The best time to travel to the Yukon

To maximise the time you can spend outdoors exploring the Yukon, visit during the midnight sun. The summer solstice falls around mid-June, when locals will celebrate the sun reaching the northernmost point in the sky with a gathering at the Midnight Dome. During this time of year, the Yukon experiences almost 24 hours of sunlight a day, giving you even more time to hike, kayak or drink a Sourtoe cocktail or two…

August is another great month to travel to the Yukon, for multiple reasons. First, it’s right in the middle of bear season (generally spanning from May to October), so you have good chances of a wildlife encounter. Second, it’s one of the best times to see the northern lights, without having to stay into the depths of winter. From mid to late August, the summer sun has ended and the skies become dark enough for sightings of the aurora borealis. Finally, August marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Klondike gold rush, when gold was found in the area in August 1896. One of the biggest reasons to venture into the Yukon is to learn more about its history of gold rush towns and put yourself in the shoes of the prospectors.

If you’re not put off by the cold and want a true Canadian experience, consider braving the weather and travel during the Yukon’s winter season. November marks the start of the harsh winter and by December, snow sports will be in full swing. You will be able to try everything from snowmobiling and ice fishing to snowshoeing and the popular tourist attraction, dog sledding.