Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure. Today we are going to go on another adventure to our next country. Can you guess where we are going? We are going to visit the lovely country of Canada and our stop this week will be the beautiful province of Yukon
1.) Yukon Wildlife Preserve located in Whitehorse opened daily 11am-5pm The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is a unique wildlife viewing property featuring 12+ species of northern Canadian mammals in their natural environment. Encompassing over 700 acres with various natural habitats, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, education and photo opportunities. Wildlife species are spread out around a 5km loop suitable for walking, biking and skiing (in winter). In winter Kicksled rentals are available.Guided experiences are available with regular scheduled daily tours, to premium VIP tours as well as tours provided by local travel operator partners.
2.) Emerald Lake The Emerald Lake represents the furthest travel into the Yukon for cruise ship passengers touring from Skagway. It is also one of the highlights of the tour. The vivid colour of the water is caused by marl, fine particle clays and silt, that reflects the green colour of the spectrum.
3.) Wild Adventure Yukon located in Carcross Wild Adventure Yukon (formerly Caribou Crossing Trading Post) has something for everyone! Be sure to stop by to visit their two museums, petting farm, or stay for their freshly cooked BBQ lunch. Other onsite activities include dogcart rides with a fleet of local huskies, gold panning, and an extensive gift shop featuring the finest local Yukon-made artwork and gifts.
4.) Dempster Highway Scenic highway near the Arctic Circle. The road is very bumpy but the views are worth everything. Animals, mountains, 100 mile panoramic views, rivers, bridges. A great trip, well worth the 5 day drive from Dawson City to Tuktoyaktuk and back. Inuvik was great as were the people, if you want to chat to the locals the Royal Canadian Legion is well worth a visit.(it's next to the Mackenzie Hotel) One of the truly great Road Trips on a variety of surfaces(including a mile or two of tarmac at Inuvik. Strictly speaking the Dempster finishes at Inuvik, however you can now continue on the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway, just another 90 or so miles and it's a must. Make sure you pick up fuel at a few stops along the way and take some food and water as there are only one or two places to pick up supplies.
5.) Sign Post Forest located Watson Lake opened daily from 8:30am-4:30pm closed for lunch from 12-1pm This is a fun stop along the Alcan. The forest now contains over 100,000 signs. You can make your own sign at home or stop at the visitor’s center, where they have all the needed supplies, including hammers and nails to hang your sign.
6.) MacBride Museum located in Whitehorse opened Sat 10am-3pm Your Yukon adventure starts here! From Gold Rush fever to the birth of Whitehorse, the MacBride Museum gives the best and most entertaining overview of the colorful characters and groundbreaking events that built Canada's Yukon. Fun for the whole family, gold panning and historical skits daily during the summer months. Open all year.
7.) Kluane National Park and Reserve located in Haines Junction This huge park is well-known for its fantastic scenic landscape and its excellent opportunities for recreational activities.
8.) Tombstone Territorial Park located in Dawson City The Tombstone Interpretive Centre was full of information and exhibits. The staff there did tell us the wildlife sightings this year were below average. The campground is surprisingly bustling with people. I guess that's what peak fall colours do! The trail parking lots also have a lot of vehicles. The Grizzly Lake trail lot was full! I honestly have never seen mountains this red anywhere in Canada. This has the best mountain fall colours in the country. Best to come around the Labour Day long weekend! There are a few trails and all were worth the views!
9.) S.S. Klondike located in Whitehorse The SS Klondike is, without question, an icon of the Yukon Territory. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1967, this old sternwheeler currently serves as a beautiful museum and pays tribute to a bygone era of riverboat transportation – back when inland water systems were the only means of connection between communities in the Yukon. Once a highway was built between Whitehorse and Dawson City in 1950, however, the sternwheeler, as a primary method of transportation, slowly went the way of the dodo. The SS Klondike, dubbed the “crowning achievement of riverboat design” by Parks Canada, is but a nod to these formative years in Yukon’s development. Interestingly, the sternwheeler you see on display is actually the SS Klondike II (built in 1937). The original SS Klondike was built in 1929 and remained in service, ferrying supplies up and down the Yukon River, until it ran aground and sank in 1936. Key parts of the SS Klondike were salvaged and used in the construction of the SS Klondike II, which entered service in 1937 and served as a freighter until 1950. From 1950 to 1955, the SS Klondike II functioned as a “cruise ship” and even carried Prince Phillip during his one-day visit It is currently under renovations but will be opened again soon for the public.
10.) Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre hours of operation are Tue-Sat 10am-5pm During the last glaciation, Eurasia and the American continent were connected via Beringia. A large Mammoth steppe where vast stretches lay unbroken as far as the eye can see. Envision a place where predators of staggering proportions compete with human hunters for food. Picture a land where the animals and plants struggle to survive in the cold, dry treeless expanse. Explore the treasures of that world within the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and watch Beringia come alive.
11.) Dawson City Visitor Information Centre We are the Yukon Visitor Centre for Dawson City. We are here to provide you with the most accurate and latest information about things to see and do in town. We will do our best to answer all the questions that you can have! We are open from May 1st to September 30th every year from 8:00am to 8:00pm daily. We share our building with Parks Canada who offers walking tours of town and tours of Historic Sites. They are open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm in the shoulder seasons (May and September) and 9:00am to 7:00pm in June-July-August. Come visit us!
12.) Yukon Transportation Museum hours of operation are Wed-Sun 10am-6pm The Yukon Transportation Museum brings transportation history in Canada’s rugged Yukon Territory to life. With a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibitions, we share glimpses and glimmers of the Yukon’s character through the stories of people moving themselves, their possessions, and their ideas around this vast landscape. Group tours welcome!
13.) Northern Lights Centre located in Watson Lake opened Tue-Fri 12-9pm Sat 10am-9pm Sun 10am-6pm movie(s) run around 50 minutes total. One is about space exploration of Mars and the second is about the Aurora Lights. Both were interesting movies that are shown on the round-dome ceiling.
14.) Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre open Mon- Wed, Fri 9am-6pm Thur 9am-9pm Sat/Sun 10am-4pm Situated on the banks of the Yukon River, the Cultural Centre is a place where we celebrate the heritage and contemporary way of life of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation people. It is also a gathering place for people of all cultures. The vision of the Cultural Centre is to revive, preserve, and demonstrate our language, practices, values and traditional way of life for the benefit of Kwanlin Dün. We also want to share our culture with other First Nations and people from around the world.
15.) Da Ku Cultural Center Opened Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm Sat 10am-6pm The Da Kų Culture Centre is an innovative cultural facility located in Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction) in the southern part of Canada's Yukon Territory. Da Kų (Our House) celebrates the culture and traditions of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) Dän (people). The centre is a teaching, curatorial and interpretive facility, providing programming directed to our Citizens as well as the general public. Da Kų honours our language and stories, our strong connection to the land, and our living culture. Da Kų also connects the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Dän to the wider community of Dakéyi, our southern Yukon and northwestern British Columbia homeland. These links are illustrated by the other agencies housed in our facility - Parks Canada's Kluane National Park Visitor Centre, with its feature exhibits, and Yukon Government's Visitor Information Centre, which showcases pieces from the Yukon Permanent Art Collection. No admission is charged for visiting Da Kų. We recommend a couple hours be allowed for visiting the centre.
16.) George Johnston Museum opened daily 9am-5pm Before the Alaska Highway was built, Teslin was a remote paddle wheeler outpost where people fished, trapped and hunted off the land. Venerated Tlingit Elder, photographer, trapper and entrepreneur George Johnston used his 1928 Chevrolet to hunt and taxi people through a then roadless Teslin. The Museum tells this unique Yukon story. Our charming museum, in the heart of Teslin, is a heritage gem with exquisitely designed displays of Tlingit native ceremonial regalia, hunting artifacts and rare local photographs. Exhibits and a film theater tell the story of venerated Elder Kash Klaa (George Johnston) and the Tlingit people.
17.) Free Claim # 6 located in Dawson City Pan for gold in the creek that launched the biggest gold rush the world has ever known. When you come out to Free Claim #6, you’ll be getting the authentic panning experience. With no pans and no teaching on site, you’ll need to come prepared and find your own perfect spot in Bonanza Creek to “shake” and “swirl” your way to finding gold! Pick wisely, because at Free Claim #6 you get to keep everything you find!
18.) Kluane Museum of History located in Burwash Landing The Kluane Museum of Natural History offers world-class wildlife exhibits with dioramas depicting natural habitat. Also displayed are Native clothing, tools and weapons of the Southern Tutchone people as well as minerals and gemstones that are found in the Yukon. The gift shop has many locally made crafts, including beaded, fur-trimmed moccasins, as well as a good selection of books dealing with the North. A large parking lot with two entrances makes it easy for vehicles as big as transport trucks to pull through. Watch for the World's Largest Gold Pan located next to the museum.
19.) Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre Great stop while in Teslin! This is a great heritage stop that shows you totem poles, foods of the area, war canoes, and lots of art that has been created to celebrate their history.
20.) Copperbelt Railway and Mining Museum The Copperbelt Railway & Mining Museum is an interpretive learning experience focusing on Whitehorse and Yukon mining and rail history. Whether it’s a ride through the northern boreal forests you crave, a place to take your family for fun and adventure, or a fascinating history lesson on northern mining, rail and life, visiting our museum, picnic pavilion, playground and beloved train ride on the “Loki” is a must for you, your friends and your family.
21.) Muktuk Adventures opened daily 9:30amWe are a rustic wilderness lodge located along the Takhini River in the Ibex Valley. Home to over 100 friendly Alaskan Huskies, we are a paradise for dog lovers. You will be immersed in our true Yukon lifestyle and Muktuk Adventures will become your home away from home while staying at our unique Wilderness Lodge or one of our authentic Yukon Cabins. We offer canoeing and hiking adventures throughout the summer and Fall. Discover the true beauty of the Yukon while our experienced guides lead the way. Throughout the winter we’ll take you on a once-in-a-lifetime dog sledding adventure. You will learn what it takes to be a musher while exploring the Yukon backcountry with your own team of up to six huskies. If you don’t have enough time to enjoy a multi-day excursion, we also offer day trips. In addition to that, you’re welcome to visit us anytime and enjoy free dog kisses!-5:30pm
22.) Nature Tours of Yukon opened weekdays 9am-6pm Make your next trip an adventure! Our nature adventures focus on authentic experiences of one of the planet's most riveting nature destinations: Canada's Yukon. From Canoeing the Yukon River to backpacking on Alaska's Chilkoot Trail, from Aurora Hunting to 4X4 safaris in the Arctic; our distinctive adventures are led by some of the finest and most experienced guides in Yukon. When you travel with Nature Tours of Yukon, you'll go where few others do. Join us to blaze trails on some truly exciting adventures in Canada's most novel destination: YUKON !
23.) Aurora Borealis & Northern Lights Tours Yukon Welcome to Northern Tales Travel Services, your one-stop shopping spot for your Fall & Winter & Spring Northern Lights Adventure in the Yukon! Enjoy an aurora borealis viewing package with optional winter activities such as dog mushing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sightseeing flights and special events. Ask about custom, individual and private trips.
24.) Elevation Sled Dogs Yukon opens daily 9:30am-5pm Elevation Sled Dogs Yukon, is one of Canada's top long distance sled dog teams. Aaron Peck and his team compete annually in the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska. You are invited to share in the magic of riding the runners with these amazing canine athletes.
25.) The Klondike Experience opened daily 9am-8pm The Klondike Experience provides daily tours, backcountry trekking, scheduled bus and private charters in beautiful Dawson City Yukon. Summer: City & Goldfields Tour Tombstone Park Tour Top of the Midnight Dome Tour Tombstone Park Heli Hike- 6 Days Tombstone Park Trekking Adventure- 7 Days Winter: Tombstone Park Tour Aurora Borealis Viewing Dog Sledding Historical Tours
26.) Yukon Home And Tour We are a family-run accommodation and tour company in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, which has stunning scenery around the city. Whitehorse is one of the best cities to view aurora. Our viewing cabin is located in the best area outside Whitehorse city. It has the best chance to see aurora. We provide personal and the best service in Whitehorse. Check out reviews on our website and Facebook page.
27.) Jack London Museum hours of operation are Fri 3-4pm Sat/Sun 12pm-1pm Tucked in a quiet corner of Dawson City, this quaint museum is dedicated entirely to the life and writing of White Fang author Jack London. Browse through historical archives and photographs while learning about London’s adventures before, during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Explore the museum on your own, or visit during one of our interactive and informative presentations. As an extra treat, take a peek inside the home where London resided during his days as a Klondike gold seeker; complete with period appropriate furnishing and objects fit for a stampeder. This replica is built from half of the logs from London’s original cabin, which was located on the North Fork of Henderson Creek; the other half resides in London’s hometown of Oakland, California.
28.) Carcross Railway Station The historic train ride from Fraser BC to Skagway, USA is stunning with spectacular scenery through the Scenic Journey of the White Pass Yukon Route. This historic train ride is not to be missed!
29.) Northern Wildlife Museum The dioramas and animals were very good. The diversity represented is very good. Entrance is by donation. Attached is a gift shop which includes local crafts and manufactured crafts. The quality is very good.
30.) NWT Dempster Highway Visitor Centre Visit the NWT Dempster Highway Visitor Centre to learn about the Dempster Highway and Western Arctic Region of the Northwest Territories. We are open seasonally from late May to early September. Enjoy our displays, or talk with one of our knowledgeable staff about the authentic experiences to be had in the Western Arctic.
With so many things to do and see in the province I hope that you will take the time needed to dive into the rich nature that is available for you. I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious and you never know whose life you could save simply by being kind and when it comes to kindness sprinkle it everywhere the world needs more of it.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
