Tourists who enjoy exotic vacations and new adventures might enjoy experiencing the rugged outdoors of northern Canada. Those who choose to visit the Yukon Territory's capital city of Whitehorse—located along the Yukon River—will find their trip more enjoyable if they take time to learn about the environment, plan ahead and pack accordingly.
Prepare for Yukon Insects
Not only are the mosquitoes often larger in Whitehorse than in southern Canada, they also appear to be greater in number. Other insects such as horseflies and black flies can be easily found in Whitehorse as well as in other areas of the Yukon. The following tips will help tourists remain comfortable when encountering these insects.
- Adults will find insect repellents with a high Deet content effective in deterring many flying pests. Some people find relief by using citronella based products.
- Wear long sleeved, light coloured shirts and pants to help protect skin from insect bites.
- Use mosquito netting with tents and for outdoor sitting areas for added protection.
- At night time keep lanterns and lights away from sitting areas as mosquitoes and other insects will gather around light sources.
Yukon Weather Conditions
The climate can fluctuate drastically during the summer months with temperatures ranging anywhere from 25 degrees Celsius during the daytime to around freezing temperatures during the night. While the best times to visit the Yukon are in July and early August tourists should ensure they pack clothing appropriate for a variety of weather experiences, such as the following;
- Heavy sweater for chilly nights that could drop to freezing temperatures.
- Rain gear and a wind breaker
- Sturdy running shoes or good quality hiking boots for nature walks and hikes in cooler weather.
- Tank tops or t-shirts and shorts for unexpectedly hot temperatures.
- Sunscreen with a high SPF factor to be worn in cool or warm temperatures, since UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.
Plan for Sightseeing Opportunities
Whether planning to take in the sights or just visit friends or family, visitors should come prepared for unexpected picture opportunities. A variety of wild life can be seen alongside—and often in the middle of—highways and on mountain sides. The mountain landscapes can be breathtaking. No matter what the purpose of the visit is, tourists can benefit from packing the following items.
- A good quality camera and tripod for wildlife and landscape shots.
- A notebook or journal to record historical facts, experiences and addresses of other friendly tourists and Yukoners met along the way.
- A resealable folder or large envelope to hold brochures, programs, ticket stubs and other memorabilia accumulated during the trip.
- A valid auto club card in case of breakdown while touring the countryside.
- Hiking boots, back pack and other hiking supplies for impromptu nature and trail walks.
- A jerry can full of gas since there are often long stretches of road between gas stations.
Yukon travelers can benefit from learning about the geography, climate and local wildlife before setting out on a vacation to Canada's north. Knowing how to dress and what to expect when visiting the capital city and surrounding areas will help tourists get the most out of the limited summer months and enjoy their stay
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