What do you envision when you think about the Yukon? Is it unspoiled forests and commanding mountains? Is it snow-covered wilderness and the aurora borealis? All of those things are correct, but Canada’s smallest territory offers much more than that. Read on to learn all you need to know about visiting the Yukon, and the travel medical insurance to get before you go.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Yukon – FAQs
A trip to the Yukon is a bit more involved than a trip to Calgary. You need to be prepared for the isolation and weather extremes of northern Canada. Take the important step of protecting your health with travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Yukon?
It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s something you likely can’t afford to go without. The sparse population and dearth of medical facilities in the Yukon mean that any injury or illness could be expensive to treat, and may require emergency medical evacuation. If you don’t want to have to pay the entire bill for this yourself, it’s a smart idea to have travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance before visiting Yukon?
Whitehorse is the only major city in the Yukon, and it only has one hospital. A serious medical condition here could require expensive transport to a larger city. This could cost well over $100,000. If you don’t want to have to pay the bill for this all on your own, get travel medical insurance that can cover it.
Please keep in mind that certain northern parts of the Yukon are above the Arctic Circle. When in the Arctic region, you will be subject to any Arctic region exclusions of an insurance plan.
Yukon’s Most Popular Activities
Hunting
The Yukon is one of the premier big game hunting destinations in the world. Quarry includes moose, black bear, grizzly bear, elk, caribou, wood bison, and polar bear. Numerous outfitters can help you put together the guided hunting trip of a lifetime, including catered meals, bush plane transportation, and all logistics taken care of.
Fishing
The many lakes of the Yukon are home to some 27 species of freshwater fish. These include lake trout, whitefish, salmon, and northern pike just to name a few. Depending on your budget, you can go on a self-guided tour, take a half-day charter, or embark on a fully catered fishing expedition.
Canoeing and Kayaking
From the Yukon River to the Big Salmon River and Snake River, and flat water to whitewater rapids, the Yukon is made for paddlers. Take a short canoeing or kayaking trip for part of a day, or embark on a monthlong canoe tour under the watchful eye of an experienced guide. How far you go and what you experience is only limited by your budget and imagination.
Hiking and Trekking
With almost 24 hours of sunlight in the summer, the Yukon is the perfect hiking destination for true adventurers. See incredible sights and all manner of wildlife on a guided hike lasting from one day to two weeks or more. Different levels of difficulty are available to suit various hikers, and you can choose to self-navigate or have a guide.
ATV and 4x4 Tours
Get out in the backcountry on your own ATV, or in the passenger seat of a 4WD vehicle with an experienced guide at the wheel. You can base your trip out of Whitehorse and explore for a day, or take camping gear for longer excursions. An ATV or 4x4 tour can be a great choice for those who aren’t physically able to do long hikes, or want to see more of the Yukon in a shorter period of time.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Yukon
Hire a Guide
Outside of Whitehorse, which is the only major city in the territory, the Yukon is extremely remote. Heading out into the backcountry can be dangerous for those who are unfamiliar with the area. It is highly recommended that you hire an experienced guide to keep you safe and on the trail, regardless of what activity you’re taking part in.
Visit During Summer
Unless your plan is to watch the aurora borealis, you’re best off visiting the Yukon during its short summer. Whitehorse reaches 70°F on average in July, with 19 hours of sunlight. By comparison, temperatures almost never get above freezing in the winter here.
Transportation
Although there are major roads like the Alaska Highway and Klondike Highway running through the territory, the easiest way to access most parts of the backcountry is still by air. You can get commercial or chartered flights to almost population centers in the Yukon, but bush plans are still necessary to reach the backcountry.
Before You Visit Yukon – Do This
- Book your guide early for trips during the summer.
- Pack plenty of bug spray, as the mosquitoes and flies can be intense.
- Purchase travel medical insurance .