Winter Activities in the Yukon
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| The Wintry Yukon Basks Under the Glow of the Northern Lights1 |
At first glance, winter in the Yukon may seem nothing more than long, harsh and cold, with a month of solid darkness, however, that is an opinion only shared by those unacquainted with the treasures and pleasures of this vast winter wonderland. With endless unmarked powder, snow riders are sure to find their own personal adventure of a lifetime. Winter enthusiasts looking for an authentic northern experience can try their hands at mushing a dog-sledding team through the wilderness. The Yukon truly is a hidden gem that shimmers in serene silence under the breathtaking dance of the Northern Lights.
A VAST WINTER PLAYGROUND
The Yukon's geography is a mix of mountainous ranges, plateaus, river systems, basins and plains with extensive coniferous forests ruling in the south and endless stretches of tundra in the north. Preserving much of the natural beauty and wonder of the Yukon are several sizeable national and provincial parks.
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| Kluane National Park: Winter Wonderland2 |
One of the province's most diverse areas is Kluane National Park and Reserve, spanning 21,980 sq km (8,486 sq mi) in the southwest corner of the Yukon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the St. Elias Icefields, valley glaciers, including the Donjek, Lowell and Kaskawulsh glaciers, the Tatshenshini-Alsek River System, numerous plant and wildlife species and Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan at 5959 m (19,545 ft).
In the northwest corner of the province, bordering the Beaufort Sea and Alaska, is Ivvavik National Park. This national park features the British-Richardson Mountains, the Firth River and coastal plains, which are the calving grounds of the porcupine caribou. While it provides numerous opportunities for adventure, it is rarely travelled in winter and can only be reached by air. Just south of Ivvavik National Park is Vuntut National Park, a porcupine caribou habitat with wetlands used by over half a million migratory birds.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Backcountry
Backcountry winter adventures in this powdery playground are not for the faint of heart. While this untamed land offers life-altering backcountry experiences for skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and snowmobilers, such exploits are not without risk. Visitors wishing to explore the backcountry should be prepared for all weather conditions, have avalanche training and gear and be prepared for encounters with local wildlife.
Skiing, Snowboarding & Snowshoeing
There is something for every level and style of skier, snowboarder and snowshoer in the Yukon.
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| Serene Snowshoeing3 |
Advanced snow riders can journey to popular backcountry destinations in the nearby Coast Mountains or the Kluane Ranges in Kluane National Park. The truly adventurous can travel to Tombstone Mountain, the British-Richardson Mountains or try heliskiing with Klondike Heliskiing.
Snowmobiling
There are endless opportunities to enjoy trail or backcountry snowmobiling over all manner of terrain, including expansive plains, frozen lakes and vast mountain ranges. Major centres for sledding include Whitehorse, Dawson City and Haines Junction. For the best experience, snowmobilers may wish to go out with either a snowmobiling tour company or a local sledding group. Enjoy half-day, full-day or multi-day guided snowmobile tours with companies such as Up North Adventures or Yukon Wide Adventures.
Dog Sledding
Get a true taste of the Yukon winter while mushing a dog-sledding team across the wilds. Beginners can choose from half- and full-day dog-sledding tours. Experienced mushers or those looking to immerse themselves in the mushing experience can chose from multi-day packages that can last up to 15 days with operators such as Sky High Valley Ranches, Cathers Wilderness Adventures, Uncommon Journeys or Muktuk Adventures. Many tour operators also offer custom trips and packages that include other winter activities.
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| Dog Sledding is a Popular Winter Activity in the Yukon4 |
Whichever winter activities visitors choose to participate in while in the Yukon, all are sure to get a chance to view the stunning Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is a natural light display in the polar sky caused by charged solar dust particles that glow green, magenta and blue from August to April. Visitors wishing to base their trip around nightly viewings of the Northern Lights can choose from companies such as Northern Tales Travel Services, Fox Bay Retreat and the Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge.
KEEPING WARM
Winter lasts from November to March in this northerly land, with high temperatures reaching near 0°C (32°F) and lows dropping to -30°C (-22°F) without wind chill. Wind chill is the temperature actually experienced when wind is added to cold temperatures. When a temperature of -30°C (-22°F) is combined with a wind speed of only 10 km/h (6.2 mph), the temperature feels like -39°C (-38°F). The greater the wind speed, the faster exposed skin will freeze.
When packing for winter in the Yukon it is important to pack clothing which can be layered as the weather can change suddenly and dramatically. Clothing items that visitors may want to bring include: long-sleeved shirts and pants, long underwear, wool sweaters, a fleece vest, winter coat or parka, warm hat and gloves, walking shoes, insulated boots with good traction, sunglasses and sunscreen.
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Yukon Quest International
Sled Dog Race | |
During winter, visitors can get to the Yukon by road or air, though flying may prove to be not only faster but easier due to the snow, cold and extended darkness. Those flying into the Yukon will land in the capital, Whitehorse, and from there can travel on to their final destination via air charter services or on the ground by motorcoach or other winter-worthy vehicle.
Several airlines offer regular flights to Whitehorse International Airport from major centres such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Dawson City, Old Crow, Inuvik, Yellowknife and Fairbanks.
The Yukon can be accessed by the Alaska Highway (Highway 1) or Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) from British Columbia. Once in the Yukon, visitors can continue on the Alaska Highway or travel the Klondike Highway (Highway 2), depending on their destination. Those choosing to drive will want to travel in a reliable vehicle with winter tires as well as warm blankets and emergency provisions and gear. Travelling by bus or motorcoach is an option for those wishing to travel by road but do not wish to drive.
If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these great WorldWeb.com articles:
• Whitehorse: A City Built On Gold
• Aurora Lights: A Natural Wonder
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis); Yukon, Canada
- Kluane National Park; Yukon, Canada
- Snowshoeing; Yukon, Canada
- Dog Sledding; Northern Canada
