There Is A River
“I remember when we canoed the Pelly River in our handmade birchbark canoe, back in 2001,” Natasha reminisced as she looked across…
Paddle Like a Rockstar!
“Learn to paddle like a rockstar – conquer waves, gain confidence, and feel the rush. Dive into kayaking adventure on What’s Up Yukon.”
Paddle Like a Rockstar! Read More »
Mountain Hunting: What’s In My Pack
One of the most challenging aspects of mountain hunting is figuring out what you need to pack and what to leave at home.
Mountain Hunting: What’s In My Pack Read More »
Amanita Muscaria
was taught at a young age that an iconic red-and-white mushroom, known as the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), was among the most dangerous…
50 years Yukon Trappers Association
Over the years, the Yukon Trappers Association has moved their location a few times but their mandate remains the same…
50 years Yukon Trappers Association Read More »
Tobacco-based Scent That Smells Nothing Like Tobacco
Imagine that you’re on a summer holiday in the picturesque, coastal town of Portofino, Italy. You are sitting on a patio…
Tobacco-based Scent That Smells Nothing Like Tobacco Read More »
Kids Write 4 Kids
Ripple Foundation, a national youth-education charity with a goal of cultivating the next generation’s creative literacy skills…
Summer In The City
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many key community spaces were forced to shut their doors, including the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre.
Summer In The City Read More »
Sleeping In The Good Ol’ (Yukon) Summertime!
If you’ve ever had a series of sleepless nights, maybe due to a newborn’s erratic sleep schedule, to last-minute studying for finals…
Sleeping In The Good Ol’ (Yukon) Summertime! Read More »
Picking My Battles
Negotiating with my three-year-old has become my side hustle these days. It is a constant uphill battle…
Picking My Battles Read More »
Skills Canada Yukon Interview: Jewnwel Junsay
My experience in sheet metal and welding has been thrilling. I have always been fascinated about how things are made…
Skills Canada Yukon Interview: Jewnwel Junsay Read More »
‘Love At First Sight’ (or Why Germans Love The Yukon)
Nancy Ohm recently went to Germany, with her partner, to visit family and friends. After 11 years in the Yukon, the German…
‘Love At First Sight’ (or Why Germans Love The Yukon) Read More »
Summer Days
Summertime in the Yukon is an absolute joy. It is filled with barbecues, beach days, campfires and the never-ending supply of sunlight…
From Whitehorse To The Kootenays
I was not going to ask anyone to drive me to the Whitehorse airport at 3:45 a.m. on a Tuesday. It would have been cruel.
From Whitehorse To The Kootenays Read More »
The Bureaucracy Of Death
There’s a scene in the old movie Beetlejuice that depicts the afterlife as starting in an office—an office full of old filing cabinets…
The Bureaucracy Of Death Read More »
They’ve Moved Back!
We had moved to Calgary in ’99 for a career opportunity, and three years later, when that was fulfilled, we really needed to get back home.
They’ve Moved Back! Read More »
Toddler ‘On A Roll’
What is more intimidating than a three-year-old? The answer is easy: A toddler on wheels. Yep, definitely more intimidating…
Toddler ‘On A Roll’ Read More »
The Sweet Simple Pleasures of Summer
I love the hot days of summer that we’re occasionally fortunate enough to have here in the Yukon. You can usually overhear people…
The Sweet Simple Pleasures of Summer Read More »
One More Rhubarb Apple Crumble Recipe
A couple of weeks ago, the oil tank guys were coming to take out our old tank and pour a cement pad for the new one.
One More Rhubarb Apple Crumble Recipe Read More »
Enjoying Wild Yukon Teas
The natural world around us has turned into a green, abundant paradise in the last few weeks, and we’re coming into…
Enjoying Wild Yukon Teas Read More »
The Quilt Project: One Stitch For A Better Planet
On June 7, Janet Patterson took the quilt that she had inherited from her grandmother, to Raven Recycling. Not to throw it away…
The Quilt Project: One Stitch For A Better Planet Read More »
Skills Canada Yukon Interview: Isabella Demers
I’ve grown up around carpentry, with my dad, as we do projects around home and at work. This year was my first…
Skills Canada Yukon Interview: Isabella Demers Read More »
Taking Your Friends Down A Notch
Everyone needs a friend who can bring them down a notch or two when they get too far up on their high horses.
Taking Your Friends Down A Notch Read More »
Summertime, Party Time!
Growing up, I was always excited to invite my friends over for a big pool party to celebrate my birthday. I remember a collage of laughter…
Summertime, Party Time! Read More »
Bird Song And Its Healing Potential
What were the first sounds that you heard in the womb, besides the rhythmic drumbeat of your mother’s heart and, later on, her voice?
Bird Song And Its Healing Potential Read More »
FIRE!
With the situation in Alberta this year, and remembering Fort McMurray, we are continuously reminded that we, too, live in the boreal forest.
The Fourth Trimester
The fourth trimester is known as the period after having a baby and it basically encompasses the physical, mental and emotional changes…
The Fourth Trimester Read More »
Fabulous At 40
It’s one of the most-epic logistical and athletic feats to be pulled off in the Yukon and Alaska. Over 300 volunteers are recruited.
How To Leave Your Lover
After 16 glorious years of romance with the Yukon, I can’t help but think it might be time to experience something different.
How To Leave Your Lover Read More »
Celebrating Fathers, All Summer Long
Let’s celebrate fathers (and exceptional grandfathers, uncles, older brothers and other father figures in our lives)—not just for one day…
Celebrating Fathers, All Summer Long Read More »
Daddy’s “Mini-Me”
The day when my sweet little boy, who never wanted to leave his mama’s side, would suddenly jump ship and become…
Skills Canada Yukon Interview: Oriana Gallina
Full Name: Oriana Gallina Age 17, grade 12Trade: Fashion Technology Skills Yukon Affiliation: 2023 Territorial Skills Competition Gold Medalist, 2023 National Skills Competition CompetitorSchool: F.H.
Skills Canada Yukon Interview: Oriana Gallina Read More »
Whispers in the Library
Imagine yourself arriving at one of the antique libraries at Oxford University in England. As you enter through the arched doorway
Whispers in the Library Read More »
What’s Gonna Kill Me This Week?
Has anyone else noticed a disturbing trend with the media? The number of articles on stuff that’s gonna kill ya?
What’s Gonna Kill Me This Week? Read More »
Community, Connection and Caribou
On a winter afternoon, Montana and Delaney Prysnuk are hanging a caribou hide to dry in the sun. It has taken months of work…
Community, Connection and Caribou Read More »
10 Things That Gardening in the Yukon Can Teach You
Sometimes it feels so hard to imagine that spring will come, that things will grow again and that there’ll be enough time…
10 Things That Gardening in the Yukon Can Teach You Read More »
Qoyllur Rit’i
I can see my breath in the chilly pre-dawn light as my lungs work a little harder than usual to get enough oxygen from the thin mountain air.
The Race Is On!
It is almost June and for Yukoners it means the skis are in the garden shed, the parka is at the dry cleaners, and the bicycle is ready…
Firelighting Is A Survival Skill
A BIC lighter is pretty small, isn’t very expensive, and even two or three of them won’t break the bank but could be the difference…
Firelighting Is A Survival Skill Read More »
Desert Days
“You have a desert in the Yukon?” I have heard this question over and over again since moving to Whitehorse…
Animal Communication
When I tell people I do animal communication, they often tell me that they know what their animals want. When my dog stares at the door…
Animal Communication Read More »
Playground Musings
There is something really remarkable about playgrounds. Who among us doesn’t have core memories of playing…
Playground Musings Read More »
In Search Of Boredom
I want to be able to entertain myself like that again—without a device. I want to get through a day without checking my email
In Search Of Boredom Read More »
Defending The Line, Achieving My Goal
As Ralph Waldo Emerson writes, “Self-trust is the first secret of success.”
Yet many of us are missing this.
Defending The Line, Achieving My Goal Read More »
The Way Home
I was recently sitting in the Vancouver Airport waiting for my Air North flight back to Whitehorse. It’s a scene familiar to most Yukoners…
Victoria Day Musings and Meanderings
For some, it’s drinking beer and camping; for others, it’s cleaning the yard and gardening: Victoria Day is just around the corner…
Victoria Day Musings and Meanderings Read More »
Foraging for Wild Plants
Wherever you go in the world, you will inevitably come across medicinal and edible plants. It seems to me that no place inhabited…
Foraging for Wild Plants Read More »
Spring Renos For Seniors
Have you ever taken on DIY (do it yourself) bathroom renovations in your home? We did. We were younger and ignorant…
Spring Renos For Seniors Read More »
Skills Canada Yukon Interview: Bridgeen Barber
Well, I am very lucky to have had great opportunities in my trade but one unfortunate downside to cooking is that it doesn’t…
Skills Canada Yukon Interview: Bridgeen Barber Read More »
Carpool Karaoke—Toddler Edition
My drive to work has become a heck of a lot more fun these days. Regardless of how much I desire to crawl back into bed…
Carpool Karaoke—Toddler Edition Read More »
OMG! It’s a Pit Bull!
A pit bull has a forehead. A bull terrier’s head looks like a football. He’s got this great big nose so he can lower his head and bash…
OMG! It’s a Pit Bull! Read More »
The Real Heroes Of The Environment
A recent audit by the Federal Environment Commissioner, Jerry DeMarco, showed that Canada is falling short of its commitment…
The Real Heroes Of The Environment Read More »
A Matrilineage Of Wise, Magical And Creative Women
Mother’s Day is an important time to recognize our mothers and everything they do for us in our families, communities and society.
A Matrilineage Of Wise, Magical And Creative Women Read More »
More Cabbage, Please!
Cabbage is still relatively inexpensive and has always been delicious, raw or cooked. I think many of us grew up with boiled or steamed…
More Cabbage, Please! Read More »
Mother’s Day—Then And Now
As a kid, I always enjoyed making something nice for my mom on Mother’s Day.That time of year would come around…
Mother’s Day—Then And Now Read More »
Northern Gardening
The spring season is upon us. Retail stores are starting to set up their garden centres, seed racks are coming out on display…
Northern Gardening Read More »
The Never-Ending Bedtime
Every night, at the same time, we begin our toddler’s bedtime routine. And, honestly, more often than not, things tend to go pretty smoothly.
The Never-Ending Bedtime Read More »
Battle Lines In The Sand
When we were growing up, I would hear stories from the Elders about the tribal wars between Dene and Inuvialuit. One story I remember…
Battle Lines In The Sand Read More »
Bringing The Heat
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs finally opened this winter, after around a decade in the making, though a good chunk of that process…
The Pregnant Sasquatch
A gentleman of the Gitsegukla First Nation, from B.C., shared his sighting experience with me. At the time, he was a self-employed…
The Pregnant Sasquatch Read More »
Through A Different Lens
I don’t use Google Lens often. It’s an app that is scanning almost everything and showing users the results on Google.
Through A Different Lens Read More »
Not Your Average Pack-Out Part 2
This sheep hunt was now a moose hunt.We prepared our bodies by carb loading on extra rations while we discussed how we would stalk the moose.
Not Your Average Pack-Out Part 2 Read More »
Living Off-Grid
Each year, more people are realizing that on-grid living might not be the best solution for protecting the planet and one’s pocketbook…
Breaking Trail: Atlin to Dawson
When we are not roasting coffee at Atlin Mountain Coffee Roasters, you’ll find us in the backcountry on some kind of adventure.
Breaking Trail: Atlin to Dawson Read More »
Not Your Average Pack-Out
The decision to carry a mature Yukon bull moose, over 5 kilometres through the mountains and on your back…
Not Your Average Pack-Out Read More »
Waking Up From Winter
I like to imagine that hibernating animals wake up from their long winter sleep much like we humans wake up from our own nightly slumber.
Waking Up From Winter Read More »
Catch Of The Day
Yukon photographer Cathie Archbould headed to the Southern Lakes region recently with a group of friends to spend a day…
Nine Simple Ideas For Earth Day
Annual events are a wonderful way to bring awareness to certain issues but, unfortunately, long-lasting change doesn’t come…
Nine Simple Ideas For Earth Day Read More »
Is It A Dump Or A Resource Centre?
Last fall, I moved into a new place that didn’t have a good set-up for storing wood. I like to have some chopped wood close to the door…
Is It A Dump Or A Resource Centre? Read More »
Gifts From Mother Nature
Earth Day is approaching. The annual event is held every year on April 22 and is celebrated by over one billion people…
Gifts From Mother Nature Read More »
It’s The End Of The Trail
Spring has arrived in the Yukon, and with that comes the last days of snowmobiling season. And what a good season it was!
It’s The End Of The Trail Read More »
OMG! He’s got a gun!
A few years back, in the course of my genealogy search, I found my great-grandfather’s obituary. He joined the Toronto Naval Brigade…
OMG! He’s got a gun! Read More »
First Pets
Growing up, we always had animals in the house. I honestly can’t remember a time when my family didn’t have a furry friend included…
Third Trimester
I left you all at week 23 of my pregnancy, and now, when I look back, I wish I could be in so much comfort and bliss! Month 6 was amazing.
The Pasqueflower & The Promise of Spring
Winter feels like it moves so slow sometimes. We wait and wait for the days to get longer again and for the sun’s rays to gain strength.
The Pasqueflower & The Promise of Spring Read More »
Full Ski Ahead!
Over the past few years, cross-country ski trails in the Kluane National Park and Reserve have been getting some added attention…
Hunting … It’s a Crapshoot
One of the most common questions we get asked by non-hunters, and those new to hunting, is, “How do you find and track the animals…
Hunting … It’s a Crapshoot Read More »
Time To Talk Poop
As a trapper and hunter, you learn to identify wildlife excrement rather fast, as you’d want to. Why? To determine what kind of critters…
Poops Gone Wild
We all know that wilderness in the Yukon is plentiful, and many Yukoners enjoy disappearing off the grid for a weekend or more…
Species And Their Feces
Size, shape, texture, colour, smell—scat (or poo, poop, doo-doo … whatever you prefer)—comes in as many variations…
Species And Their Feces Read More »
The Path To Bettering Your Soil
Gardening in the Yukon can sometimes feel like a perennial struggle when in other parts of the country it might appear almost effortless.
The Path To Bettering Your Soil Read More »
Toilet Training Frisky Felines
The life of a cat is a rather interesting one. They get agitated by birds, try to capture mice, are fascinated by dangling objects…
Toilet Training Frisky Felines Read More »
‘Bratsky’ Part 2
Several months ago, I described the joys and struggles of a couple of seniors adopting a puppy. She joined our household of three seniors…
Yukon’s Own ‘Game of Thrones’
Yukoners have been using the outhouses for a long-time. Sometimes they even race them. But whether they are made of old wood…
Yukon’s Own ‘Game of Thrones’ Read More »
Pooped Out
Every parent goes into the process of having a child while knowing that diapers are unavoidable. Those sweet and precious little babies…
Loving The Skin You’re In
In parts of Canada, winter will soon slowly begin to make its way out, and spring will make its way in. In other parts of the country…
Loving The Skin You’re In Read More »
Will we ever be healthy again?
Getting sick when you have little kids is certainly not uncommon. Those little germ collectors regularly sideline as germ dispensers…
Will we ever be healthy again? Read More »
Lichens
Endless forests stand as the majestic backdrop to much of the Yukon, but by looking down, you can see a much more…
Ripping Out Life’s ‘Nasal Hair’
Whenever I’m asked, “What exactly does a weekly men’s circle bring you?” and “What has changed?” I pluck my nasal hair…
Ripping Out Life’s ‘Nasal Hair’ Read More »
How To Bike Tour
People have been travelling long distances on bicycles since the invention of the two-wheeled vehicle. A British man named John Foster…
To Taste ‘A Perfect Summer Day’
A few months ago I had the pleasure of travelling to Québec City for a few days. While there were many highlights of the trip…
To Taste ‘A Perfect Summer Day’ Read More »
The Fish Camp Visitors
In 2005, I was talking with a gentleman of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation who described an encounter he and his brother had with a sasquatch…
The Fish Camp Visitors Read More »
Firearm Care And Maintenance
It used to be that firearm maintenance was more tedious and certainly more frequently needed than it is currently.
Firearm Care And Maintenance Read More »
Safe Riders
Snowmobiling is a fun and safe activity for the whole family, and riders like you can help us keep it that way.
Solo Travel
Most of the travelling I’ve done in my life has been solo. Sometimes it’s been out of necessity—but most of the time, out of preference.
Yukoners At Canada Winter Games
The 2023 Canada Winter Games, officially called XXVII Canada Games, are taking place Feb. 18 to March 5 and will be hosted in P.E.I.
Yukoners At Canada Winter Games Read More »
A Northern Pregnancy
I had high expectations coming into the second trimester. I thought it would be like waking up from a bad dream …
A Northern Pregnancy Read More »
Heartfelt (mis)Adventures
Valentine’s Day was always fun for me as a kid. Handing out brightly coloured paper hearts, to all of my classmates…
Heartfelt (mis)Adventures Read More »
Dog Culture: Milo
Milo, always young at heart, loved walking the Whitehorse trails at any temperature. She always led the way…
Dog Song Rising 2/2
The Yukon Quest was previously 1,000 miles and is now split into two lengths, one on the American side and the other on the Canadian side.
Dog Song Rising 2/2 Read More »