IF YOU'RE looking for a different way to pass the summer this year, why not head to the northern hemisphere and enjoy winter in the Yukon.
Winter in Canada's Yukon Territory is no time for hibernation. With non-stop winter events and festivals, and a vast night sky resplendent with dancing northern lights, you will have a wide choice cultural, musical and culinary events.
Here are just three of the Yukon's most unique festivals this winter:
The Yukon Quest: This world-famous event will awaken to the howls of hundreds of sled dogs as they begin their two-week journey across the icy wilderness of north-west Canada on February 3. Groups of 14 canines led by one human "musher" will race over 1600km between Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska. One thing is certain: not every team will make it to the end as they battle temperatures of minus 40 degrees.
Visitors from around the world will flock Whitehorse to enjoy the festive atmosphere, with live music and celebrations as the mushers and their dogs gather on the starting line.
Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous: The capital city of Whitehorse comes alive during its annual winter carnival from February 16-25. Visitors will be treated to some wacky entertainment that reflects the good-humoured nature of the locals, with lip-syncing, hair-freezing, cross-dressing, and even beard growing competitions. There will also be musical entertainment and snow carving - all free of charge.
Thaw di Gras: Thisis Dawson City's signature event at the end of winter. The whole town buzzes during this free community event with activities and competitions from the serious to the outrageous.
Take to the stage at Diamond Tooth Gerties, Canada's oldest casino, for the ultimate lip-syncing competition; join the hockey tournament on the frozen streets; check out the snow sculptures; and enjoy the carnival atmosphere with live music and endless merriment.
The township of Dawson City is often likened to a movie set, with its historic buildings and wooden boardwalks that hearken back to the famous Klondike gold rush era of 1898.
Air Canada has daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane, with connecting flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City available on Air North.
