Trek Through a Boreal Wonderland
Strapping on snowshoes is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Yukon’s snowy forests and meadows. The popularity of snowshoeing has grown by leaps and bounds—high-tech aluminum snowshoes are lighter, more comfortable and more manageable than their wood and sinew predecessors. So you can explore the boreal woods with a new-found freedom while enjoying scenery, wildlife viewing and photography.
Snowshoeing is the perfect complement to other winter activities—you can snowshoe to go ice fishing, snowshoe under the stars to watch the aurora borealis, or combine dog sledding and snowshoeing for the ultimate Yukon winter experience. For many, the best part of snowshoeing is back at the lodge with a steaming drink and a savoury meal! Snowshoeing is great exercise, so treat yourself to a massage or a soak in the hot tub, and then take in a concert at the Yukon Arts Centre.
Join a knowledgeable Yukon guide for an exhilarating snowshoe stomp in the wilderness.
Backcountry Snowshoeing Adventures
If you’re a keen and fit snowshoeing enthusiast, the Yukon is a snowy paradise. The best part about snowshoeing is that you can head out just about anywhere. Popular areas to explore around Whitehorse include Chadburn and Hidden Lakes, Grey Mountain and Fish Lake, and backcountry destinations in the Coast Mountains and Kluane Ranges are just a short drive from town.
Groomed Snowshoeing Outings
Snowshoeing is also a wonderful way to experience groomed trails. You’ll have the benefit of more companions, marked routes and easy open trails to lead you through the forest. Over 75 km of well-groomed trails at Mount McIntyre are open for snowshoeing, and all Yukon communities have extensive networks of groomed and snowmobile-packed trails.
It’s Time to Start Planning!
Start your journey at the Yukon bookstore known for its great selection of northern titles. At Yukonbooks you’ll find guidebooks, narratives and maps describing everything from trails to winter survival skills. Check Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, Mount Sima and Mount Maichen websites for trail maps and current conditions.
Contact Parks Canada about backcountry travel in Kluane National Park or at Log Cabin, and with Yukon Parks for winter information about Tombstone Park. Many Yukon operators rent snowshoes or offer half and full-day tours and others include snowshoeing as part of their aurora viewing packages.
Whether you plan a two-hour outing or a multi-day expedition, make sure you have the necessary gear and skills before you embark on your trip. Winter conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, even during a short walk on local trails.
Avalanche preparedness and training is essential before traveling in the backcountry, and there is no coordinated avalanche forecasting in the Yukon. Contact the Canadian Ski Patrol System Yukon Zone for more information. Good planning is the key to a safe and successful winter adventure.