Travel tips
Play outside and stay outside, with winter camping
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Camping. It’s not just for summer anymore.
Why camp in the winter? For one thing, there will definitely be fewer crowds and bugs. It’s just you, the hushed snow-covered landscape, and whatever wildlife ventures out. Plus there are tons of activities to try. Snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing and fat biking, to name a few. Winter camping can give you a whole new perspective on winter, and the world for that matter. Especially if you are lucky enough to have the northern lights shine above you.
So, what do you need?
Like any camping trip in the Yukon – a place known for temperatures dropping well under the freezing point – always be prepared. Bring warmer clothing and extra dry layers. Nothing’s worse than frozen socks on a cold winter day. Use the right gear.
A sturdy tent, extra warm sleeping bags and pads, and a camping stove suitable for colder weather. Bears sometimes leave their den in the winter, so pack your bear spray - and keep it warm so it’s ready for use by carrying it inside your coat.
Where to set up
Before you go anywhere, check to see where you’re allowed. Then, set up your tent in a sheltered area, away from avalanche risk. Contact Parks Canada or Yukon Parks for more information.
A little help here
If you don’t have proper gear, there are tours that can hook you up with everything you need.
Perhaps try watching a winter wonderland glide by while on your guided snowmobile excursion. Fully winterized camper vans are also available to rent. Nice!
Pack it in, pack it out.
As always, respect the wilderness. No one wants to find a mess when the snow melts. Our leave-no-trace camping ethics apply in winter just as they do all year round. Which means, pack out your garbage and waste. Don’t damage the trees, use deadwood for firewood instead. And always view wildlife from a safe distance.
Acknowledging the land
All of the Yukon is the traditional territory of fourteen First Nations, each with various political, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. These First Nations share deep traditional and spiritual connections to their ancestral lands. As you explore Yukon, demonstrate respect for the sacred land that sustains Indigenous ways of life.
