Yukon Territory: For Northern Lights, Farm & Ranch Accommodation

Courtesy of the United States Air Force. Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Strang.

Visit the Yukon Territory in Canada, and area of pristine beauty no matter what time of the year. Known for its wilderness landscapes, wildlife and striking natural phenomena, the Yukon is larger than life. This is a land rich with dramatic mountain vistas, wild rivers and crystal clear lakes. Southern Yukon has vast forests as far as the eye can see, and in North Yukon the tundra rolls on forever. The Yukon is a magical place. In summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun extending your fun into the wee hours and in winter you won't want to miss the mystery of the northern lights during the months of October through to April.

Due to the Klondike Gold Rush that took place at the end of the nineteenth century thousands of people streamed into the Yukon in search of gold. You can still see many signs of the gold rush when you visit, whether you hike the famous Chilkoot Trail or visit the historic city of Dawson, where the Palace Grand Theatre and Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall put on nightly shows in true gold rush style. And, if you were wondering, there's still plenty of gold out there; it's just a matter of looking in the right place. Tour companies in Dawson City offer gold panning tours. If you're more serious, you'll need to check with Yukon Government about where you're permitted to pan in the Yukon territory.

Kluane National Park Reserve tucked away in the southwestern part of the Yukon territory should not be missed. It includes Mt. Logan, Canada's tallest mountain, and it is here that glaciers dominate and this park is now a World Heritage Site.The park is well known for its wildlife, including ground squirrels, caribou, moose, grizzly and black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats. Some 150 bird species, from golden eagles to golden-crowned sparrows, inhabit the park. There is camping at Kathleen Lake, hiking and climbing, or fishing (June-August). Fishing is prohibited within the park boundaries. However, there is excellent fishing (graylings, northern pike and sheefish) across the highway in Kluane Lake. Stop and inquire about good fishing spots at the Visitors Center. There are also winter facilities for cross-country skiing, ice fishing and camping.

The Yukon also has a wide array of cultural and sporting events and infrastructures that attract artists, participants and tourists from all parts of the world. Some of these are the Yukon International Storytelling Festival, the Frostbite Music Festival, Dawson Music Festival and the Yukon Quest which is the 1000 Mile International Sled Dog Race. Visit the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Northern Lights Centre, Klondike Gold Rush memorials and activities, "Takhini Hot Springs", and the Whitehorse fish ladder. This is the longest wooden Fish Ladder in the World. Enjoy seeing Chinook Salmon on their way to their spawning grounds pass through this observation site. Glass windows in a viewing area allow you to see salmon, grayling and trout all at one time.

Hopefully, we have whet your appetite enough to come to the Yukon territory for your next Canadian Holiday. Below is a list of some of the farms and ranches offering you accommodation and great hospitality in this eco-destination.