesting historical past that can be seen by touring different sites throughout the Yukon. These historical sites include the S.S. Keno Historic Site of Canada. The S.S. Keno, one of the last sternwheelers that traveled the rivers of the Yukon, can be toured from June to mid-September. Keno City Mining Museum, open daily from June to September, offers displays of silver mining, such as tools, equipment, memorabilia and photographs of an isolated mining town. Dredge No. 4.National Historic Site of Canada, with tours from June to mid-September, is the largest wooden hull, bucket line dredge in North America. Carmacks Roadhouse Heritage Site, located in the village of Carmacks, is a 1903 roadhouse, which grew to be the largest on the Overland Trail. Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall, take a step back in time while visiting this establishment which offers three different can-can dancer shows nightly along with blackjack, roulette, poker and slot machines. Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall is only open May 13 to September 18.

Take a walking tour through Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site of Canada, with its historic buildings and streetscapes with a guide or on your own with an audio tape. The Commissioners Residence is also a step back in time by experiencing the restored grandeur of this establishment that was the official residence of the Commissioner of the Yukon during 1900 to 1916. The Whitehorse Fishway allows the visitor to retrace the old sternwheeler route by cruising on a 110-foot catamaran from mid-May to mid-September. Museum of Yukon Natural History/ Caribou Crossing Trading Post, open May to September, contains a 5000-foot display of the Yukons wildlife as well as farm animals, live wild sheep, caribou and lynx.

The Yukon Historical and Museums Association offers historical guided walking tours, Monday through Saturday, June to August. Jack London Cabin and Interpretive Centre, home of the famous author, has daily tours and presentations May 1 to September 12. Binet House Interpretive Center houses an extensive display of environmental and geological history of the Mayo District as well as a collection of historical photos, flora and fauna and medical artifacts. Tour the Robert Service Cabin, a two-room log cabin, set in the willows on the hillside of Dawson City. Harringtons Store contains a photo exhibit including the Gold Rush through the eyes and lens of those who were there. This exhibit is only open from June to late August.

These are just some of the interesting activities available in the Yukon. A visitor could also pan for gold, visit a wildlife preserve, attend the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, take a river cruise, attend an art exhibit, attend a musical comedy based on love, gold mining and boxing, or just take a scenic driving tour. Not all of the Yukon is accessible by car, so flightseeing is another activity available. Flightseeing can take the visitor past the highest peak in the Yukon as well as over rivers and canyons, northern tundra and Yukon communities. Not matter where the interest of the visitors lie, there is something for everyone in the Yukon.