Yukon 2008 Vacation Planner - 35

Whitehorse events take time to explore Miles canyon The trails, views and suspension bridge make Miles Canyon a must-see attraction. This is an historically important area where gold rush stampeders were slowed by Miles Canyon and the raging White Horse Rapids below. Since the river was dammed, placid waters now flow under the bridge. A 1.5-km walk on the opposite shore takes visitors to Canyon City, the site of a community that sprang up above the canyon in 1898. Naturalists come to the area to spot birds and wildflowers, and the extensive trails beyond the bridge are popular for hiking and mountain biking. Turn off Alaska Highway at Km 1416 (nine km from downtown). the yukon Arctic Ultra February 9 – 17, 2008 The world’s coldest and toughest race for mountain bikers, runners, cross-country skiers and skijorers. Marathon, 100- and 300-mile distances. yukon Quest international sled dog race February 9 – 23, 2008 Experience the thrill of the 25th annual Yukon Quest as we revive the historic spirit of the North and mushers travel 1,000 miles by dog team! 2008 race departs Fairbanks, AK for Whitehorse. yukon sourdough rendezvous Festival February 22 – 24, 2008 Our 44th annual winter festival featuring family and children’s activities including traditional events such as the flour packing contest, chainsaw chuck, international air show, one-dog pull, Swede saw & log split, axe throwing, and more. national Aboriginal day June 21, 2008 Whitehorse First Nations host a day of cultural celebrations. yukon river Quest canoe and Kayak race June 25 – 29, 2008 Every summer, paddlers are challenged in a world-class wilderness event—a race to the midnight sun. The Yukon River Quest is the longest canoe and kayak race in the world. 24 Hours of light Mountain Bike event June 28 – 29, 2008 Solo cyclists and teams of all ages race on the forested trails around Mt. McIntyre. Sunday awards presentation to racers with the best lap times and teams with the most spirit. For more events, refer to the calendar of events on pages 4 – 9 or visit travelyukon.com Millennium trail A scenic five-km paved trail along both sides of the Yukon River starts at the Robert Campbell bridge, crosses the Rotary Centennial Bridge near the dam, and ends on the west side at the S.S. Klondike. Watch for migrating salmon, beavers in the channels near Robert Service Campground and eagles and ravens soaring over the cliffs. Fish lake road Ascend this 15-km road to a beautiful subalpine valley, crossing the TransCanada Trail and a wetlands-viewing gazebo at McIntyre Creek. Watch for the Pueblo Mine Memorial Plaque commemorating the Yukon’s worst mining disaster in 1917. At the end of the road is a boat launch, plus endless ridges for hiking and trail riding. Enjoy excellent fishing for rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. Look up to see the wind turbines on the top of Haeckel Hill. waterfront trolley Rolling along the Whitehorse waterfront on the original narrow gauge track, the trolley is a delightful way to get oriented with the city. The trolley operates daily through the summer, picking up passengers at Rotary Peace Park, the Visitor Information Centre, the White Pass Depot, the Train Shed on First Avenue, and Shipyards Park. Operated by the Miles Canyon Historic Railway Society. lake laberge “On the marge of Lake Laberge…” reads Robert Service’s famous poem, The Cremation of Sam McGee. Explore the lake by canoe or boat, go fishing or sailing, camp on its historic shores, or enjoy the secluded beach behind the campground. Turn off to the campground at Km 224 on the North Klondike Highway. Be wary—the wind can whip up waves with little warning on this large body of water. copper Belt railway Ride through history on the Copper Belt Railway and visit the museum. These are located on the Alaska Highway, five minutes from downtown. Pick up a copy of Viewing Railway Heritage at the Whitehorse VIC. below: Start of the Yukon River Quest Canoe and Kayak Race – YG, right: Yukon International Storytelling Festival – YG travelyukon.com 35

Yukon 2008 Vacation Planner

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Yukon 2008 Vacation Planner