Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/657907
I t was the churning whitewater of the Yukon River that gave Whitehorse its name and its reason for being. Gold Rush stampeders said the river's frothy rapids resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses – hence the name. The famous White Horse Rap- ids became known as the greatest peril on the "Trail of '98," as gold seekers ran the river, the most important route into the territory's interior. First a riverside tent camp popped up, followed quickly by roadhouses, saloons and lodgings for the thousands of explorers on their way to the Klondike. The Yukon River shaped the charac- ter of Yukon life; and it was the rhythm of the river that created the settlement of Whitehorse. Today, it's the capital city and the largest community in the Yukon Territory, as well as an important jumping- off point for visitors who want to explore the region's magnificent scenery and wildlife. But Whitehorse also holds its own—as the hub of an active arts com- munity, rich with many historic and heri- tage sites. The history of the Yukon is an excit- ing one. And Whitehorse is the perfect spot to begin the voyage. HISTORY IN THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN It's hard to miss the commanding white sternwheeler, the S.S. Klondike, now desig- nated a national historic site to commem- orate the era in which steam-powered riverboats moved cargo and passengers to Dawson City along the upper Yukon River. It was part of a fleet based in Whitehorse that supplied goods to the new wilderness territory and linked the Yukon to the out- side world (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ ssklondike). After touring the sternwheeler, a stop at the MacBride Museum is a peek into Yukon's colourful and rugged history. Yukon wildlife is on display in the natural history gallery; artefacts in the Gold to Government Gallery trace the history of the territory from fur trading to scientific exploration and mineral exploration; and there's history on the impact of the Klondike Gold Rush, an event of mam- Whitehorse anyone? Touching the heart of the Yukon BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS SOUTH ARM GLACIER FROM 3048 METRES • SIFTON AIR/KLUANE GLACIER TOURS 168 2012 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA YUKON TERRITORY