Canadian Destinations

Yukon: A destination larger than life

by Patch Groenewegen

Photo by Patch Groenewegen

(NC)—From the air, the view is absolutely amazing. Imagine – vast wilderness with rolling mountains and winding turquoise rivers. This, my friend, is a hint of Canada's Yukon Territory – a pristine, magical destination to explore.

Here you'll find Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, as well as North America's third longest river, the Yukon River, which flows from southern Yukon through Alaska to the Bering Sea.

A vein of life that provides food, direction and connectivity between communities, First Nations people call the Yukon River the “great river.” It was this 3,218 kilometre-long waterway that inspired Robert Service to write The Cremation of Sam McGee, his famous ballad of the Klondike.

In the Yukon, year-round adventure tourism businesses are working together to create ideal yet affordable vacation packages that include activities like dog mushing, glacier-viewing, whitewater rafting, hiking, RVing and golfing under the midnight sun.

The territory's 14 First Nation communities are also offering unique experiences so visitors can unearth a different perspective about the Yukon, its people and its history. Travellers are welcomed to cultural events, including the Yukon International Storytelling Festival and Moosehide Gathering.

The Yukon is a place where time moves a little slower; where untouched wilderness and warm-hearted people unite to enrich the lives of visitors. It's a place where generosity of spirit still exists and where, if you listen closely, you can hear the voices of the ancients in the wind.

It's a Canadian way of life. Visit the Yukon and you will experience a splendid combination of larger than life nature and culture.

Laura Simms writes in Raven and the Whale, "Raven began to dance. He danced for weeks. Then Raven began to sing. He sang for weeks and weeks until his heart was soothed." In the Yukon your heart, too, may be soothed.