Bordering the American State of Alaska to its west and British
Columbia to its south, trips to Yukon can truly feel like an exploration
into the wild unknown. Yukon has an archaeological history that places
people in North America at very early points and yet the wild, rugged
aspects of the land haven't dissipated over time. If you are keen on an
active holiday you can come to Yukon and climb Mount Logan, the second
highest mountain in North America. Or, if you prefer to be closer to the
ground, Yukon offers excellent places to canoe. Canada boasts a
plethora of waterways, lakes, rivers and streams, and Yukon is no
exception. While here, you should plan to visit the stunning Kluane
National Park, take a trip down the Yukon River, and spend a couple of
days in the town of Dawson.
Kluane National Park
Located
in the south western corner of Yukon, the Kluane National Park is an
outdoor lover's dream destination. Here you can camp, mountain bike,
hike, horseback ride, boat or canoe. Canada's Kluane National Park is
also home to the world's largest non-polar ice fields, and from the calm
waters of Kathleen, Mush, and Bates lakes you can have the opportunity
to see some of the wildlife that the park is so famous for. From the
flat waters of the lakes, you will be able to really appreciate the
silence of your surroundings and the stunning beauty of the alpine hills
and mountains that roll down to the shores. The waters are very cold
though, and should be treated with caution.
Taking a trip down the Yukon River
As
the longest river in both the Yukon and Alaska, the Yukon River is a
major waterway that winds its way across the middle of the Yukon. Each
section of the Yukon River offers visitors the chance to challenge their
paddling skills, in relation to their own ability and skill levels in a
canoe. Canada's Llewellyn Glacier in British Columbia is the source of
the chilly Yukon River's waters and provides a home to the many
varieties of waterfowl and fish. As you cruise down the river, you will
have the chance to spot some of the wildlife such as caribou, bears, and
maybe even bald eagles nestled along the shore. The Yukon is a
relatively smooth and easy going river, but the five finger rapids can
test your ability as you navigate your way down towards Dawson.
Dawson
Not
only is the town of Dawson home of the world famous "Gold Rush", it is
also the perfect place to conclude your trip down the Yukon River by
canoe. Canada became famous for its gold at the end of the 1800s; when
the town was the seat of Yukon's government (which has since moved to
the larger Whitehorse) the population peaked at 40,000 people. Today,
though, it has less than 2,000 permanent residents but is a popular
tourist destination. While you are in Dawson, recuperating from all the
fresh air from your Yukon River canoeing adventure, be sure to visit
author Pierre Berton's House, try your hand at panning for gold, and
take solace in the Jack London Museum, if you, like London, don't strike
it rich right away.
Philippa Westwood is Marketing Manager at Windows on the Wild, a
specialist of wildlife watching tours around the world. If you want to
canoe Canada or go on
dog sledding holidays in places like Lapland and Sweden, we can take you on adventurous experiences across the world.
