FROM June to September, Canada’s Yukon Territory celebrates long daylight hours with unique cultural, sporting and music events drawing visitors from across the globe.
Recognised as one of the toughest adventure events on the planet, the Yukon River Quest from June 29-July 3 is the longest race of its kind in the world, at 715 kilometres, and with just two mandatory rest stops.
Eager canoeists and kayakers navigate the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City, paddling day and night, cheered on by thousands of spectators.
An Aussie six-man voyageur team, the Down Under Dogs, won the 2012 title in spectacular fashion, crossing the finish line in under 42 hours, nearly an hour ahead of the next paddlers. Then, during the Adaka Cultural Festival from July 1-7, more than 150 First Nation performers descend on Yukon’s capital city of Whitehorse.
The week-long event, showcasing First Nations art and culture, takes place at the waterfront Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre. It presents a world-class program of traditional and contemporary music, drumming, dance, storytelling, film, visual art exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops, interpretive programming and community feasts.
The Dawson City Music Festival from July 22-24 provides the opportunity to revel in great music, friendly people and authentic grassroots spirit in the heart of the Klondike.
Historic Dawson City offers the perfect backdrop to this diverse festival, with evening performances and afternoon workshops in intimate venues.
Whitehorse is about two-and-a-half hours by air from Vancouver. Car hire services and fully guided tour packages are available.
