Hiking : Backpacking : Walking
Yukon Territory, Canada

Hiking : Backpacking : Walking

There are day hikes, sightseeing walkways and long haul backpacking adventures located throughout the Yukon Territory, Canada.

Most of the longer paved sightseeing walkways are located in the bigger Yukon communities like Whitehorse and Dawson City. These easy going walks are good for all ages and fitness levels. Many are wheelchair accessible.

The paved walkways are usually lined with viewing benches, interpretive signs, picnic tables and viewpoints. Many of the paved community paths connect to more trails, wooden bridges, nearby parks, attractions, heritage sites and downtown shops.

The day hikes in the Yukon Territory follow gravel trails, dirt paths and wagon roads. Day hikes can range from easy to difficult. Some take all day to complete while some take only a few hours. Day hikes usually lead to a destination like a mountain peak, viewpoint, lake or heritage site.

There are day hikes which are loop trails and there are day hikes which are one way trails. Plan accordingly. Trailhead access varies for each hike. Some trailheads are developed with picnic tables, benches, trail maps, interpretive signs and pit toilets while others provide no extras.

There are trail networks all over the Yukon - in every community. To many to list here so please go to each community for a full list of local hiking trails with descriptions and photos. The contact information for participating backacking tour operators are listed under each community.

Together, the trail networks enable people to hike into the wilderness or from one end of the community to the other. In most cases there are trails within the network which venture deep into the backcountry leading to lakes, mountain peaks and rivers.

To many the Yukon Territory is a backpacking and wilderness camping adventure. There are many long haul, multi day backpacking adventures leading into the rugged backcountry. There are short overnighters and there are week long backpacking adventures. Routes vary in elevation and comforts.

There are trails which follow a designated path and there are trails which follow a direction only. When backpacking in the Yukon Territory preparation is important. Backpackers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, for different types of terrain and for wildlife. Backpacking in the Yukon should not be attempted if not experienced unless with a tour group.

The maintained backpacking trails are well marked and usually patrolled if located within a park. Each backpacking route includes wilderness campsites (sometimes on raised tent pads), a food cache and pit toilets. The two main backpacking parks in the Yukon are the Kluane National Park and the Tombstone Territorial Park. Must register with parks office for backpacking adventures.

One can also backpack heritage routes. It is an opportunity to hike in the same footsteps as the early First Nation people and miners of the Klondike Gold Rush. The Chilkoot Trail, the Overlander Trail and the Ridge Road Trail are some of the heritage routes in the Yukon.

The Yukon wilderness is beautiful but it is also a rough, rugged and an unforgiving country. All backpackers should be in good physical condition, are experienced in wilderness survival, be well prepared for unexpected weather conditions.