The Yukon - Canada Maps

The Yukon facts

Capital: Whitehorse
Population: 44,412 (2023)
Date of Admission: 1898
Territorial motto: N/A
Provincial flower: fireweed
Time Zone: Pacific (PST) – (GMT − 8 hours)
Total Area (Sq Km): 482,443
Total Area (Sq Mi): 186,272

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Quick links: About, Major places, History, Geography, Climate, Google Maps, Facts, What to do, Accommodation, Pictures, Useful information, Further readings.

There is a grandeur and beauty to this vast and thinly populated wilderness that only can be appreciated through experience. Having survived for thousands of years, the Aboriginal people hunt and trap as they always have. Few places in the world have remained so unchanged over time. Even though the Klondike Gold Rush soared the Yukon to its highest point in population, its legacy is fleeting and easily forgotten.

There are five of Canada’s tallest mountains in Kluane National Park and the largest ice fields beneath the Arctic, and you can go canoeing down the Yukon River. Don’t forget the people: enjoy the offbeat vibe of Dawson City and the bustle of Whitehorse, and join the growing number of visitors who have discovered Yukon due to TV shows like Yukon Gold and Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet.

About the Yukon, Canada

Yukon, formerly Yukon Territory, is a territory of northern Canada, an area of rugged mountains and high plateaus. The Northwest Territories border the territory on the east, British Columbia on the south, and Alaska on the west. It extends northward to the Beaufort Sea above the Arctic Circle. Whitehorse is its capital. Yukon has been known for its mineral wealth since the Klondike gold rush of the late 1890s. Still, its remoteness from markets and Arctic climate have hindered its economic exploitation and modern settlement. This territory is among the few frontiers on the North American continent, sparsely populated and largely unspoiled. Area: 482,443 square kilometers / 186,272 square miles. Learn more about the location of the Yukon here.

Principal cities and towns

The largest 10 cities after their estimated population in 2022 are Saskatoon 337,000, Regina 262,320, Prince Albert 36,081, Moose Jaw 34,008, Swift Current 16,816, Yorkton 16,487, North Battleford 14,407, Lloydminster 12,215, Estevan 11,572, Melville 4,560.

History

There are many millennia of generations of descendants of those who migrated from Asia via the Bering Land Bridge to settle the region. It has been suggested that humans were established in the Old Crow Basin, in the northern part of Yukon, about 20,000 to 12,000 years ago, making it possibly the oldest site of human occupation in North America. Archaeological research into early human occupation has concentrated on the northern part of the Yukon.

In North America, the Yukon was one of the last areas explored by nonnatives. Among the First Nations populations inhabiting the Yukon during the time of European contact were the Southern and Northern Tutchone, Tlingit, Tagish, Kaska, Tanana, Han, and Gwich’in (Kutchin). In about 1840, two Hudson’s Bay Company explorers arrived in the region. John Bell crossed the Peel River from the north, while Robert Campbell crossed the Liard River from British Columbia. Threats from the outside, like newcomers and their friendship treaties with some regional First Nations peoples, were enough to cause Fort Yukon to be abandoned. As tensions began to rise in 1843, an attempt was made by the company to build trading posts in the south, but conflicts soon kicked up between the fort and First Nations people. Attempts to establish a new trading post nearby were made from 1847 to 1867 but then abandoned until 1890, when it was relocated again after Alaska became part of the U.S. under Russian protection than American.

Although gold discoveries were first discovered in the years surrounding 1870-1871, it wasn’t until 1896 that the attention of mine prospectors shifted to Bonanza Creek when three prospectors, George Washington Carmack and his two Tagish partners, Skookum Jim Mason and his nephew, known as “Tagish Charlie”, found rich deposits. Its discovery led to the gold rush of the late 1890s, which soon grew into a city of 25,000 people: Dawson. A narrow-gauge railway extending from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, on the upper reaches of the Yukon River, the White Pass and Yukon Route (WP&YR), quickly improved access to the area. There was rapid growth in the area in 1898, which was separated from the Northwest Territories by the Canadian Parliament.

By 1900, many of the individual miners (referred to as stampeders) had given up and were leaving Yukon after a few years of the Klondike boom. The gold-mining industry was reorganized by companies that introduced large-scale mechanical mining techniques. 1901, the population was 27,219, dropping to 8,512 in 1911 and 4,157 in 1921. Other minerals, however, were discovered despite the absence of new gold deposits. During World War I, copper ore was mined near Whitehorse, and in the 1920s and 1930s, silver and lead ore were mined in the Mayo district on the central plateau. High operating and transportation costs hindered the development of those and other resources, and only 4,914 people were counted in 1941.

In the 1940s, when World War II was going on, the construction of the Alaska Highway brought a second boom to the territory. The construction took less than a year from start to finish (1942 – 1943), and it opened up opportunities for exploration and development for much of Yukon because of increased transportation and communications. As more people were interested in Whitehorse, it was announced as the capital. Yukon has undergone significant changes in political status over the years. Its jurisdiction has gone from a commissioner and a six-member council appointed by the federal government to elected members with authority over day-to-day administrative decisions. Because Yukon is relatively new, we understand how important it is for our clients to preserve their culture, heritage, and originality as they grow into this new era of business expansion. In 1979, the federal Minister of External Affairs (who oversaw the Territories at the time) instructed the commissioner to step down and gave control over the government back to the elected leader of the majority in the Legislative Assembly. The commissioner thus became an elected head of state, and with this change, day-to-day running happened through an appointed Premier while continuing to be deemed a Territory. In 2003, control over natural resources was granted by Canada, but that’s not all: Yukon is still officially recognized as a territory.

In the 1960s, an industrial company discovered what appeared to be a seemingly small mineral quarry in the central Faro region of Yukon. The open-pit mines eventually became one of the world’s most extensive lead-zinc mining operations in the following decade. At its peak production, it accounted for more than one-third of Yukon’s economic output and became Canada’s largest producer of those metals. However, falling metal prices, internal management problems, and declining yields led to the closure of this complex in 1998.

From the early 20th century to the late 20th century, political officials and First Nations people focused on discussing self-government and land claims. Beginning in 1973, indigenous leaders drafted agreements to address these issues. In 1990, a general model agreement for native self-government was reached, followed by detailed negotiations between groups of First Nations members. Due to these talks, 11 different First Nations were given self-governance in two decades, continuing to discuss issues regarding native self-governance today.

Geography

Even though much of the territory is still unspoiled, people’s environmental impact is evident. Forest fires have often gone uncontrolled in remote places due to reliance on wood for fuel near the settlements. In addition, surface mining has scarred the landscape near Dawson, the west-central part of the territory, and Whitehorse.

Yukon lies within the mountainous Cordilleran region of western North America. The largest settlements in this province lie in a large central plateau surrounded by mountains, notably the Selwyn and Mackenzie ranges of the Rockies to the east; the Logan, Pelly, and St. Elias range to the south; and the Ogilvie and Richardson range to the west and north. Some of these mountains are spectacular, especially Mount St. Elias, at 5,489 meters / 18,008 feet on a border with Canada, where notable peaks include Mount Logan at 5,959 meters / 19,551 feet, and Mount Hayden, which is 5,467 meters / 17,884 feet.

In the south, there is the Pelly, Macmillan, Stewart, White, and Klondike. In the north is the Porcupine; most of the territory is drained by the Yukon River, which flows northwestward into Alaska and its tributaries. Liard and Peel, both tributaries of the Mackenzie, flow north through the adjacent Northwest Territories to the Arctic Ocean and are important rivers. There are also numerous scenic alpine lakes in Yukon, the best known being Kluane and Aishihik in the St. Elias Mountains. Other large lakes in the southern part of the territory include Teslin, Laberge, and Kusawa. In the north, large stretches of flat and poorly drained tundra with widespread permafrost, a permanently frozen ground that makes construction difficult.

Yukon is known for its rugged wilderness and natural beauty, and many lakes are there.

Major lakes in the Yukon are:

Kluane Lake: This large lake is located in southwestern Yukon and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. It is the largest lake in the territory, covering an area of approximately 408 square km / 158 square miles.
Bennett Lake: Located near the border between British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, Bennett Lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing. It is also the starting point for the historic Chilkoot Trail, a popular hiking route.
Teslin Lake: This large lake is located in central Yukon and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. It is home to various fish species, including lake trout, arctic grayling, and whitefish.
Marsh Lake: This lake is located in southern Yukon and is known for its beautiful forests, wetlands, and wildlife. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
Whitehorse Lake: Located in the city of Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, this lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. It is also home to a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife.

These are just a few of the many lakes in the Yukon. The territory is home to numerous other lakes, including Atlin Lake, Kusawa Lake, Lake Laberge, and Tagish Lake, all offering unique recreational opportunities and natural beauty.

Major rivers in the Yukon include:

Yukon River: The Yukon River is the longest in the territory, flowing for over 3,190 km / 1,980 miles from its headwaters in British Columbia to its delta in Alaska. It is an important transportation route and is also home to a variety of fish species, including chinook salmon, chum salmon, and arctic grayling.
Peel River: The Peel River is a major tributary of the Mackenzie River, flowing through the central and eastern parts of Yukon. It is an important transportation route and is also home to a variety of fish species, including arctic grayling, whitefish, and lake trout.
Klondike River: The Klondike River is a major tributary of the Yukon River, flowing through the central part of the territory. It is famous for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century and is now a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing and rafting.
Tatshenshini River: The Tatshenshini River is a major river in the southwestern part of the territory, flowing through the Kluane National Park and Reserve. It is a popular destination for rafting and kayaking and is also home to various fish species, including arctic grayling and rainbow trout.

These are just a few of the many rivers in Yukon. The territory is home to numerous other rivers, including the Pelly River, the Stewart River, and the Liard River, all of which offer unique recreational opportunities and natural beauty.

Due to the dry, cool climate and poor soils of many regions, there is little vegetation. Some southern valleys are heavily forested, while the extreme northern portion of Yukon is above treeline. It is common to find orchids blooming in the summer near lakes and wetlands where aquatic vegetation thrives.

Yukon is home to various animal species, including grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and smaller fur-bearing mammals. In addition to waterfowl, muskrats and other typical North American birds inhabit wetlands. The Arctic grayling, lake trout, and northern pike are common fishes.

Climate

Yukon’s summers are short, but its days are long, especially in its northern part, which lies above the Arctic Circle. The average monthly readings are not unlike those in some Canadian cities farther east and south, where temperatures can reach summer highs of about 35°C / mid-90s F and winter lows below about −50 °C / -60s F. At Whitehorse, precipitation averages only about 250 millimeters / 10 inches annually.

Google Maps the Yukon

Please click here for driving directions.

Google Street View is a feature of Google Maps that provides 360-degree panoramic images of many locations worldwide. These images are captured by Google’s Street View vehicles, which drive around the streets and take pictures of the surrounding area. Here are a few exciting objects and locations that Google Street View in the territory of Yukon has captured:

The Northern Lights: Google Street View has captured images of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, over the territory of Yukon. These images show the stunning and colorful displays of light in the night sky in the northern parts of the world.
The Klondike Highway: Google Street View has captured images of the Klondike Highway, which runs through the territory of Yukon and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including mountains, forests, and lakes.
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway: Google Street View has captured images of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. This historic narrow-gauge railway runs through the territory of Yukon and offers scenic rides through the mountains and forests.
The S.S. Klondike National Historic Site: Google Street View has captured images of the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site. This preserved steamboat was once used to transport goods and people through the territory of Yukon.
The Midnight Dome: Google Street View has captured images of the Midnight Dome, a granite peak located in the territory of Yukon that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Did you know?

As the westernmost territory of Canada (along with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut), the Yukon has historically been governed by the federal government but has recently gained more provincial powers.
The Yukon borders Alaska to the west, the Beaufort Sea of the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Northwest Territories to the east, and Alaska and British Columbia to the south.
Despite its small size (482,443 km2 / 186,272 mi²), the Yukon is more significant than four of Canada’s 10 provinces (Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador).
The Yukon is about twice as large as the United Kingdom or about the same size as Spain or Turkmenistan.
Despite being smaller than the other two territories, the Yukon has the highest population density (0.09 people per km2).
In the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, you can learn about the Ice Age that formed the Beringia Land Bridge, which once linked North America and Asia and let people walk to the Yukon from Asia.
In the Yukon, 23 percent of the population is indigenous, more than any other province, but the lowest among the three territories. This includes 14 First Nations spanning 8 languages that are crucial to the territory’s management.
Mount Logan is 5,959m high: This peak is the second tallest in North America. Seventeen of the tallest 20 mountains in Canada are in the Yukon.
In summer, the Midnight Sun shines all day and night in some parts of the Yukon.

With a population of 28,200, Whitehorse is the largest city in the Yukon. 65% of Yukon’s population resides here, and no other cities exist in the territory.
80% of the Yukon is wilderness: The landscape here has not changed much since humans began building things.
As a result, the territory’s name was officially changed from “Yukon Territory” to simply “Yukon” in 2002 and then to “The Yukon” in 2021. Canadians from other parts of the country call the territory “Yukon,” but locals have always known it “The Yukon.”
On February 3, 1947, Snag, Yukon, recorded the coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada, at 63.0°C / 81°F.
In 2004, the Yukon’s highest recorded temperature was 36.5°C / 98°F. That’s a difference of 99.5 degrees Celsius or 179 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yukon has three national parks: Kluane, Vuntut, and Ivvavik.
The Yukon River is the second largest river in Canada (after the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories). It starts in British Columbia before flowing through southwestern Yukon, but its longest portion is in Alaska.
In Whitehorse, the territory’s capital, Alaska Highway and Klondike Highway meet.
There is 958 km / 612.05 mi of the 2,224 km / 1,381.92 mi Alaska Highway in the Yukon, which is more than Alaska itself. It was built in WWII to enable Americans to reach Alaska by car. It runs from British Columbia to Alberta and crosses most of southern Yukon.
Because Alaska gained the Alaska Panhandle region along the coast during the Alaska boundary dispute, which lasted from 1812 to 1903, the Yukon had no access to the Pacific Coast.
As part of the Klondike Highway, the Haines Highway connects Haines Junction west of Whitehorse to Haines, Alaska, on the coast, via a thin strip of British Columbia.
There are few places in the world where you can see aurora borealis (Northern Lights), like the Yukon.
The Yukon’s most important industry is mining, including gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper, and asbestos. Tourism is second, particularly related to gold rush history and outdoor activities.

What to do in the Yukon

The Yukon is a beautiful and unique place to visit, with a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy. Some popular activities in the Yukon include:

Hiking: The Yukon has a vast network of trails that offer stunning views and the opportunity to explore the wilderness. You can find trails for all skill levels, from short and easy to long and challenging.
Wildlife viewing: The Yukon is home to various wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. There are many tour operators that offer guided wildlife viewing expeditions.
Fishing: The Yukon is home to numerous rivers and lakes, making it an excellent place for fishing. You can catch a variety of species, including salmon, trout, and arctic grayling.
Whitewater rafting: The Yukon’s rivers offer exciting opportunities for whitewater rafting, with trips available for all skill levels.
Dog sledding: The Yukon is known for its long, cold winters and is the perfect place to try dog sledding. You can go on a guided tour or try to muster a team of sled dogs.
Skiing and snowboarding: The Yukon’s winters are long and cold, making it a great place for skiing and snowboarding. There are several ski resorts in the area that offer a variety of trails for all skill levels.
Aurora viewing: The Yukon is located in the auroral zone, making it a great place to view the Northern Lights. The best time to see the aurora is in winter when the nights are long, and the skies are clear.

These are just a few examples of the many activities you can enjoy in the Yukon. There are many more opportunities to explore the great outdoors, try new things, and experience the region’s unique culture.

Accommodation in the Yukon

Many of Whitehorse’s accommodations are booked well in advance in high summer, but the city has plenty of accommodations. If you arrive without a reservation, contact the visitor center or try the string of hotels on Main Street between the 1st and 5th avenues. While the Wal-Mart car park is free for RVs, Whitehorse also has many nicer RV and campsite sites.

Reserve a room

Our tip for accommodation in the Yukon territory would be to consider staying in a “wilderness lodge” or “backcountry camping”. The Yukon is known for its rugged wilderness and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and viewing wildlife. Staying in a wilderness lodge can provide an opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty and enjoy these activities in a comfortable and safe environment. Many lodges offer all-inclusive packages that include meals, activities, and transportation to and from the lodge.

Another option would be backcountry camping, which can provide an opportunity to truly immerse oneself in the wilderness and experience the region’s natural beauty. If you’re considering this option, it’s essential to be prepared for the weather and wilderness conditions and to have the necessary gear and supplies.

Alternatively, you can also consider staying in a city like Whitehorse, where you will have access to a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and hotels to luxury resorts and a variety of cultural and entertainment opportunities.

Pictures

Useful information

From the west in Alaska, there are three main ways to travel into the Yukon, and from the south in British Columbia, there are two. There are unique sites to see along each highway, but the real beauty lies in the Yukon, with nearly 5,000 km / 3107 mi of well-maintained roads eager to be crossed by your wheels.

Whitehorse is a hub for the Yukon. Not only can you get to most other points in the territory from it, but a few bus/train combinations make it possible to explore the entire territory and reach BC and Alaska. Public transport is limited in Whitehorse; however, it will get you to surprisingly remote places and how-to-see spots with changing schedules. Ask tourist information centers or call bus and train providers for details on the latest updates.

The road conditions and closures can be found at 511yukon.ca. If you have questions about how this might impact your plans, our Travel Counselors have lots of helpful information and will be happy to assist. You can reach them at 1-800-661-0494 or [email protected].

Distances from Whitehorse

Anchorage 1165km / 722 miles
Beaver Creek 457km / 285 miles
Burwash Landing 285km / 178 miles
Carcross 74km / 46 miles
Dawson City 535km / 332 miles
Edmonton 1982km / 1225 miles
Fairbanks 980km / 609 miles
Fort Nelson 946km / 591 miles
Haines / 259 miles
Haines Junction 158km / 99 miles
Inuvik 1226km / 763 miles
Prince George 1880km / 1170 miles
Seattle 2831km / 1759 miles
Tok 639km / 397 miles
Vancouver 2702km / 1680 miles
Watson Lake 436km / 271 miles

Flying to the Yukon: There are many ways to get to the Yukon, but flying is definitely the easiest. You can catch regular flights with Air North on its route from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Kelowna, Victoria, and Yellowknife. Another option is if you’re coming from further abroad, other major airlines provide convenient flights, such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Condor, that arrive in the Yukon via other major airports.

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