Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
heart of the region, getting its name from the churning white waters of the Yukon River that resemble the fl owing manes of horses. It's a walkable city, easily navigated in summertime aboard the Waterfront Trolley—the bright-yellow restored 1925 vintage trolley that travels along the city's riverfront. For walkers, the scenic fi ve-km, paved, non-motorized Millennium Trail loops along both sides of the Yukon River. As the hub of the territory, Whitehorse connected the outpost communities. In summer, when the river was navigable, fortune seekers and daring entrepreneurs of the Gold Rush fl oated their boats downriver toward the goldfi elds. Through the long winter months, sled dog teams moved mail and supplies along the frozen river and lakes. The year 2017 marks the 75 th anniver- sary of the famed Alaska Highway and there is no better time to use Whitehorse as a base to explore the many noteworthy sights along the historic roadway. Whitehorse is defi nitely bigger than its untouched wilderness. It is about people, communication, culture and history too. AN ACTIVE NATURE GETAWAY There's no denying that people are drawn to Whitehorse for the outdoors. The city is a magnet for experienced guides who off er a full slate of activities for every season, whether fi nding a mountain biking trail under the midnight sun, canoeing a heritage river, dogsledding, snowshoeing or cross- country skiing through snowy woodlands. Yukon Wild is a one-stop collective of licenced adventure experts who know how to experience the famed Canadian back- country in a safe and eco-friendly manner ( www.yukonwild.com ). Away from the glare of city lights, a stay in a private cabin at Sundog Retreat opens the door to spectacular views of the swirling aurora borealis or spotting some of the Yukon's famed wildlife ( www.sundogretreat.com ). Black Feather outfi tter caters to both the novice and seasoned outdoors traveller, with hiking, skiing, canoeing and kayaking expeditions that show off the best of the northern wilderness. To celebrate Canada's 150 th , they have designed a menu of 13 True Canada Experiences (www.blackfeather.com ). A short drive from downtown, at Muktuk Adventures, dozens of Alaskan huskies love to run, taking guests on guided sled dog outings, year-round ( www.muktuk.com ). In winter months, the specialists at Up North Adventures arrange dog mushing, snow- shoeing, ice fi shing and snowmobiling tours and shuttle visitors to prime viewing spots to watch the colours of the aurora borealis unfold across the northern sky ( www. upnorthadventures ). Visitors can custom design a Yukon Essentials package with Nature Tours of Yukon, including small group photography outings (www.nature toursyukon.com ). In February, Whitehorse is energized by the Yukon Quest sled dog race, when some of the world's best mushers race their teams along a 1,600-km (1,000-mi.) trail, follow- ing the historical winter routes that once connected the Klondike goldfi elds and the Alaskan interior ( www.yukonquest.com ). There is guaranteed wildlife spotting at the 283-ha (700-acre) Yukon Wildlife Preserve by interpretive bus tour, self-guided walking tour or on cross-country skis along groomed trails to see woodland caribou, lynx, Rocky Mountain elk, mountain goats and sheep, moose, mule deer, muskox, wood bison and foxes in their natural environment ( www. yukonwildlife.ca ). FIRST NATIONS CELEBRATE AND SHARE THEIR STORIES The traditions of drumming, singing, dancing and feasting are powerful ways to learn about the rich heritage and culture of the Yukon's 14 First Nations communities. Whitehorse lies within the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, whose people incorporate the lifestyles, history and traditions of several diff erent tribes of the Yukon and northern British Columbia. Just south of the city, Miles Canyon (Kwanlin) is the namesake of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, who traditionally fi shed and hunted above the canyon. In town, the walls and rooms of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre enclose a space designed for the celebration of Yukon First Nations culture, its location symbolizing a return to the traditional riverside roots. The centre's multimedia exhibits, workshops and guided tours explain the history, challenges and arts of the First Nations people in original and authentic ways, educating guests while extending a warm welcome ( www.kdcc.ca ). In early July, the centre is the site for the annual Adäka Cultural Festival, featuring a mixture of traditional and contemporary art, music, dance and storytelling to celebrate the Yukon's diverse and distinc- tive First Nations ( www.adakafestival.ca ). Not far from Whitehorse, traditional art, clan songs and dances can be experienced at the Carcross/Tagish First Nation carving shed located in the small hamlet of Carcross. KLUANE NATIONAL PARK AND RESERVE • PARKS CANADA/FRITZ MUELLER YT 146