With 125 years since the Klondike Gold Rush, we round up some of the Yukon’s best gold-related attractions
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We love… panning for gold
Visitors to the Yukon can have a go at panning for gold for themselves. Pick up equipment in shops in Whitehorse and Dawson City, then wade into the water to hunt for flakes of gold, which is most likely to be found in the icy streams in the mountains. Visitors can explore solo or join a tour to learn the technique of how to separate gold from stone.
Star attraction… White Pass and Yukon Route railway
This feat of engineering was built during the Klondike Gold Rush and connects Skagway in Alaska to Whitehorse in the Yukon, operating from early May to late September. Winding around mountains, through tunnels and alongside lakes, passengers on this railroad journey will be treated to the same spectacular scenery as those looking for gold 125 years ago.
Beyond the Yukon… Chilkoot Trail
Follow in the footsteps of the gold seekers by hiking the Chilkoot Trail, a path carved out across the treacherous Coast Mountains by those hoping to strike it rich. Today, the trail spans 33 miles, from the Alaskan town of Dyea, near Skagway, to the shores of Bennett Lake in British Columbia. Hardy hikers can join a longer walk up the Yukon River to Dawson City to complete the journey.
Don’t miss… Jack London Museum & Cabin
Acclaimed writer Jack London made his way to the Klondike region at the start of the gold rush. Although he didn’t find his fortune, he returned home to the US and wrote stories about his adventures, later penning The Call of the Wild. A museum dedicated to his tales and experiences can be found in Dawson City, and visitors can also see a replica of his cabin at the museum site.
Make time for… Mme Tremblay’s store
Among the estimated 100,000 people who flocked to the Klondike region in search of gold were a number of pioneering women, hailed for playing significant roles during the gold rush. One of them, Emilie Tremblay, travelled along the Chilkoot Trail and was known for helping miners along the way. She went on to build her own store in Dawson City in 1899. Today, Mme Tremblay’s Store is recognised as a federal heritage building and can still be visited.
Book it
Prestige Holidays offers a 12-day Yukon Gold self-drive starting in Whitehouse and taking in the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, Emerald Lake, Kluane National Park and the Alaska Highway to Dawson City. Prices start at £2,796 for travel May-September 2022, including flights, room-only accommodation, 12 days’ SUV rental, admission to Yukon Wildlife Preserve and more.
prestigecanada.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/inEthos Design, Pecold, Tomas Kulaja; Enviro Foto/JF Bergeron
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