Summertime inspires a thirst for adventure with friends and family, and nowhere is better suited to quench your craving for an action-packed group getaway than the Yukon. If you and your fellow travellers have an appetite to unleash your inner adventurers against breathtaking backdrops, then this is your rallying cry to bring your active crowd to the Yukon for a sampling of spectacular summer activities to reinvigorate and inspire!
Chase the midnight sun together
Summer in Canada can seem all too fleeting, so if you want to maximize your warm-weather vacation time, heading north in the summer is a clever strategy. With a daily dose of 18 to 22 hours of daylight (tip: the further north you go, the more you get), a summer getaway to the Yukon means you’ll extend your daytime fun, letting the midnight sun light your nights of swimming, group hiking, golfing or horseback riding into the wee hours. Ruled by natural light and not the clock, your group will be amazed by how easily you can lose track of time in the best way possible, getting a taste of why local artists and adventurers are so passionate about their unique Yukon summer.
Transform your ordinary outings
With all that ‘found’ extra daylight, you’ll have plenty of time to discover (or rediscover) your passion for paddling, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, cycling and more in the majestic wilds of the Yukon. You don’t have to think of yourselves as adrenaline-seekers either. You’ll discover that even a low-key adventure in the Yukon delivers a heart-pumping sense of wonder and adventure you won’t find anywhere else. The Travel Yukon website is chock-full of inspiring itineraries for warm-weather fun. Here’s just a sampling of summer activities and destinations for groups visiting the Yukon:
1. The ultimate paddlers’ playground
If your crew craves a calm canoe trip, consider the Nisutlin River, where you’ll be flanked by mountains and surrounded by serenity. Friends looking for a dose of adrenaline will be wowed by the world-class whitewater rafting route of the legendary Tatshenshini River, which offers outstanding views and a thrill ride of a lifetime.
2. Tee off on the wild side
If your golf group’s typical suburban course feels a little too familiar, you’ll appreciate the unique landscape and serenity of teeing off in the Yukon. You and your buddies will enjoy the challenges of the unique courses, where dress codes are rare but spotting wildlife between swings is common.
3. Hikers’ haven
There’s seemingly no end to the hiking adventures available in the Yukon. If you and your group want to stick close to the city, Miles Canyon is super accessible. It’s just outside of Whitehorse, where ancient cliffs border the turquoise rapids of the Yukon River. Kluane National Park and Reserve, one of the territory’s most sought-after destinations, offers stunning hiking trails suitable for a range of skillsets through rugged mountains, glaciers and alpine meadows. The Elias Lake Trail is a great option for beginners, while the King’s Throne trail rewards experienced hikers with panoramic views.
4. Sensational cycling
The Yukon boasts world-class mountain biking. Carcross is renowned for its over 40 kilometres of flowing single track perfectly suited to skilled cyclists who appreciate a challenge. Grey Mountain offers experiences for intermediate and advanced riders. Your steep climb will be rewarded with a breathtaking view and a dynamic downhill ride.
5. Hike on four legs
Saddle up and prepare for horseback riding adventures of unparalleled beauty on winding Yukon trails, where the rhythm of your steed blends naturally into your surroundings. There are lots of options for experienced and novice groups, though the trails through Tombstone Territorial Park are some of the best ones.
6. Stroll, swim repeat
If your family or friends like the idea of an active camping adventure that includes boardwalk strolls, epic views of mountain ranges and alpine lake swims, head to the crowd-pleasing Pine Lake Campground. Explore other camping options on the Travel Yukon website.
Surrender to the “Spell of the Yukon” together
You’re likely catching on to the theme here – options for excitement in the Yukon are as extensive as the landscape itself. It’s almost daunting to narrow down your choices. However, the Yukon’s untamed beauty and rugged terrain feel much more approachable when you’re flanked by friends just as excited as you are to paddle, mountain bike, hike and explore. Research shows that getting active with others boosts your confidence and motivation to tackle challenges, which is perfect in the Yukon’s landscapes, where it’s only natural to feed off one another’s sense of adventure.
The Yukon is the ultimate setting to take a summer vacation and feel proud of the adventure you completed together, taking in the wonder-filled faces of your companions, indulging in ‘can-you-believe-we-just-did-that?’ glory!
