Here Are 16 Things You Need To Know Before Travelling To Yukon

10/10 would visit.

Bursting with epic landscapes, delicious food, rich history, and, of course, the Northern Lights, every Canadian (and let's be real, every person on the planet) should try to make their way to the mighty Yukon at least once in their lifetime.

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We’d like to begin by acknowledging that First Nations’ traditional territories make up almost all the land in Yukon. Many of the below locations are on these lands. There are 14 Yukon First Nations comprised of Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Kluane First Nation, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Liard First Nation, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation, Ross River Dena Council, Selkirk First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, Teslin Tlingit Council, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, and White River First Nation. Please be respectful when visiting.

1. There are epic landscapes as far as the eye can see.

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One of the first things you’ll notice once you arrive in Yukon is the incredible landscapes which are visible as far as the eye can see. Here you’ll find wide-open spaces and unbelievable nature-filled landscapes, making it the perfect place for those who love the great outdoors.

2. You can learn about the traditions and culture of Yukon’s First Nations.

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No trip to Yukon is complete without a visit to Carcross, where you can stand in the presence of totem poles and then tuck inside a carving shed to watch and learn the significance of the artwork's shapes and colours.

3. You’ll get the chance to eat delicious, locally-made food.

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You will find fresh, locally-made, flavourful meals that are made farm (or sea) to table. Traditional First Nations dishes like bannock and smoked salmon are staple food items in Yukon, in addition to fresh fish and wild game.

4. The views of the Northern Lights are insane.

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For all of the aurora hunters out there, Yukon is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. While you can drive and view the auroras on your own, there are also tours available, so that you can experience the vast expanse and beauty of the great wide north with a trusted guide.

5. Yukon is known for its rich history.

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While here, you can learn about Yukon's rich history, which includes being home to the world-famous Klondike Gold Rush in the 19th century in Dawson City. At this time, over 100,000 prospectors made the arduous journey up the Chilkoot and White Pass mountain trails searching for gold. Today, Dawson City is filled with Gold Rush history, and you can check out the preserved, colourful wooden houses.

6. You’ll get to see amazing wildlife up close.

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It's safe to say that Yukon is truly wild, as more wild animals are living here than residents. While visiting, you'll have the chance to spot Canada's Big 5, which includes bears, wolves, moose, elk, and deer, plus a ton of other exciting animals like Arctic foxes, coyotes, wolverines, lynx, eagles, and much more.

7. There’s no shortage of life-changing experiences.

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Yukon is home to iconic drives and scenic roads that stretch to all corners of the Territory. Because of this, there's no shortage of epic experiences to enjoy and things to see. Consider renting an RV to explore the vast roads or rent a Jeep fitted with a rooftop tent for the ultimate road trip experience.

8. You’ll enjoy non-stop adventures.

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You’ll never run out of things to do when you visit Yukon. Whether you find yourself experiencing the vast lands by air, on the water, riding the rails, or out on the open road, there’s always a memorable experience to be had. Some great options include trekking over the Chilkoot Trail or canoeing the isolated and beautiful Snake River.

9. It’s home to Canada’s highest mountain.

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Yukon is home to Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan. With an ascent of 5,959 metres, it's the second-highest mountain in North America, only to Alaska's Mount Denali.

10. There are countless pristine national parks to check out.

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While Yukon is home to several incredible national parks, make sure to check out Kluane National Park and Reserve. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it's also home to Mount Logan, hiking trails, grizzly bears, and the glacier-fed Alsek River.

11. There are empty, scenic roads ready to be discovered.

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If you're in the mood for a remote adventure, you can travel down the 740-km bucket list journey from Inuvik to Dawson City along the Dempster Highway. The drive is both secluded and beautiful, and chances are the most traffic you'll see is wildlife crossing the road.

12. There's no shortage of incredible winter activities.

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While this might not be your typical ski destination, Yukon is home to an impressive assortment of winter activities, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, and ice fishing, which are all great ways to take in the pristine winter landscape.

13. And of course, there’s also no shortage of summer activities.

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Visitors are genuinely spoiled when it comes to outdoor activities, especially in the warmer months. Regardless of where you visit, there are endless options, including hiking, camping, cycling, canoeing, and kayaking, giving you the perfect spot to take in the views of the boreal forest and the landscape from a different perspective.

14. The lakes are absolutely beautiful.

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While there are several incredible lakes to check out, Emerald Lake should be at the top of your list. Located in the south of Yukon, Emerald Lake is known for its intense green colour, which comes from the light reflecting on marl deposits (grey rocks made from calcium carbonate and clay) on the water floor.

15. It’s home to the Carcross Desert.

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While often referred to as the world's smallest desert, the Carcross Desert is a series of northern sand dunes. Despite its name, it's technically not a true desert because the area's climate is too humid. The sand was formed during the last glacial period when large glacial lakes formed and deposited silt. When the lakes dried, the dunes were left behind. Today, visitors enjoy sandboarding and ATVing here.

16. There are excellent museums and cultural centres to check out.

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Due to its wealth of culture, Yukon has a lot of museums on offer throughout the Territory, giving visitors a chance to experience the local history and traditions. This includes the MacBride Museum of Yukon History and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse.

Are you tempted by this land of rugged, untamed beauty? If you crave adventure, untouched wildlife, and want to travel to a place that'll change your life, book a trip to Yukon ASAP.

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