YUKON TERRITORY
From big fish to Bigfoot
Explore the rich history, intriguing folk tales and activities of this area
The Yukon Territory is a stunningly beautiful region dotted with lakes, rivers and unique communities bursting with personality and history. Wildlife is abundant, nature is plentiful and the year-round recreational opportunities offered are second to none.
STILL WATERS: The lovely Teslin bridge stretches over the Nisutlin River.—photo courtesy Teslin Tlingit Council Daycare
Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation destination, an action-packed journey or a trip full of culture and history, the Yukon is a sure bet for all of this.
Village of Teslin
Situated at Mile 804 (kilometre 1296) on the Alaska Highway, Teslin is a vibrant community that borders the waters of Nisutlin Bay and Teslin Lake—world-class fishing spots that attract avid anglers from all over the globe. The village is home to about 450 people, many of them Inland Tlingit, or Dakh-ka Tlingit—First Nations people whose history in the area can be traced back centuries to when their ancestors first made the journey from Alaska.
In the summer, Teslin is an active tourist centre that offers plenty of attractions to visitors, including The George Johnston Museum and the Tlingit Heritage Centre, which feature collections of First Nations artifacts and gold rush antiques. In addition to this, the community has an arena, playgrounds, a community club, curling rink and community library. There is also an assortment of hotels, as well as food services, a general store and a number of campgrounds with RV sites situated in some of the most beautiful areas found in the territory.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of things to do in and around the village, as it is an ideal place for swimming, hiking, biking, canoeing and so much more.
Tall tales?
The Yukon has many different species of big game animals, such as sheep, bear, caribou, moose and sasquatch—well, maybe sasquatch. There have been a number of occasions where people in and around Teslin have claimed to have spotted an apelike creature walking upright. The sightings have made national news and captured the attention of scientists. In 2005, a wildlife geneticist from the University of Alberta tested a suspicious sample of hair believed by some to be that of a sasquatch. Although this time it turned out to be bison hair and not Bigfoot’s, many people who live in the region do believe that the shy, nocturnal creature roams the area.
Destruction Bay
Destruction Bay is a fairly new community that offers some unique opportunities for fishing, hiking and guided horseback trips.
Located on the western shore of Kluane Lake—the Yukon’s largest lake—Destruction Bay is situated on the perimeter of Kluane National Park. In late summer, visitors can spend a lazy afternoon picking wild blueberries, cranberries, mossberries or strawberries. However, there are many animals in the area, so it is a good idea to hook up with a local tour guide before wandering into grizzly country. Charters and tours are available in Destruction Bay for mountain hikes, fishing expeditions and other wilderness activities.