Summer in the Yukon

Leaving Whitehorse behind, follow the Alaska Highway to Watson Lake, home to the Signpost Forest, a cluster of over 10,000 signposts brought here by visitors from all over the world. There’s also a diverting World War II historical display at the airport and an excellent presentation about the Aurora Borealis at the Northern Lights Centre, featuring a multimedia show and exhibition about the science behind the illuminations.

Pass tranquil rivers and lakes along the Campbell Highway on your way to Faro, a small mountain-backed town in the heart of the Tintina Valley. While in the area, perhaps call in at the Campbell Region Interpretative Centre to learn about the area’s geography, geology and history, or visit the town’s former lead-zinc mine, once one of the largest producers in the world and where you can hop on board a fully restored 65-ton haul truck.

Heading north, look out for moose, caribou and grizzly bears in the wilderness regions you’ll pass on your way to Dawson City, a former Gold Rush settlement. Take a look around the historic buildings and learn more about prospecting before sampling one of the town’s eclectic restaurants. The next day, learn more about prospecting with a visit to The Bonanza Creek and Discovery Claim and Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site.

Take the ferry across the Yukon River and follow the Top of the World Highway to Beaver Creek. You’ll cross briefly into Alaska at the town of Chicken, where there’s a cluster of gold panning-themed gift shops, a great place to break the journey before returning to Canada. Beaver Creek works well as a base for hiking and wildlife spotting in the surrounding countryside; in height of summer, the sun shines until well beyond midnight.

Call in at Lake Kluane or the St Elias Mountains in Kluane National Park on your way to Haines Junction. Walk the walking trails and view the viewpoints in this gloriously scenic area. In Haines Junction itself, you can choose to visit the First Nations Da Ku Cultural Centre, where you’ll discover the history of the Champagne and Aishihik people, or call in at the Yukon Visitor Information Centre to learn more about forays into Kluane National Park.

On your way to Whitehorse, you’ll stop in Champagne and learn more about the Yukon’s indigenous people with a Long Ago People’s Place First Nations Guided Tour. Tour a traditional village, watch hunting and food demonstrations and taste some traditional bannock bread. In Whitehorse itself you’ll have some free time to visit the SS Klondike sternwheeler, take a day trip to remote Skagway or call in at the town’s Transportation Museum.