Canada As You Like It Blog
Yukon's National Historic Sites
- by Canada As You Like It
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- 03 Jan, 2020
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The Yukon has both a rich historical heritage and valuable wilderness legacy, much of which has been preserved for future generations. Check out our recommenations for some of the National Historic Sites throughout the Territory:
Klondike National Historic Sites of Canada
Strolling down the wooden boardwalks of Dawson City, through the town’s unique architectural gold rush legacy, it’s easy to lose a century and feel the ghosts of another era.
Fort Selkirk Historic Site
Archaeological evidence indicates this area has been in use for at least 8,000 years. In more recent times, around the mid-1800s, it was the site of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post. Many of the buildings have been restored and it is jointly owned and managed by the Selkirk First Nation and Yukon Government.
S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
Sternwheelers were an integral part of the Yukon’s modern history. During the first half of the twentieth century, in an age before roads, they plied the Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City. The largest of them was the S.S. Klondike. She now sits on the banks of the Yukon River in Whitehorse and has been meticulously restored to her former splendour.
Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site of Canada
After gold was discovered in the Klondike, large dredges began to arrive in the area to increase production. Two thirds the size of a football field and 8 stories high, Dredge No. 4 was the largest wooden hull, bucket-line dredge in North America. It operated between 1913 and 1960.
Discovery Claim National Historic Site of Canada
The spot where it all began. The discovery of gold here on August 17, 1896 sparked one of the biggest gold rushes ever seen.
Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada
Every step along this trail is a step into history. It was along this mountainous pass that tens of thousands of people struck with gold lust went to seek their fortune in the gold fields of the Klondike. Although they are long gone, evidence of their passing is still apparent. At the end of the trail, the abandoned St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church stands in its silent vigil overlooking Bennett Lake, the last remaining witness to a former gold rush boom town.
Coal River Springs
This unique ecological reserve on the Coal River in southern Yukon features extensive limestone terraces which are the result of cool water springs. The annual temperature of the springs is 130C (550F). A rich diversity of life can be found here due to year-round flowing water. The park is only accessible by experienced whitewater paddlers or helicopter from Watson Lake.
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area
is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe,
activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes
for the perfect fly-drive holiday.
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.
With three different water ways and an UNESCO heritage site, Ottawa is the place to explore. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal or explore the ByWard market. Walk along Parliament Hill and through acres of woodland and royal trees planted by dignitaries.
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.
Atlantic Canada is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood, from succulent lobster, to scallops, mussels, oysters and cod – but it offers so much more. Dine at a seaside restaurant, take a stroll through a local farmers' market, or take in one of the many culinary festivals. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise.
Here's a round up of a few amazing foodie events and experiences that we thought you might want to try:
Head to Northern Manitoba for a wild and exciting trip. Waterways provide refuge to an abundance of wildlife and the land holds the stories of Indigenous peoples.
Bear viewing
Reconnect with nature in BC and experience spectacular wildlife viewing in stunning landscapes.
Search for grizzly bears, black bears and the rare spirit bear in pristine river valleys in the Great Bear Rainforest. Spot whales, porpoise, sea lions and much more while exploring the Great Bear Sea.
Cubs emerge from their dens in early spring and by August they will be sniffing the beginnings of the great salmon run. Autumn is a feeding frenzy for wildlife. Eagles, seals, sea lions, wolves, whales and bears fill up on salmon for the long winter ahead.
Situated 70 kilometres north of Campbell River, and accessible by floatplane, Glendale Cove is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly (brown) bears in BC. In the peak autumn season when the salmon are returning to the river, it’s not uncommon for guests to see up to 40 bears from the viewing platforms. In spring and summer bear viewing is done from the water for a good view of the bears feeding and this is often the best time to see small cubs.