Category: TJ’s Travel Tips

I discovered something new a few weeks ago, and it led to a fantastic day. Regardless of where we’re travelling, we have always found it invaluable to pay attention to community advertising in order to discover local hidden gems, and the Yukon is no exception. The City of Whitehorse has done a great job of displaying poster stations on light poles in the downtown core, and many local businesses, like coffee shops, also have free advertising boards for people wanting to get the word out on things like community events, art exhibits, and local plays.

While grabbing a coffee at Starbucks, my wife snapped a picture of an upcoming snowmobile event that turned me on to a local resource that I didn’t realize existed. The Yukon Wildlife Branch of the Yukon Government was advertising a snowmobile event for anyone who was interested to head out and view Caribou at Coal Lake, towards Ibex Valley; not far from the local ski hill in town at Mt. Sima. It took all of about two-seconds to decide this was right up my alley, and after giving a heads up to my good friend, we shot the organizer a text and confirmed our attendance.

The organizer sent us the coordinates of where to meet, and the plan was to spend the day on the trail looking for Caribou, with stops along the way to talk about conservation work being undertaken by the Wildlife department, and also provide some trail and wildlife etiquette for snowmobile users when we head out on our own. This was a great opportunity to checkout some areas we had never snowmobiled, meet some new people, and venture out in larger group, reducing the risks should anything go wrong.

We got an early start to meet up with the group; we were fortunate that the starting point was only about a half hour ride from our neighbourhood, so we were able to get our machines warmed up along the way. I had coaxed my teenage son to join us for the day, and I’m sure he immediately regretted it. It was -25 C when we headed out at 0730 in the morning, and the cold, coupled with the early start left him cursing me for several hours I’m sure; but I’m equally sure the experience of riding through such spectacular wilderness and getting to spend some driving time on the sled will leave him with fond memories…eventually. Yes, they likely have a video game or 3D program that can replicate this type of scenery in the comfort of your home, but nothing burns the real life experience into your memory like fresh air and bone chilling temperatures.

For me, this is heaven. There is something awe inspiring about the vastness of the Territory, the beautiful loneliness of snow swept hills, and the silence that falls over the terrain that allows the swooping sounds of ravens to echo as they fly overhead. I’m going to let the pictures in this blog speak for themselves, because words cannot give justice to the spectacular views the back country has to offer.

What makes this such a great blog topic is the discovery of this great resource. Although we found this event from a poster put up by Yukon Wildlife, I learned they have a facebook page called Yukon Wildlife Viewing, and they provide free events throughout the year to anyone who is interested in attending. I found this event well organized, the information very enlightening, and the group leaders were well prepared for any eventuality; I have no doubt this would be the case on any events they were offering. I also think they are providing an invaluable resource to the public. Through these events they are helping educate people on how to move through wildlife habitats in a more respectful and responsible way, and they are helping to raise awareness about the environment we’re living in, and all of the creatures who call it home. If you are looking for things to do in the Territory, this facebook page is a great resources for ideas and upcoming events.  https://www.facebook.com/yukonwildlifeviewing/

The big question you are probably asking is what if I don’t have a snowmobile. No problem; a quick google search will list a number of local companies who rent, and deliver, snowmobiles; and if you’re interested in something less adventurous, or don’t have a lot of experience, there is also a number of local companies who can take you on guided tours commensurate with your comfort and experience level.

The obvious question is where are the pictures of all the caribou we saw? Well, you’re looking at them. We got totally skunked when it came to spotting any. There were lot’s of tracks, so you know they’re there, but I can’t help but think a half dozen snow machines moving across the alpine might have given them a heads up we were near. For me, that wasn’t the point of going, I’ve seen my share of caribou, and the enjoyment of being out in the backcountry with good friends and family is more than enough to satisfy me; wildlife would be a bonus to an otherwise great day.

Many thanks to Carrie and her team with Yukon Wildlife who made this day possible, and for all the great information they provided along the way. This branch of the government is providing a great service to the public, and if you’re ever in the Yukon, take a moment to look up their facebook page and see if they are are hosting any local events that you can take advantage of; in the mean time, keep checking the community boards, they are a great way to get involved in the community no matter where your travels are taking you.

Check out this quick video heading through the alpine.  Onwards