YUKON/ALASKA

Northern enlightenment

An adventure in the Yukon and Alaska will inspire and delight RVers

It’s becoming harder and harder to escape the confines of our hectic lives; travelling through the wide open spaces, towering peaks and pristine glacial lakes of Canada’s North, you’d never know. Among the world’s last untouched natural frontiers, the Yukon and neighbouring Alaska feature some of the most awe-inspiring locations and mystifying phenomena ever encountered. Whether you desire an escape, an adventure, a spiritual awakening or all of the above, the North has something for you.

Across the vast land

The beauty and wonder of this exceptional landscape are best experienced the same way they were discovered—by land. Journey along routes that have been in use since the gold rush and uncover some of nature’s greatest vistas. The endless valleys and vast wilderness give you the freedom to stare at the magic of the northern lights, frolic under the midnight sun or just take a deep breath of mountain air and relax.

With countless activities, sights and secrets waiting for you on roads less travelled, it’s easy to see why the Yukon was voted as RVwest’s 2007 Reader’s Choice for Favourite Overall RV Destination. To discover the wide variety of driving adventures the Yukon has to offer, look no further than the Drive the Yukon section of travelyukon.com. This easy-to-use planning tool puts printable travel cards, attraction guides and local maps right at your fingertips.

Explore the Golden Circle

One highlight is the incredible Golden Circle route, which takes travellers from the quaint frontier towns and soaring mountain passes of the Yukon to the coastal beauty and flourishing wildlife of the Alaskan Panhandle.

The journey begins in Whitehorse, a contemporary city with small-town values and all the amenities and comforts of a southern metropolis. As the capital of the Yukon, this expansive city is a great place to get acquainted with the fascinating culture of the North. Offering fine dining, wonderful museums, charming shops, hot springs and two picturesque golf courses, Whitehorse is the perfect blend of modern luxury and natural beauty.

From Whitehorse, set your course south and take in views of the serene alpine meadows and roaming caribou as you head to the historic town of Carcross. This charming community will regale you with tales of trappers, bootleggers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Along with a rich history comes a rich culture, and Carcross is no exception. Pay a visit to the Koolseen Heritage Centre and explore the unique arts, cuisine and lifestyle of the Tagish First Nation. On your way out of town, stop by one of nature’s greatest anomalies—the world’s smallest desert. Rising out from Canada’s rocky cordillera region, the rolling dunes and unique ecology of this one-of-a-kind locale must be experienced to be believed.

South of Carcross, you’ll encounter Emerald Lake, a true jewel of the North. As the most photographed lake in the Yukon, this spectacular body of water is renowned for its majestic turquoise hue and idyllic setting. Nestled in the Watson River Valley and surrounded by the co-lossal peaks of snow-capped mountains, Emerald Lake holds many adventures for the avid traveller, including hiking, canoeing and horseback riding. With lakeside camping and accommodations, Emerald Lake is sure to leave you relaxed, enchanted and rejuvenated.

Emerge from the spell of Emerald Lake and head west into Alaska’s largest and most famous town, Skagway. Lined with wooden boardwalks and restored gold rush-era buildings, this exciting town personifies the spirit and sights of the Klondike. Peruse the works of local artists, raise a pint to the sound of live music or follow in the footsteps of the frontier on the world-famous Chilkoot Trail.

For your next stop, venture away from civilization and head up the stunning northern coast. Get wet and wild on a whitewater rafting trip through Tatshenshini Provincial Park or reel in a wild salmon at the Klukshu Village, a Southern Tutchone fishing camp. Visit prehistoric glacier formations, hike along thousands of kilometres of nature trails and marvel at the breathtaking scenery one last time before beginning your journey back to Whitehorse.

From the towering peaks of the Saint Elias Mountains to the tranquil alpine lakes of the interior plateau, a journey through the Yukon and Alaska is sure to illuminate and inspire. Experience the majesty and mystery of this incomparable region.

For more information, visit www.travelyukon.com or www.travelalaska.com.

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