Things started off great when we immediately got off trail (we wouldn’t know this till days later). We attempted to follow some GPS tracks I […]
Bear Mountain: A loving tribute to a living nightmare – Part 2 Read More »
Sebastian Fricke and Rose Seguin share their journey, their “inner compasses” with us as they travel and write on their way through Alaska and the
The Northern Seduction Read More »
Driving the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T. (located on Kugmallit Bay of the Beaufort Sea of the Arctic Ocean), is no big deal..
To ‘Looks Like a Caribou’ and back – Part 6 of 6 Read More »
In the late summer of 2016, my friend Dan and I attempted to climb Bear Mountain, a 2,400-metre tall peak situated in the North Cascades
Bear Mountain – A loving tribute to a living nightmare Read More »
I took these photos while out kayaking on Fox Lake and enjoyed a beautiful sunset from the middle of the lake.
Yukon See It Here – By Matt Cook Read More »
In Canada, the beaver is the largest member of the rodent family. The largest beaver I ever live-trapped was 63 pounds.
The life and times of a beaver (and steadfast overachiever) Read More »
Our feet suffer less and work longer when they are cared for and housed in proper fitting, good quality footwear.
Footwear and foot care Read More »
Apparently insects hate the scent of marigolds.
Fending off bloodsuckers with sweet-smelling spray Read More »
Past volcanic eruptions in Alaska have resulted in massive displacement of peoples and widespread environmental damage in the Yukon.
The White River Ash, the mega eruption next door – Part 4 Read More »
Kathleen Lake, which is the only place in Kluane National Park you can sleep (legally) if you have rubber wheels for your mode of transportation (rather than flying machines, skis, hiking boots or birchbark).
Kathleen & Kokanee in Kluane – Part 3 of 6 Read More »
The annual mud bog competition is back on July 21 on Robert Service Way
Let’s get some mud on them trucks! Read More »
Do you have a dial watch? You have a compass!
Lost and found in the woods … Read More »
Axes are very useful tools here in the north where campfires, bonfires and wood stoves are a big part of life. Everybody has at least one tucked away somewhere.
It can be intimidating starting a new sport, especially one that is generally about riding downhill, on unpaved mountains, with perilous things like rocks and trees that don’t seem to move out of your way.
Learning how to ride and not die Read More »
The world’s longest annual paddling race is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with the largest slate of international teams and racers ever.
Going from Whitehorse to Dawson on the Yukon River? You better believe that’s a paddlin’ Read More »
The North is a nursery for millions of migratory birds returning from winters in places as far south as South America. To help increase the awareness
Nothing says spring more than the sounds of birds Read More »
It is absolutely amazing how even a little preparation can get us through challenges that could be insurmountable without a bit of prep time.
The Yukon is a pretty incredible place, but with so much wide, empty wilderness, few people and limited technology capacity in backcountry areas, it’s important to remember to prepare, plan and train before you venture out there.
Are you prepared to survive Yukon’s wilderness? Read More »
Our American neighbours do things a little differently… I have not made the trip to mainland Alaska yet, but my experience of those oddballs and
Skagwegian Camping 101 Read More »
Student Sharon Bubsy examines one of the seismometer stations in remote areas of the Yukon and Northwest Territories. PHOTO: courtesy of the Yukon College
-40 all month? Are you sure?
Do you remember when January was always cold? Read More »
The sites you choose look good to you or you wouldn’t set up there. Make your best effort to leave them as you found them.
Low impact on the land Read More »
Here are the top hikes to give you an introduction to the diversity of southern Yukon.
5 Hikes to Get a Taste of Southern Yukon Read More »
Sadly, black bears have an undeserved reputation of not being very good to eat. A number of Yukon hunters, including me, will dispute that thought as black bear is just as delicious any other animal hunted for meat in the Yukon.
Let’s use that whole bear Read More »
The Percy deWolfe is a 210 mile run from Dawson to Eagle, Alaska, and back. It’s a qualifying race for the Yukon Quest or the Iditarod.
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays the Percy deWolfe race Read More »
As those cold, dark winter days start to fade like a bad memory, Yukoners emerge and many will dust off their snow machines, or sleds, in preparation for popular spring sledding.
Yukon spring sledding Read More »
Thaw-di-Gras, Dawson’s spring-or-late-winter carnival, is adding a day this year, with events beginning on Friday, March 16 and running through Sunday, March 18.
Keeping the weekend weird Read More »
With the prime backcountry skiing time of spring fast approaching, it’s important to know some safe tips and where to get information before heading out there.
Top 10 Tips: Backcountry Ski Touring Read More »
Ropes are the long standing traditional way to fasten or tie things down. These days, those ratchet devices with straps and hooks have replaced knots and loops. For some of us older people, ropes are still the logical tie-down tool.
Ropes and the rope bag Read More »
The 25th annual Trek Over the Top snowmobile race will arrive in Dawson City on March 8 and return to its starting point in Tok,
Trek Over the Top Turns 25 this Year Read More »
Early morning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, December 23 I began my journey to Skagway. The brisk Whitehorse temperatures of -27ºC would be a distant
Skagway shenanigans Read More »
Chris Gishler, owner and operator of Equinox Adventures, has spent the last 15 years building and developing his outdoor adventure and education company as the
Helping the community climb to new heights Read More »
Ed. Note: This is part seven of a seven part series. Part six can be found in the June 14, 2017 issue of What’s Up
Before I was married, and my wife Lisa and I moved to the Yukon, my home was built on the northern borders of the Township
Winter’s white on white Read More »
Evolution is an amazing thing and for the beaver, it has taken millions of years. Once almost 8 feet long some thousans of years ago,
Knowing the beaver Read More »
Sleeping on good quality cots with a wood stove it was so comfortable that I stayed eight nights and prob-ably slept better than at home.
The wall tent camp Read More »
What has bringing up children in outdoor experiences and enjoying the life of camping, fishing and hunting done for the children?
Bringing Up a Family the Old Fashioned Way Read More »
The colourful fall season is over very early in the Yukon – much earlier than in my home country, Switzerland. But I found that the
Late Fall Season in the Kluane National Park Read More »
Chapter 1: The Midnight Sun June 7, 2017 I am writing this at 10:30 p.m. with no lamp. This is my third night here in
Big City Girl in the Land of the Midnight Sun Read More »
It may come as a surprise, but more people are affected by, and die from, hypothermia in summer and other seasons than in the winter.
Whatever the season, hypothermia can be dangerous Read More »
Fall is the favourite season of many Yukoners. Avid photographer and outdoors person Jozien Keijzer provided this gallery of early-autumn scenes captured in various locations
It is easy to laugh at the antics of ravens. They are quirky, curious and yes, funny. A well-known title they carry among First Nations
An Unkindness of Ravens Read More »
Yukoners – and others – who enjoy celestial pursuits may want to follow the stars to Kluane’s “Northern Nights” Dark Sky Festival at Kathleen Lake
Turn Your Eyes to the Skies Read More »
Once summer arrived, along with consistent plus 25 temperatures, it was time to enjoy some swimming, hiking and generally the beautiful weather in Yukon. (In
The Week that Was… Read More »
Even from the isolation of our north of 60 towns, one is able to equip themselves without reaching onto internet shelving any more than necessary.
Getting Further, Going Lighter Read More »
Yukon Search and Rescue (YSAR) is a volunteer-run organisation that provides ground and water search and rescue support for the territory. Prior to 2014 each
Yukon Search and Rescue: The Basics Read More »
The week began with my English friend finally making it with her CanaDream Camper – a one-month, one-woman journey from Calgary to Whitehorse. For the
The Week That Was… Read More »
Martha Henderson didn’t expect to get one of the six Young Nature Leadership Grants awarded by Nature Canada this year. “I’m a bit stressed honestly,”
Girls Gone Wild(erness) Read More »
The calypso orchid, sometimes called the fairy or venus slipper, was already blooming by the end of May and the rest will follow soon. I
Orchids In and Around Whitehorse Read More »
Forty-five days ago, I placed my feet on Canadian soil, with the goal of changing my life completely. Things are going pretty well!
I’ve always loved the stories where people slip out of the present and into a different time; kid’s stories like Tom’s Midnight Garden, or the
Dreamtime, Bourbon Time Read More »
When you’re in the backcountry, sometimes you don’t have a lot, but you need something fast, tasty and hot. This is a simple, highly adaptable
Thunder and lightning do not seem to be as common here in the Yukon as in southern Canada. However, lightning strikes are probably the most
Thunder and Lightning Read More »
Last year we had an early spring and I found the first prairie crocus blooming on April 1st. Most years the crocus blooms near the
Yukon Wildflowers that Bloom in April Read More »
On a recent half-day ice-fishing adventure with our son, I got to experience some of the benefits of a portable burn barrel that he has
Portable Burn Barrel Read More »
“It will take a few minutes.” Almost all the time, taking a few minutes to get a fire going is an acceptable part of the
The EDI Hut to Hut, taking place this Saturday, is a family, social event that aims to encourage skiers of all ages and ability to
May the Force Be With You at This Year’s Hut to Hut Ski Event on Saturday Read More »
“The best part of this festival is that we have all these different parts of the community bringing their event”
Something for Everyone Read More »
On my third day in the Bugs I team up with my friend Andrew, who is one of the late-comers. We wake up when our
Pacing Ourselves to Pigeon Spire Read More »
Between the years of 1991 and 2011 my husband and I used to pack up our son and drive to a mountain summit a few
The equipment needed to start out fishing can be very expensive and it’s really easy to spend a lot more than you need to. One
Fishing on a Budget Read More »
Erin Dixon is an artist with a passion for Yukon landscapes. “I was into colouring before it was hot,” she says with a laugh. A
For those who don’t like the taste of fish, the reason is because of the lack of proper handling of the fish from the time
From the Catch to the Table Read More »
He would leave home at 6:30 a.m. and return at 10 or 11 p.m. When Japan’s economy faltered, he wanted a change. He came to
Like the Beauty of the Yukon? You’ll Love Hiking Japan Read More »
You can go dog mushing. You can go snow shoeing. You can go skiing. You can go skating. You can make a snowman. You can
DIDEE & DIDOO: Embrace Winter Read More »
I remember well while hunting with Gary Sam he suddenly jumped off his horse and ran into the bush. “I got it,. We ate well that night!
Hunting with Gary Sam Read More »
For many Yukoners, enjoying the backcountry is an integral part of their lifestyle whether they love to ski, snow machine, snowshoe or run sled dogs.
Heading Out? Check it Out! Read More »
So much winter, so little time. With Yukon’s abundance of winter recreation options, how do you choose your sport?
Winter Sports Smackdown Read More »
Trees that naturally grow in and around Whitehorse There are only three families of trees represented in the southwest Yukon. Sounds easy enough? It isn’t,
Yukon Trees in Winter Read More »
It is winter in the Yukon, why would anyone even be thinking of paddling? If you are a breast cancer survivor, and would like an
Tourists visit the Yukon to see the aurora; it’s the heart of the winter tourism industry. Visitors who have done their research will also have
The Lure of the Aurora Borealis Read More »
I am pleased to announce that I recently had my first encounter with a sandhill crane. I have never gone to the Crane and Sheep
A Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) Read More »
Long before Teflon or other spray coatings were on your pots and pans, cast iron was easy to use and easy to clean. It’s been
GORP, aka Good Old Reliable Protein, and fruit leather are can be bought. Quality varies depending on how much you pay. They’re both easy to
Trail Snacks: GORP and Fruit Leather Read More »
“You just take a cup full of piss,” he says, “And then you throw it up high – like, splash it around on your roof,
On Living With Things That Might Want to Eat You Read More »
This was an extreme situation, but I once pulled up to the ramp to put my boat in the water and a Zodiac owner had
Boat Launch Etiquette Read More »
Breaking out of sheer rock, on the barren ground, or beside a mountain stream, hundreds of different kinds of wildflowers grow in the Yukon mountains.
Wildflowers on the Mountaintop Read More »
The late Alex VanBibber had a favourite refrain: “An outdoor life is a healthy life.” This is according to his friend, Harvey Jessop. Jessop wrote
Continuing the Legacy of Alex VanBibber Read More »
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about heading off on a trip down the Wind River. I was concerned that our group, with all
From the Ashes of A River Fail: Two Cocktails Read More »
There is something special about watching Special Olympics athletes compete. If you know people with an intellectual disability involved with the Special Olympics, then you
Especially Good Fun Read More »
I have often wondered just how I would feel if after falling out, I was 30 feet away from my drifting boat where my life
PFDs are Only Good if You’re Wearing Them Read More »
On July 2, 1998, as Canada Day weekend celebrations carried out across the Yukon, a wildfire ignited. It was one of the largest and most
How To Do Your Part to Reduce the Risk Read More »
Nine ladies in a voyageur canoe whose ages range from 23 to 62; 715 kilometres; paddling for Yukon Cancer Care Fund. Stix Together is a
Camaraderie in a Canoe Read More »
Wildfire is as common in the Yukon as camping and bear sightings. There are roughly 150 wildfires in the territory every fire season.
Managing Yukon Wildfire: How, When and Why Read More »
Finally summer is here! This is the most funnest season of the year, but my horse, Hollywood, probably loves it more than I do. This
Summer: A Kid’s Perspective Read More »
When it comes right down to it, perhaps human evolution has all been for naught. My mind started drifting on that particular stream recently, as
It is All Just About BBQ Jealousy? Read More »
The gentle, warm summer breeze touched our faces as we stood watching the bees. The bees were just doing their thing: flying in and out
The Bee Diaries – April 2016 Read More »
What am I doing? It is -45 C and I am starting to feel trapped. I haven’t left the house – unless you count visits
We drove four hours from Whitehorse to one of my favourite fishing lakes, then an hour and a half across. As a sheep hunter that’s
Getting in Sheep Shape Read More »
Except above tree-line, good firewood is available in most places in the Yukon but a few days of rain can make pretty good wood too
MAKE A BETTER FIRE Read More »
Kinnikinnick’s Latin name, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, comes from arctos and ursi meaning bear and staphylos and uva meaning bunch of grapes. Amazing: the taste of those
It will not surprise many that this little planet called Earth is covered by seventy percent water. What may surprise many is that the water
Rebelanne and Halo canoeing on the Six Mile River, Tagish. Meet our dogs, they live for us, we live for them. Send us your pet photos.
Yukon’s Best Friend: DOG CULTURE, Kevin Taylor Read More »
We always said that when the kids were old enough we would take them for an Alaskan kayaking expedition, just like the one we had
Visiting the Glaciers Read More »
Boxing Day: we drive out to Kusawa Lake. My beloved lake, Kusawa. The joys of the lake for me include swimming, boating, floating, skating, to
Ode to Kusawa Lake Read More »
There’s nothing like a bird count to inspire new and seasoned birders. This Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place Feb. 12-15 and it’s a
My hunting partner is the best. I know we’ll head out on more adventures, but it may be a while. Hayley is graduating & heading to law school.
There Goes my Life Read More »
You can’t beat the price: $35 for a bed, $80-$95 for the private couple/family room or $25 for a place to pitch your tent, including
A Place to Wander… and A Place to Stay Read More »
Yes, baby, it’s cold outside. But birding can get you out of the house, connect you with nature, and other people. During December’s Christmas bird
Tips on Winter Birding Read More »
Haines’ third annual Kat to Koot winter alpine adventure race begins at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds and ends around six mile Lutak Road by
Get your kit and skoot up that hill Read More »
