Destinations
Discover The Yukon
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If you find yourself pondering vacation destinations and can’t seem to find a place that will meet your adventurous tendencies and stay within your budget, consider...wait for it...the Yukon Territory. Before you dismiss the idea, think of all that the Yukon has to offer.
Winter Activities
While the winter months may be a little harsher than you are used to, the season does start yearly in October and it snows quite a bit, but isn’t bitterly cold. Cross-country skiing is a sport loved by many Canadians, yet Yukoners believe you haven’t experienced cross-country skiing until you have tried it among their beautiful landscapes. Downhill ski season begins in December, when enough snow has accumulated on the runs. If skiing is not for you, snowmobiles are available to rent and explore the land. Just keep in mind that daylight hours are minimal (anywhere from 5 to 12 hours during the winter months).
It is important to know that Yukoners are very proud of their land and respect nature to the utmost. They have adopted a “leave no trace” philosophy and insist that tourists do the same. Yukoners are also sticklers for being properly licensed. If you want to hunt, fish or camp, all require licenses and you will be unable to rent equipment without one.
Summer Activities
There is so much to do in the summertime, you won’t be able to fit it all in. The Yukon’s rivers are well known for canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting. If you prefer to stay on dry land, try cycling, hiking or nature watching in one of the national parks. Also, horseback riding is a favourite pastime among locals and there are plenty of horse ranches and farms at which horseback riding services are available.
Opposite to the winter, there are up to 20 hours of daylight in some areas during the summer months. This can make it very hard to sleep and many tourists bring sleep masks to help darken their surroundings.
Yukon’s Heritage
While in the Yukon, you can explore the many historical sites and cultural buildings. Should the weather be less than optimal for outdoor activities, use the time to check out the museums and art galleries filled with First Nations paintings and other treasures. If you want to ensure you don’t miss anything important, sign up for a guided tour and learn all about the settlers who first came to the Yukon or what happened to the territory during the Klondike Gold Rush. If you are looking to learn about the people through their unique customs, take in some culture by way of the many festivals that take place throughout the year or attend a concert or theatrical show.
Travel Costs
Flights booked in advance start around $500 depending on the time of day, plus applicable taxes and airline fees. Accommodations include hotels and motels, lodges, inns and bed and breakfasts, all starting at $85 per night. Hostels are available for backpackers or anyone looking to save some money and are planning to not spend much time in their room.
As for the costs of activities in the area, they are about the same as any other ski resort or museum you’ve been to in Canada. If you are the type of person who likes to plan ahead, there are plenty of packages you can pre-book.
Try Something Different
Granted the Yukon may not be at the top of everyone’s vacation lists, but the variety of cultural events, winter and summer activities and traditions make it a location worth exploring. If you are looking for something a little different from the typical beach resort then why not visit one of Canada’s territories and learn some of the history of the country we live in? The fact that many people do not even consider the Yukon a possibility is disappointing, because it has so much to offer. Not only will you learn a great deal, you will benefit the economy by spending your money at home as opposed to somewhere tropical. Plus, you never know, you may end up surprising yourself by having a great time. Perhaps this could be the start of national vacations instead of international ones.
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