Bears and People
The number of bears and people in the Yukon is about the same – roughly 37,000 – in a space about the size of Spain! About 85% are black bears, 15% are grizzlies plus a few polar bears. Most people live in the capital Whitehorse (27,000).
Dispelling some Myths about the Yukon
UNTRUE:
- we commute by snowmobile
- we live in Igloos
- it’s always dark in winter
- we are all hicks or bush hippies
- wolves are dangerous
- it’s always dark in winter (the sun is above the horizon for 6 hours on the shortest day)
TRUE:
- our snow is white – not like in Toronto
- cold spells of -35 Celsius do happen (usually lasting about a week)
- towards the end, winter sucks
- cleanest air in Canada
- rivers and lakes have drinking water quality
- least amount of fog in Canada, except for Kamloops, BC
- Every summer there is a nonstop flight from Frankfurt to Whitehorse on Condor (probably not in 2021)
- many Yukoners hunt for meat: Moose, Caribou, Bison, Mountain Goat, Sheep
- my snowmobile has 160HP and can go up to 140kph
- Bush planes land on lakes in winter, and it’s safe to drive a car on most lakes.
- The Yukon’s population is the best-educated in Canada
- The next biggest city is 1,000km away (Fairbanks, Alaska)
- It’s a 2,600km drive to Vancouver
Stunning Scenery
The Kluane Icefield is the world’s largest non-polar icefield and includes Mount logan, Canada’s highest mountain (5,959 m). Humongous glaciers, rugged peaks and endless wilderness – a sightseeing flight is a must!
Yukon River in January 
No one for half an hour
The Yukon has the only highway in Canada that goes all the way to the Arctic Ocean – the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk. An unforgettable driving adventure through breathtaking scenery.
Our lakes freeze over in winter and offer a large route network for snowmobiling, dog sledding and ski touring. Rivers – not so much 🙂
Wildlife Trivia
Going for a stroll 
Beaver’s work 
I hate wolves
The dumbest animal in the world is the grouse. When they would realize they have just been run over by a car, they are already dead.
Foxes are almost tame in our town. They have established cookie-tours and sometimes jump on car hoods to warm up. No, they don’t eat your cat. But coyotes might.
Wolves stay as far away from humans as they can. Unless food is scarce because they can’t move on lakes that are not frozen yet. Then they might come to your village and grab a pooch. Really!
Bears run from humans. Three exceptions: You surprise them, a mother with cubs, or when a bear is food-conditioned (i.e. feeding on your garbage).
The coolest bird on the planet is the American Dipper – a small songbird that flies under water for food – even when it’s minus 35 outside.
How’s the Economy, Dude?
It’s in very good shape but dependent on about $1,000,000,000 sent by the Federal Government every year. The main industry is government – about 8,500 out of 37,000 people are public servants. Our second industry is mining and exploration, which is very cyclical (mainly gold, copper, silver). Tourism is important as well – many businesses are suffering during covid. Summer is the main season (American rubber tire traffic heading for Alaska, and Europeans renting recreational vehicles). Winter tourism has shown strong growth fuelled by Asians who want to see the Northern Lights (Aurora forecast).
The Gig Economy has grown by leaps and bounds: Live here – work anywhere. There is an amazing variety of freelancers and self-employed experts who live here but do most of their business outside. I am a good example, tutoring professionals in business German via video chat (my tutor profile).
Are Yukoners crazy?
YEP!
Highly individualistic, informal, outdoor-lovers, artistic, musical and….rebellious.
Come and see for yourself: Yukoners are warm, welcoming and helpful.
How about a Visit?
Warning: Many who have visited came back to stay for good!
Per February 25, 2021 we have no active covid cases (our total so far is only 71), and 30% of the population got their first shot. Every which way you take it – the Yukon is a safe place!
It’s never hot or muggy here, and our winters have a dry cold. And if you don’t wander into swamps, the bugs are not as bad as you might have thought. Due to our dry air, visibility is amazing.
If you want to be an outcast upon arrival, wear a suit and tie – that’s how we recognize consultants from Toronto.
Best time for a visit: May through September (June is my favourite), and February/March for an out of this world winter experience.
Wide open spaces for you to enjoy.
We will ALL fly again – put the Yukon on your List!
All images are mine. My portfolio on Alamy.com.
My World Café - insights & experiences from my travels, café visits and daily life. 