7-Nights The Stories of Canada: Yukon Territory

Whitehorse

One hundred years ago 30,000 reckless adventurers fought their way up the Yukon River, by boat, on their voyage to Gold fields. Many struggled through the choppy Whitehorse Rapids. Fearless men and women traversed great distances to arrive at their goal, the Klondike. Whitehorse, Capital of the Yukon, is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada. Named by some "the Wilderness City", Whitehorse nestles on the banks of the famed Yukon River surrounded by mountains and clear mountain lakes. Whitehorse takes its name from the frothing waves of the river rapids, thought by stampeders to resemble manes of White Horses. While the turn of the Century aura still hovers and vestiges of proud history remain, Whitehorse is now a thoroughly contemporary city of 24,000 people. Whitehorse boasts a healthy arts and cultural community; festivals, events, fishing, shopping, attractions, restaurants and quality visitor services are here to enjoy. Long warm summer days and evenings provide the perfect background to explore this city.

Dawson City

Dawson City is a buzz of activity during the summer months. Tourists from all over the world make it a destination or pass through on the way over the Top of The World Highway to Alaska. The town, which was established on the banks of the Yukon River in 1897, exploded to forty thousand inhabitants the next year when news of the gold strike on Bonanza Creek reached the outside world, making it the largest city west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle. It was the capital of the Yukon Territory until 1953 and today is a national historic site. Many of the buildings have been restored to their original grandeur, and new structures are built to reflect the historical theme, adding to the charm and appeal of this community one hundred and fifty miles south of the Arctic Circle.