The Yukon: Your Itinerary for the Extraordinary

© Simon Blakesley

The Yukon: Your Itinerary for the Extraordinary

The fall season is upon us, and along with brisk mornings, changing colours and pumpkin everything, the season often finds Canadians planning for an annual winter tradition—their vacation. And if you’re looking for something unique to embrace the season instead of escape it, there’s no better place to do so than the Yukon, where the Canadian winter truly comes alive. Picture this: you’ve just finished a gourmet meal at your resort after a long day of dogsledding and have a cup of hot cocoa in your hands at your very own alpine cabin. You step onto the balcony, ready to take in the kind of Christmas lights your block competition could only dream of as the Aurora Borealis shines overhead.

Seem a bit far-fetched? It’s our pleasure to tell you that the Yukon—and this moment—are closer than ever before, thanks to Air North, Yukon’s airline, and the vacation packages at Air North Getaways. By placing emphasis on providing true value to each passenger, with in-flight meals, two checked bags, and their trademark warm cookie all included in a regular fare, the company has grown to become the premier choice for travel between the

Yukon’s vibrant communities, British Columbia, Alberta, and the rest of Canada—including multiple daily flights to and from Vancouver International Airport and the only direct flights to the Yukon from Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport. The focus on linking the territory with more of Canada while providing quality service, Yukon-style has won Air North numerous Travellers’ Choice Awards from TripAdvisor, and of course, the most important prize of all— the right to call itself “Yukon’s Airline.” With a 49 per cent ownership stake held by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation of Old Crow, the only fly-in community in the Yukon, Air North ensures that its name is more than just a moniker—it's reflected in ownership and community investment.

Thanks to this, reaching the Yukon has never been easier. Air North flies directly to and from Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, Edmonton, and Calgary, as well as seasonal service to and from Toronto and Ottawa. Once you’re in the Yukon, the airline also offers flights to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Old Crow, and the famous gold rush town of Dawson City. And if you’re wondering how best to explore a winter wonderland of gorgeous mountain scenery and vibrant cultural history? Here's a two-day snapshot of what to do up here:

DAY ONE:

Wake up and enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of many downtown Whitehorse cafes, with delicious treats ranging from the croissants at Baked on Main St, a BLT from Bullet Hole Bagels, or a hearty English breakfast from Burnt Toast on 2nd Avenue. Fueled up and ready to explore, you head out to Fish Lake Road and take in the stunning views of the Coastal Mountains on your short 30-minute journey to Sky High Wilderness Ranch, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and fun-loving sled dogs ready to ferry you across the wilderness with your guides. With hours of sledding and a lifetime of memories behind you, you head back into town and swap your gear for a bathing suit, towel and robe as you head to Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs to relax in their natural, rejuvenating pools, saunas and steam rooms.

Warmed up, refreshed and ready for dinner, you find yourself at Belly of the Bison, an upscale dining experience featuring mouth-watering local favourites, like Bison Bolognese or Elk Roulade, alongside a selection of incredible wines, unique cocktails and refreshing beers from local breweries. As you step outside after dinner, you walk along the frozen Yukon River and see the Aurora Borealis faintly over the clay cliffs surrounding the city, rising and beckoning you to your next adventures tomorrow.

DAY TWO:

You awake and hit the slopes at Mount Sima, Whitehorse’s worldclass venue for downhill skiing and experience the beauty of the Yukon from above. From here, you gather your bags and hop in a shuttle to the Southern Lakes region, just outside Whitehorse, where the Inn on the Lake awaits. This spectacular resort offers alpine lodges, daily activities such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing, and fine dining and aurora viewing trips. You’ll check in with their welcoming staff, choose your next activity and find yourself cutting through the trails or calmly waiting for that first bite in no time! Following an incredible meal prepared by the Inn’s own chef, you’ll head out with their team to view the aurora in all its splendour—or just back to your own room or lodge to enjoy from the privacy of your balcony.

If you simply can’t wait to experience this for yourself now, don’t worry—Air North Getaways has so much of this and more. Through their extensive partnerships with local vendors and Landsby Travel Group, they can help any traveller dreaming of exploring Canada’s fascinating north choose from a variety of tailored vacations geared just for you, whether you’re looking to trek over every trail and down every slope or want to take in the incredible scenery, history and wonder of the Yukon at a more balanced pace. Take the hassle and difficulty out of choosing your own adventure every day, and let the local experts show you how to get the most out of your bucket list visit!

With Air North, Yukon’s Airline, the Yukon is always close. Consider this your formal invitation to come and experience everything it has to offer, in the air and on the ground. They can’t wait to see you.