Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1471704
Displays explore how the people have adapted and flourished on the sometimes harsh land; there are colourful samples of original bead work by Kluane First Nation citizens; information on the wildlife of the area, including grizzly bears and Dall's sheep; and programming by a Kluane First Nation interpreter or Elder (www.pc.gc.ca/ en/pn-np/yt/kluane). CITY LIGHTS Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, gained its name from the roiling White Horse Rapids on the Yukon River. Whitehorse is the urban heart of the territory, with historic and heritage sites, a vibrant arts locale, and a wide range of dining and accommodation choices (www.travelyukon.com). Quirky and historic Dawson City preserves its storied Gold Rush past with false-fronted buildings, rustic log cabins, can-can dancing and a frontier energy. Downtown Dawson is designated a national historic site (www.dawsoncity.ca). THE GREAT OUTDOORS In the Yukon's unspoiled wilderness, outdoor enthusiasts can explore on foot or by mountain bike, or retrace the prospectors' footsteps by hiking the challenging Chilkoot Trail. Angle for trophy fish in a northern glacier-fed lake or climb a mountain. Go heli-hiking or heli-skiing, kayaking, canoeing or rafting part of the Yukon River— Canada's second longest. The Yukon, home to some of the most renowned rivers in Canada, is a paddler's dreamscape. In addition to the Yukon and Klondike rivers, the territory has four Canadian Heritage Rivers: the Alsek, Thirty Mile, Tatshenshini and Bonnet Plume. These ribbons of water offer challenging whitewater to flat waters, with outstanding opportunities to observe wildlife. Anglers come from around the world to experience some of Canada's best fishing for lake trout, northern pike, Arctic grayling, rainbow trout and salmon in the Yukon's pristine lakes and rivers. Experienced guides can create a day of superb fishing in remote waters where you can really get away from it all. Fishing outfitters like Inconnu Lodge offer personalized, small-group packages to introduce visitors to the northern lights, while enjoying fishing and viewing glaciers and local wildlife (www.inconnulodge.com). Spectators cheer on mushers in the famous 1,609-km (1,000-mi.) Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race (www.yukonquest.com). Winter, summer or fall, dog lovers can paddle, hike, sled or snowmobile on guided outings with Muktuk Adventures, where there's a dog along on every outing (www.muktuk.com). Yukon Wild, a group of professional adventure travel companies, holds year- round trips with experienced local guides and equipment. Activities range from fishing, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding or rafting, to dogsledding, snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling (www.yukonwild.com). HERITAGE AND CULTURE When the news of "Gold!" echoed from the Klondike, tens of thousands of gold seekers set off, lured by dreams of riches. The history of the Gold Rush is still at the hub of many Yukon experiences. In 2021, the territory celebrated the 125 th anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush! The Dawson City Museum is the perfect spot to learn about the town at the heart of the Gold Rush (www.dawsonmuseum.ca). Watch the award-winning film, City of Gold, narrated by Yukon-native Pierre Berton. Dawson City likes to show off a rich literary heritage. Along Writers' Block (Eighth Street), stop at the Robert Service Cabin where visitors are treated to readings of his DOG SLEDDING, SKY HIGH WILDERNESS RANCH • GOVERNMENT OF YUKON/CATHIE ARCHBOULD YT 100 Special Events www.travelyukon.com/en/ things-to-do FEBRUARY • AVAILABLE LIGHT FILM FESTIVAL, WHITEHORSE • YUKON ARCTIC ULTRA, WHITEHORSE • YUKON QUEST SLED DOG RACE, WHITEHORSE • YUKON SOURDOUGH RENDEZVOUS FESTIVAL, WHITEHORSE MARCH • PERCY DEWOLFE MEMORIAL MAIL RACE, DAWSON CITY • THAW DI GRAS SPRING CARNIVAL, DAWSON CITY JUNE • KLUANE MOUNTAIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, HAINES JUNCTION • NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY, TERRITORY-WIDE • YUKON RIVER QUEST CANOE AND KAYAK RACE, WHITEHORSE TO DAWSON CITY JUNE – JULY • ADÄKA CULTURAL FESTIVAL, WHITEHORSE JULY • DAWSON CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL • GREAT KLONDIKE INTERNATIONAL OUTHOUSE RACE, DAWSON CITY • MAYO ARTS FESTIVAL AND CANADA DAY CELEBRATION • YUKON GOLD PANNING CHAMPIONSHIPS, DAWSON CITY AUGUST • AUTHORS ON EIGHTH WALKING TOUR AND WRITING CONTEST, DAWSON CITY • DISCOVERY DAYS FESTIVAL, DAWSON CITY • YUKON RIVER TRAIL MARATHON, WHITEHORSE SEPTEMBER • KLONDIKE ROAD RELAY, SKAGWAY, ALASKA TO WHITEHORSE • NORTHERN NIGHTS: KLUANE'S DARK SKY FESTIVAL, HAINES JUNCTION