Some consider the call of the Yukon a spell. A spell one cannot escape from once intrigued. One of the first poets gripped by the Yukon’s allure was early explorer and poet Robert Service. His poems were among the first to spread the word about the Yukon's haunting beauty. The Yukon was a place he would return to many times, beckoned by its gold-obsessed wanderers, its peaceful, yet challenging nature and extreme seasonal changes. His tales are still relevant to modern-day Yukon, a place reigned by nature and adorned by stories about adventure and wanderlust. We believe there are four different calls of the Yukon, perhaps one of them might turn into a spell for you?

The call of the wilderness

They range the field and they rove the flood,
And they climb the mountain's crest; Theirs is the curse of the gypsy blood,
And they don't know how to rest.

     - The Men That Don't Fit In, Robert Service

Often described as the last Northern Frontier, the Yukon combines adventure and solitude. It is perhaps the sound of desolate nature that draws people to its vertigo-inducing mountains, raging rivers and pristine lakes. Even today vast areas of the Yukon remain untouched and can only be reached by foot, helicopter or small airplane. Modern explorers can set foot on the largest non-polar icefield, cross the world’s smallest desert or paddle down the Yukon River.

Our tip: Though locals don’t much enjoy talking about themselves, they love to share stories about their adventures and local explorers, so we recommend enjoying on a guided tour to learn more.

The call of the past

There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;

      - The Cremation of Sam McGee, Robert Service

For early settlers, the Yukon’s call had a quiet clanking melody - the sound of gold nuggets rattling in their pockets. Following the call of the 1897 newspapers, early explorers set out to try their luck in today’s Klondike National park. 100,000 people travelled across the mountainous icefields of the Yukon. Places named Death Horse Gully stand testimony to the struggles of their journey. Today the myths and legends are still very much alive. Hear about the extraordinary perseverance, hardship and obsession with the gold as you travel through the many small towns.

Our tip: Stop over in Dawson, the small town has colourful housing fronts and a saloon converted into a museum. This is the perfect place to step back in time!

The call of the cosy cabin

It’s the beauty that thrills me with wonder,
It’s the stillness that fills me with peace.

     - The spell of the Yukon, Robert Service

The call of the cosy cabin is a call for simplicity. A focus on the simple things, good company, good food and grand scenery. It is a time that is enjoyed in silence, listening to the roaring fire during winter or the silent sizzle of the barbecue in summer. Those who like to take relaxation to the next level can enjoy a dip in the Takhini natural hot springs near Whitehorse. Not only do they work wonders on mind and body, they’re also renowned for creating marvellous hairdos made from frozen, evaporated air.

Our tip: Stay in a cosy Canadian Inn with a hot pool and spa facility.

The call of the open road

It’s the great, big, broad land ’way up yonder

     - The spell of the Yukon, Robert Service

The call of the open road is a cheerful road song, perhaps ‘500 miles from the Proclaimers’? Experience the highlights of the Yukon as you hop from one scenic spot to the next. Park up to explore at your own pace and hum your road trip tune as you scramble up a mountain or hill on a short hike. This travelling style suits those who love a daily change of scenery.

Our tip: Travel down the Dempster Highway towards Alaska. If you arrange a US visa prior to the trip you can hop over the border, too.

What is your call of the wild?

Take our quiz to find out! Enter now:  Yukon.magneticnorthtravel.com

One lucky winner and their travel companion will experience the Yukon’s spell first-hand. Equipped with a Berghaus voucher worth £400 travellers will travel to Whitehorse, the wilderness capital of the Yukon.

The wild is calling… let us go.

Photo credits: 

Photo1: Northern Lights Resort and Spa, Photo 2: Wikimedia Commons Photo 3: Peter Mather Photo4: Yukon Government Photo 5: MNT Photo 6: Yukon Government Photo 7: F Mueller Photo 8: MNT