The Yukon is a magnet for adventure-seekers, nature-lovers and those who enjoy being active with likeminded people. The territory’s larger-than-life landscape provides a perfect playground for residents and visitors alike to move and explore. This has created a culture that inspires everyone who experiences it – living proof that being part of an active crowd can positively influence your lifestyle!
Gurdeep Pandher has been a Yukon resident for 13 years and loves hiking, swimming, canoeing, and biking around its picturesque wild places. His passion showcases the welcoming culture of the community. “As a proud Yukon resident, I love sharing with others why this is such a special place. Between the vast wilderness and urban spaces, the Yukon offers so much for travelers.”
Narrow down those options and explore what excursions best suit your group through one of the Yukon’s world-class tourism operators. While each provider offers a unique area of expertise, they all share a commitment to creating exceptional and authentic Yukon adventures for a range of groups:
1. Hiking for friends craving quality time
Pack a bag and take that group chat with your besties to one of the most spectacular places on the planet! Imagine hiking through rugged wilderness with your friends, offering encouraging words as you climb toward jaw-dropping vistas that no social media reel can fully recreate. Explore the trails and catch up on life, or simply savour the silence together as you take in the beauty of the turquoise lakes and stunning scenery.
Balance your trekking time with outstanding meals and window-shopping in Dawson City or Whitehorse. Finish your day with a restorative rest at a serene spa or soothing hot springs. Create the hiking-based getaway that will bring you closer to nature and your friends!
2. Camping for families and friend groups seeking adventure
Camping is an iconic part of life in Canada. Yet there’s something entirely unique about an overnight excursion outdoors in the awe-inspiring Yukon landscape. Whether your family or friend group wants to pitch a tent in the backcountry, take a trailer into the mountains or experience the creature comforts of a Parks Canada oTENTik getaway, you can find a setup suited to your group’s interests and skills.
Your days will be filled with exciting adventures you can’t find at any theme park or all-inclusive resort, including some of the world’s most impressive whitewater rafting and mountain biking. There’s also plenty of calm canoe routes and low-key hikes for families looking for more relaxing excursions. Simply pick your preferences on the Travel Yukon website and you’ll be sure to find a provider and itinerary that will create lifelong memories for your family!
3. Wellness retreats for mindful travelers seeking serenity
Active getaways to the Yukon revolve around nature, so it only makes sense for tourism operators to commit to responsible environmental practices. Travelers who want a serene mind-body-focused retreat in untouched nature can feel good about booking with the various eco-lodges and retreat centres through one of the Yukon’s tourism operators. Yogis will appreciate the opportunities to practice breathwork and postures while being surrounded by natural beauty and keeping their carbon footprints in check.
4. Pedaling and paddling excursions for sports groups keen on new terrain
The Yukon has an impressive number of sports clubs and groups, especially paddling and pedaling ones. You’re sure to feel inspired as you immerse yourselves in the Yukon culture, where the enthusiasm for riding is infectious. Maybe your mountain biking crew wants to spice things up on new rugged terrain. Perhaps your troupe of road cyclists wants to experience the rush of pedaling down the Yukon’s breathtaking winding roads. Explore your Yukon options and find the two-wheeled adventure that’s just right for your group!
If your paddling pals are tempted by kayaking on wild waterways, rafting on whitewater rivers, or canoeing through glacial waters, the Yukon is the perfect destination to challenge your skills. There are few better ways to get to know the territory. Yukon guides know the territory’s best routes and are keen to tailor a trip to suit your skills and vision.
5. Wildlife-watching for animal-lovers looking to be awed
Groups with an interest in wildlife-watching will feel spoiled hiking, exploring and even flightseeing around the Yukon. Birdwatchers might be more drawn to the lake regions to spot migrating waterfowl like swans, ducks, geese and loons. Larger creatures, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, woodland caribou, wood bison, moose and lynx, all roam the territory and are often spotted during guided tours.
With its fenced areas, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve offers the safest way to experience guaranteed wildlife sightings. There are many ways to explore the preserve, including walking its five-kilometre loop trail, biking or kicksledding around it (bike and kicksled rentals are available). Explore the Travel Yukon website to finetune your wildlife-watching experience and get your binoculars ready!
Whatever your group’s preferred activity, you’re just a few clicks away from connecting with a passionate Travel Yukon expert that’s ready to provide your squad with an out-of-this-world adventure of a lifetime!
Reminders for your active crowd:
- When you’re exploring nature, leave no trace by disposing of waste properly and leaving what you find (e.g., plants and other natural objects).
- Respect the local wildlife by observing animals from a distance, not touching or feeding them and not disturbing them during breeding, nesting or calf-rearing periods.
- For more information, read Indigenous Yukon’s Respectful Travel Guidelines.
