The beautiful province of Yukon Canada is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. From pristine lakes and glaciers, to towering mountains and dense forests, Yukon is a nature lover's paradise. In addition to its natural wonders, Yukon also boasts a rich history and culture that is waiting to be explored. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Yukon today!

Location

Yukon Territory is located in northwestern Canada. It is bordered by the Northwest Territories to the east and British Columbia to the south. Yukon also shares a border with Alaska to the west. The territory's capital and largest city is Whitehorse.

History

Canada's Yukon has a long history dating back to the last Ice Age. During this time, a land bridge known as Beringia connected Asia and North America. This allowed humans and animals to migrate between the two continents. It is believed that the first people to cross the Beringia land bridge were Paleo-Indians. These early people then spread out across North and South America. In 1741, the Russian explorer Vitus Bering became the first European to sight the Beringia land bridge. He named it after himself. Today, the Beringia land bridge is also known as the Bering Strait. The Russians established several settlements in the area but they were all abandoned by 1860. 

European contact severely impacted Yukon First Nations people as they lost land to the new settlers and faced changes in traditional governance and educational ideas.  The Europeans brought with them new diseases which First Nations people had no natural immunity to.

In 1967, Britain and Russia agreed to jointly occupy the region.  This arrangement ended in 1898 when Britain annexed the territory outright. Canada assumed control of the Yukon Territory in 1906 as part of the Dominion of Canada.

The discovery of gold in 1896 led to a population boom and a period of economic growth known as the Klondike Gold Rush. Thousands of prospectors from all over the world flooded into the Yukon in search of fortune.  

Yukon Canada Today

Today, the Yukon Territory is a sparsely populated region with a diverse landscape, rich in natural resources. The Territory's economy is based largely on mining, tourism, and government services. However, recent years have seen a diversification of the economy with the development of agriculture, forestry, and oil and gas extraction. This has led to increased economic stability and prosperity in the Yukon.

Reasons to Visit

Thanks to its stunning natural beauty, the Yukon is becoming increasingly popular as a destination to add to travellers’ bucket lists. There's no shortage of things to do in the Yukon, whether you're looking for adventure or just a chance to relax and take in the stunning scenery. In the summer months, hiking, biking, and canoeing are all popular activities, and you can also go fishing or whitewater rafting. The biggest drawcard for visitors however is the pristine wilderness it offers and the opportunity to escape into your own piece of this northern paradise.

Consider Renting an RV to explore Canada’s North

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to explore the Yukon, consider renting an RV. This gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stopping to take in the scenery whenever you want. There are plenty of scenic routes to take, and you can always find a new place to camp. Best of all, RVing is a great way to get off the beaten path and really experience the wilderness. When you're RVing in the Yukon, you'll have the opportunity to see some amazing wildlife, including bears, moose, and caribou. You'll also have all the comforts of home with you, so you'll be able to relax and enjoy your trip. CanaDream has an RV rental location in Whitehorse from which we have truck and camper units available for rent.

Where do Visitors Travel to in the Yukon?

Being a sparsely populated Territory, cities and towns in Yukon Canada tend to be small and widely spread out.

Dawson City

Dawson City is a small town in the Yukon Territory of Canada, located at the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon rivers. It is best known as the site of the Klondike Gold Rush, which began in 1897 when gold was discovered in a nearby creek. Over the next two years, tens of thousands of prospectors converged on Dawson City in search of gold. Today, Dawson City is a popular tourist destination, with many preserved buildings from the gold rush era. Visitors can also pan for gold themselves at a number of local creeks. Whether you're looking for history or adventure, Dawson City is definitely worth a visit. RVers will find a rustic  place to stay at the Yukon Territorial campground which is reached via a 24 hour a day free ferry.  The crossing takes approximately 7 minutes.  Camping is also available in private campgrounds on the Dawson City side of the river.

Whitehorse

The capital city of Whitehorse is the only city in the Yukon, and the largest city in any of the Territories. It was incorporated in 1950 and is located at kilometre 1422 on the Alaska Highway in southwestern Yukon. Whitehorse is a vibrant city that offers a unique mix of urban and outdoor activities. With a population of nearly 30,000, it is home to a diverse range of people and cultures. The city is also a gateway to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, including Kluane National Park and the Nordic Eclipse Hot Springs. If you’re travelling by RV, the Hi Country RV Park is the place to lay your head. It’s also the base for RV rentals from CanaDream!

Watson Lake

Watson Lake is a town in the far northern Yukon Territory of Canada. It is located at the southern end of the Liard River, just north of the British Columbia border. The town is named after Frank Watson, an early explorer and prospector in the area. Watson Lake is a popular stop for travelers heading to or from Alaska, as it is the only major population center between Whitehorse and Fort Nelson, British Columbia. The town is also home to the world-famous Northern Lights Centre, which offers visitors a chance to view the aurora borealis in one of the darkest skies in North America. Watson Lake is also a gateway to the Tombstone Mountain range, which offers hiking and camping opportunities.

Hands down though, the quirkiest attraction in Watson Lake has to be the Signpost Forest. It’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer number of signs in this ‘forest’. It’s even more amazing when you realize that each one has been placed there by a different traveller. The forest was started in 1942 by a homesick soldier who wanted to leave his mark on the world. Since then, it has become a tradition for travellers passing through Watson Lake to add their own sign to the ever-growing collection. Today, the Forest is a vibrant and ever-changing display of the many different places that people come from. And it's a reminder that, no matter where we go, we all have a home somewhere in the world.

Carcross

Nestled in the heart of the Yukon, at the junction of the South Klondike Hwy and Tagish Road, Carcross is a small town with a big personality. Originally known as Caribou Crossing because of the woodland caribou that migrated through the region, the Carcross area is home to what many refer to as the world’s smallest desert. Technically though, it’s not a desert but a series of sand dunes kept dry by the rain shadow effect of the surrounding mountains.

History buffs can learn about the town’s Gold Rush past at the Carcross Desert Heritage Centre. Other notable buildings are the Matthew Watson General Store and the town’s historic railway station which still welcomes the occasional tourist train as it makes it way to and from Skagway on the original 67.5 of track that the Klondike stampeders traversed in 1898. The town is situated on the shores of Nares Lake, making it a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and canoeing. Carcross is also home to one of the Yukon's most popular hiking trails, the Marshall Creek Trail. This trail offers stunning views of the lakes and mountains and is a great way to get some fresh air. Camping is available nearby at the Yukon Territorial campground where you can enjoy the midnight sun beside a roaring campfire.

Haines Junction

Haines Junction is a small community in the Yukon Territory of Canada. It is located at the junction of the Alaska Highway and the Haines Road, just north of Kluane Lake. The area was originally inhabited by the Tutchone people, and later became a trading post for fur traders. Today, Haines Junction is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic views and easy access to hiking and camping in Kluane National Park. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and cross-country skiing in the surrounding area. With its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, Haines Junction is an ideal place to appreciate the wilds of Canada.

Kluane National Park

Kluane National Park is a vast and beautiful wilderness located in southwestern Yukon. The Park is home to Canada's tallest mountain, Mount Logan, as well as countless glaciers, rivers, and lakes. Kluane is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife watching. Kluane National Park is an incredible place to explore and experience the beauty of nature.

Rent an RV and explore the Yukon at your own pace

Canada’s Great North encompasses much more than the Yukon Territory. It’s also the gateway to the state of Alaska and to adventures into the Northwest Territories. You may have time on a single visit to experience only the Yukon but, there’s one thing for sure, that visit will have you spellbound and itching to return to explore much more of this unique part of Canada.