Why the Yukon?

Basic Yukon Facts:

• The Yukon is the smallest territory in Canada (5th smallest of all provinces/territories), we border the Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Alaska.
• Our population is around 40,000 people, close to 34,000 of us live within our capital city limits of Whitehorse. We do get population influx during the summer as our two main industries are tourism and mining as people come here to visit and work from around the globe.
• Even though we are the smallest territory, our motto is “Larger than Life” and for a good reason too; we have vast valleys, tall mountains, endless lakes and long winding rivers. It’s an outdoor photographer’s paradise. 
• The Yukon is culturally diverse – it’s home to 14 traditional First Nation Indigenous groups throughout the territory along with 8 Yukon Indigenous languages recognized. As well, many other ethnic groups work, live and play in the Yukon.

Mt. Logan – Tallest mountain in Canada

The Down-to-Earth Nitty Gritty: 

• Travel: the ‘Yukon’ is large and places are widely spread out. If you want to leave the Whitehorse downtown core, you will need vehicle (or air) transportation to do so. Hint..hint…that’s where we can help out! 😉
• Tips/Gratuities: It is customary in Canada to tip those who serve you (i.e. restaurant servers, taxi driver, tour guides, etc.) A low minimum is 10%, customary is 15-18%, if the service is excellent, 20-30% is super appreciated.
• Respect & Consideration: Unless you booked a private charter with us, you are not the only guest on our tour, please please please be ON TIME to be respectful of our other guests in the van. Keep our land clean.
• Bears: the Yukon is wild. Whitehorse in itself has approximately 88,000 hectares of forest within it’s city limits. With that comes the forest animals too, like bears. Although the bears look all fluffy and cuddly, they are fast and vicious animals that do occasionally kill humans. Caution should always be used when out in the wilderness, if you plan on any hiking be “bear aware” and carry bear spray with you (and ensure you know how to use it). Try to travel in larger groups, make noise as you go, if you see a bear, keep a far distance between you, never go between a mama bear and her cub, she’ll get very cranky and protective, and if you’re driving and see them along the highway, DO NOT exit your vehicle to take pictures.
• Bugs: again, you’re in the wild up here, there will be bugs (in the summer mainly). Mosquitos like to feast on humans primarily June – August, the black flies are later August – September. If you don’t enjoy the constant feeling of being itchy everywhere, pack some bug spray and thick clothing that covers the skin (they are clever little buggers and will bite through thin materials). Or better yet – book a comfortable van tour with Who What Where Tours to escape both the heat AND the bugs! 😉
• Water: You are North of 60 degrees Latitude, we are not along the warm Equator, so our waters are cold. Really cold. There’s a couple shallow lakes that do warm up slightly in the summer, however most will give you hypothermia if swam in for too long. Always wear a life jacket if you plan on any water activities. In the Fall – Winter – Spring, never ever ever walk out onto the ice unless a trusted local tells you it is thick enough in that location. Falling through the ice into the frigid waters often leads to death.
• Daylight: Again, we are North of 60, our daylight hours change drastically throughout the year. In the summer we can get as much as 20hrs of sunlight per day (peaks around the summer solstice at the end of June) hence the land of the “Midnight Sun”, so if you have troubles sleeping with it being bright out, then stay up late like a ‘Yukoner’ does and tire yourself out with some awesome outdoor activity then you will be ready for the pillow. Then in the winter we can get as few as 6.5hrs of sunlight per day (peaks around the winter solstice near the end of December).

Talk to any of our local guides and we are more than happy to provide further northern attitude opinions on what northern life is really like in the ‘Yukon’.  

Travel Tips – What do I pack??

• Year-round: your camera and camera charger or extra batteries (the cold temperatures will drain your batteries quicker), sturdy walking/hiking shoes and a water-proof jacket.
• Spring: our temperatures are still quite cool in the spring, come prepared with a good jacket, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Waterproof boots is always a good idea too.
• Summer: be prepared for temperatures ranging from +7 to +30 degrees Celsius. Our temperatures can change quickly too, so ensure you pack a light windbreaker jacket or sweater around with you. Bring t-shirts, shorts/capris and long pants. Bring a hat, sunscreen and bug spray and then a comfortable pair of sandals.
• Fall: Again, our temperatures take a bit of a dip here, ranging from +15 to -10 degrees Celsius. Bring long sleeved shirts, fleece base-layers, sweaters and good jackets. Pack a warm hat, some gloves and warm socks. Again, waterproof boots are a good idea as well.
• Winter: Our temperatures range anywhere from +5 to -40 degrees Celsius. Layers, layers, layers. Long underwear, good (preferably wool) socks, other wool layers, then a warm down feathered jacket with insulated winter boots. Gloves, scarves, warm hats are essential. Snow pants are an added asset.
• CLOTHING RENTALS: Don’t have -40 rated clothing? No problem! Men’s World here in Whitehorse has you covered. They can deliver right to your hotel and will give you the warmth you seek. 867-667-2817 or info@mensworld.ca (*Notes: they do charge a daily rate for use of their clothing. Some other lodges and activity centres provide rentals of their own as well).