Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/657907
M ajestic in its beauty, the Yukon is encircled by some of the most breathtaking scenery on the continent. Massive alpine peaks topped by sprawling gla- ciers, deep canyons carved out by crash- ing rivers and flows of ice, and in the far north, the hinterland of the sparse Arctic tundra. The region's unspoiled wilderness is protected by a network of parks, creat- ing the largest eco-region in the world. In this pristine setting, wildlife and wilderness combine to celebrate all that is unique about Canada's north. There are more caribou than people; bears and mountain sheep create "wildlife jams" as passersby spot them beside the roadways; the territory is home to 25 percent of Canada's grizzly bears. The wilderness begins at the back doors of the Yukon's few "urban" areas— the city of Whitehorse and the historic town of Dawson City. Dense, endless greenery edges unhurried highways and, in summer, brilliant magenta fireweed, the Yukon's territorial flower, lines many roadsides. Everywhere, mountains pro- vide the scenic backdrop for spectacular photo opportunities. You'll come across reminders of the territory's Gold Rush history, a time when desperate stampeders surmounted unimaginable hardships to reach stream beds they believed were thick with gold nuggets. Few found these riches and many lost their lives or their dreams of instant wealth. Gold is still sought, and found, but modern machinery has replaced the gold pan, although visitors can still pan for gold. Many communities boast small museums showcasing local history, weav- ing together the heritage of Aboriginal peoples and tales of the Gold Rush. The Yukon River, broad and serene or narrow and turbulent, winds its way through much of the territory. For the gold seekers, the Yukon's many waterways were the highways; today's paddlers fol- low in their water-borne footsteps. The Yukon is a land of superlatives. A winter's night lasts for weeks, but is filled with dogsled races, snowshoeing, cross- country skiing and snowmobiling. The peaks of the Earth's largest mass of gran- ite—the St. Elias Range—include Canada's highest mountain and the world's largest non-polar icefields. The long, light-filled days of summer are perfect for canoeing, biking and hiking adventures. Rivers, YUKON A land of superlatives By JoSEPhinE MATyAS HIKING IN THE BIG SALMON RIVER RANGE, YUKON • RUBY RANGE ADVENTURE 164 2012 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA yukoN territory