Unleash your inner explorer to see a different side of Canada. Follow in the footsteps of the early gold rush pioneers, encounter the magical dance of the Northern Lights in huge, dark skies, swim with beluga whales, track polar bears and discover a remarkable First Nations culture.
The Yukon
It’s wild and untamed with a landscape to rival anything else you’ll find in Canada. This rugged province is shaped by raging rivers, soaring mountains, dense forest and the legendary Klondike Gold Rush.
The capital Whitehorse is known as the ‘wilderness city and surrounded by the great outdoors. It’s a blend of quirky heritage buildings, inspiring cuisine, and museums where you’ll find all manner of outdoor activities. And, in this land of the midnight sun, almost 24 hours of daylight in which to enjoy it all.
Kluane National Park and Reserve forms part of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world and during the summer is filled with sunshine and wildflowers. This is also a place of glaciers, mountains and wildlife including mountain goats, Dall sheep, and the odd grizzly bear casually wandering along the highway.
The Klondike was the setting for one of the world’s last great gold rushes. Explore Dawson City, a place that’s been known as a good-time town since the 1800s. Pan for gold, enjoy a guided walking tour or board one of the elegant paddlewheel steamers for a cruise on the Yukon River.
A road trip is arguably the best way to explore. Follow the Dempster Highway and cross the Arctic Circle or discover the South Klondike on the Golden Circle route taking in Carcross, the White Pass and Yukon rail route plus the Alaskan coastal townships of Skagway and Haines.
The Yukon is also one of the best spots in North America, to see the Northern Lights. All you need is a dark clear night and if you’re lucky you’ll have a front-row seat for mother nature’s greatest light show.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is remote but those who make the journey find a remarkably beautiful landscape. Yellowknife is the capital and borders Great Slave Lake, where you are quite literally standing on the edge of the wilderness and during the winter the Aurora Borealis viewing is unparalleled. Nahanni National Park is close to the Yukon border and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those who dream of the true wilderness, this is it.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is known as the ‘Land of Living Skies’ and for good reason. The vast skies showcase stunning sunsets, epic cloud formations and the otherworldly light show of the northern lights.
The two main cities are Saskatoon and Regina, in between you’ll find beautiful national parks, secluded rivers, flat prairie lands, and a warm welcome.
The Wanuskewin Heritage Park gives a great insight into the First Nations people and interprets over 6,000 years of Northern Plains Indigenous culture. Regina showcases the history and culture of Saskatchewan through its museums and is the original home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the training academy remains in Regina to this day.
Here, you are surrounded by nature at every turn and following one of the many hiking trails, such as those running through the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, is a wonderful way to explore.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s appeal lies in its phenomenal natural attractions, which quite simply are off-the-scale.
In the far north, on the shores of Hudson Bay, there’s a little town called Churchill, its other name is ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’. Here, beluga whales gather in their thousands and polar bears assemble, waiting for the winter sea ice to freeze.
In summer, visitors can combine the exceptional birdlife with beluga whale swimming experiences and polar bear walking safaris. The ‘official’ polar bear season however runs through October and November, when visitors head out onto the arctic tundra on specially adapted vehicles to spot the bears.
More From The Expert – Catherine Blackburn
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