CANADA'S YUKON - Page 2


© Mary M. Alward
Page 2

If you have ever dreamed of following a caribou trail, whitewater rafting down a raging river, reeling in a 30-pound trout or traveling by dog sled, the Yukon is the place to go. It is a land of adventure with no end to the sights and or places to explore.

Both animals and wildflowers thrive in the Yukon. This land is basically untouched and unexplored. The wildflowers bloom in abundance during July. Both amateur and professional photographers come from around the world to capture the alpine peaks covered in a blanket of blooms. Flowers pop up between rocks and mosses on the high peaks and unique photos of pink, blue and yellow wildflowers can be easily captured on film.

In late August and September, the Yukon undergoes a drastic transformation. Plummeting temperatures and frost turn the whole territory in various shades of red. If you are not faint-hearted about a bit of chilly air, this is the time to view the Yukon in its entire splendor.

In winter, the wondrous northern lights bathe the Yukon landscape in glorious hues of gold, blue and purple. Star studded skies gives you the feeling of being one with the universe.

Wildlife abounds in the Yukon. Here, the animal population far outnumbers the humans. Moose and grizzly bears wander at will while the slopes of Klunane National Park are dotted with sheep.

The best time to spot wildlife is early morning and in the evening which in the summer months means all night long.

The wetlands of the Yukon are home to beaver, muskrat and a large number of waterfowl species. It is a marvelous sight to watch a moose feed in the shallow waters.

The Yukon’s rivers and streams are abundant with fish and birds that attract predators such as mink and muskrat. Moose drink here while black bears graze on the lush grass of the riverbank. Grizzlies come here during the salmon spawn to feast on the pink flesh of the fish. Watching them flip the fish onto the bank and then, sit to eat them is an amazing sight and a wonder to behold.

The boreal forests teem with wildlife. Rodents, fox, coyotes, grouse, ptarmigans and owls can be spotted in the bush. Mule deer, elk, black bear and moose roam the forests while above the tree line Dall sheep, wolves, mountain goats and grizzlies can be spotted.

The most northern section of the Yukon is home to caribou, arctic wolves and foxes. The Porcupine Caribou Herd is the last remaining herd of barren-ground caribou. The herd numbers approximately 165,000 and migrates between Canada and Alaska. They travel north to the calving grounds each spring. The Inuit hunts this herd for clothing, tools, weapons and food.

       

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

18.   May 28, 2003 6:41 PM
In response to message posted by cgaudet:

cgaudet,

The Yukon is a beautiful place. I'm glad that you have found a place to ...


-- posted by Red


17.   May 28, 2003 3:48 PM
It is just like you described it we moved to the Yukon just about a year ago. It is everything we could have imagined and more. The thing you have to keep in mind is to take advantage of everything th ...

-- posted by cgaudet


16.   May 15, 2002 3:07 PM
I agree with Jerri. It would be awesome to get to visit the Yukon. Great article, as usual. Hope things are going great with you, Mary! ...

-- posted by Renie_Burghardt


15.   May 15, 2002 2:23 PM
this would be a wonderful place to see. Thanks for bringing it alive, Mary.

-- posted by jerrib


14.   May 14, 2002 11:02 PM
It's just like you describe, too. Good article, you made me want to go and I'm a little homesick for sun lately! :) I traveled to the midwestern states... and it SNOWED on me! LOL ~ so my point is, yo ...

-- posted by SandyMcC





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