NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, "CANADA'S LAST FRONTIER"

BY CLAY LARROY

Across America many couples are having wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a honeymoon to rest and recuperate.  Vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in Canada. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Northwest Territories

Caribou, moose and more

See thousands of caribou migrating across the territories and calving by the Beaufort Sea. Moose inhabit boreal forests, grizzly bears roam freely, Dall's sheep graze the mountains, and you might spot beluga whales and polar bears along the coastline.

Coastal wonders

The Arctic coastline boasts spectacular landscapes and fascinating history. Inuvik, on the majestic Mackenzie River Delta, is accessible in season by road. Delta cruises and Dene (aboriginal) settlements such as Aklavik are prime attractions. Aulavik National Park, on Banks Island, has 3,500-year-old archaeological sites.

Fishing

Thousands of clear, unpolluted lakes are perfect for fishing. Chief catches are trout, great northern pike and grayling.

Glittering waterfalls

The Waterfalls Route, a 325km (203-mile) driving route, goes through several parks and past impressive waterfalls. Twin Falls Territorial Park, near Enterprise, has two waterfalls. Louise Falls and Alexandra Falls are linked by a 3km (1.9-mile) hiking trail along the spectacular Hay River Canyon.

Hiking trails

Four national parks provide trails for hiking and other facilities. Sandy hills known as eskers offer easy hiking with good viewpoints. There's more challenging hiking on the Canol Heritage Trail, through mountains and valleys to the Yukon.

Historic waterways

You can hire a boat to take a trip on the Mackenzie River and the Great Slave and Great Bear Lakes. These tours often follow old trapping and fur-trading routes. An experienced guide is essential.

Lodges

In a wooden wilderness lodge alongside a lake, accessible only by air, you may have only wildlife for company. For a real getaway experience, the Nahanni Mountain Lodge (www.simpson-air.com) sits alongside Little Doctor Lake, near Nahanni National Park Reserve.

Midnight sun

The landscape takes on a surreal quality during the midsummer when light lasts all night.

Nahanni National Park Reserve

Nahanni National Park Reserve is a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mackenzie Mountains. Access is mainly by air from a number of locations, including Fort Simpson (NWT), Fort Liard (NWT), Fort Nelson (BC) or Watson Lake (Yukon). Boat and raft tours visit the magnificent 100m- (312ft-) high Virginia Falls, twice the height of Niagara.

National parks

One of Canada's biggest herds of free-roaming bison lives in Wood Buffalo National Park, one of the largest parks on earth. It lies on the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Meanwhile, the cliffs and valleys of Tuktut Nogait, the territories' newest national park, harbor birds of prey and offer lush habitat for caribou and musk oxen.

Photography

Visitors who take a camera with a macro lens may get beautiful photographs of the hosts of tiny wild flowers that cover the tundra area during its brief spring.

Watersports

A favorite destination for canoeing and white-water rafting is the Nahanni River in the southern Mackenzie Mountains, featuring falls, rapids and torrents in a highland wilderness. Popular routes along its length take seven to 20 days to paddle. The Mackenzie River also offers good canoeing.

Yellowknife

The territories' capital, Yellowknife, is situated on the north shore of Great Slave Lake. The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre details the area's aboriginal history. Nearby are the still largely traditional First Nations of Dettah, Behchokò, N'dilo and Wekweètì.

REFERENCE SITE:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com

I live in Canada in the summer and some time in the fall. 

Dan Aykroyd

 

Travel to experience life and create amazing memories!

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, "CANADA'S LAST FRONTIER"

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  Canada is a close locations to take vacations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The Northwest Territories are part of Canada's vast, remote north. Most of the territories' population and commercial activity is based in Yellowknife and around Great Slave Lake. The territories consist largely of wilderness, punctuated in places by human settlements, mainly of native peoples but also intrepid adventurers. The Inuit and Dene communities comprise almost 50% of the territories' population and have existed for hundreds or thousands of years.

In terms of topography, the Northwest Territories are not as barren as one might anticipate. Thick evergreen forests and verdant mountains are a recurrent feature of the landscape.

Since this area is sparsely populated, you are more likely to spot a herd of bison or come across a grizzly bear than you are to encounter a human. The sheer sum of wildlife in the Northwest Territories is superb. Venturing further north, the territories extend far above the Arctic Circle - something you might remember when you spy some polar bears! Don't forget to look up at the skies too: the Northwest Territories' skies contain some of the rarest species of birds worldwide.

The Northwest Territories are, admittedly, stark in places, but it is an austerity that is tinged with beauty. Surrounded by wildlife, pretty flowers on rolling tundra and the sound of running water through a crystal-clear river, it would be understandable to think that you had stepped back in time.

Where to stay in Northwest Territories

Hotels

Although most large towns have hotels and bed & breakfast establishments open all year, accommodation can be scarce and often quite basic. There can be long distances between settlements of any size, especially in the Arctic zone. Lodges designed for outdoor activity holidays can be found in many settlements and many can only be reached by air. 

For details, contact Northwest Territories Tourism

Campsites are generally open from mid-May to mid-September and are run by both government and private organizations. Some outfitters have established 'outposts' (semi-permanent camps), with tents, beds and meals usually offered as part of organized trips. Camping is on a 'leave no trace' basis. A number of companies can arrange motorhome (known as recreational vehicles, or RVs, in Canada) hire, with a range of fully equipped vehicles. 

For details, contact Northwest Territories Tourism

REFERENCE SITE:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com

Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. 

Jack Layton 

Live Well, Laugh Often and Travel Much!

YUKON "THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN"

 BY CLAY LARROY

Across the America many couples are having wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a honeymoon to rest and recuperate.  Vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in Canada. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Read the article below for an exciting outlook on Canada.

Top 3 Places Where You Can Best See The Aurora Borealis In Canada

by Sandra Najera

The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon that has a massive impact on spectators and this is what makes this wonderful spectacle worth anticipating. There are specific spots or zones where you can see the aurora and you can't just see them anywhere. The Northern Hemisphere is one of the places where the northern lights can be seen. Explanations have been made in the past to its cause but not only until recently that the modern science of astronomy had fully explained the northern lights' occurrence.

Canada is one of the countries where the northern lights can be seen. The aurora can be fairly seen throughout its tundra, wilderness, and mountain ranges, specifically Canadian Shield (the oldest mountain range in the world).

The northern part of Canada is said to provide the best views of the northern lights. The major locations where the aurora can be seen with high level of clarity are Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Nunavut is situated on vast tundra in the middle of North East Canada. One unique and unforgettable mode of transportation to get there is by dogsled. Yukon, on the other hand, is located within Canada's mountains in the North West. Lastly, the most popular place in the Northwest Territories where the northern lights can be best seen is Yellowknife. It is expected that the place is heavily congested during peak season.

Other places where the northern lights can be glimpsed are north of Quebec, Alberta, Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Most travel tour packages in Canada include the aurora borealis' sight-seeing as part of the package. Tourists who come to Canada to see the northern lights for the first time need not worry as they will be given proper assistance and guidance on preparation and other stuff related to aurora sight-seeing. One great way to wait for the northern lights to appear is by camping along lakesides where the lights would reflect on the waters. You can just imagine the beauty of the colors reflected on the rippling waters.

For more than centuries the natives of Canada have believed that the aurora borealis is a spiritual sign from the deities or from their dead ancestors. They even believed that the flickering lights are the spirits of the unborn babies adorning the evening skies. Regardless, the northern lights have mystified people from all over the world and their impact to the witnesses is beyond description.

About the Author

Sandra Najera is a freelance writer who's been writing articles for Seethenorthernlights.com. Check out great Canadian northern lights tours and treat your family with the once in a lifetime opportunity to see the northern lights in Canada!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://goarticles.com

 http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

When hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world went to the Yukon to look for gold, the original prospectors had already claimed most of it.

Howard Blum

Travel to experience life with those you love!

YUKON "THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN"

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 Look at the article below for a fascinating viewpoint on the Yukon.

 

Vacation in the Yukon

by Johnny Mangiante

A vacation in the Yukon is just as exciting now as it was during the Klondike Gold Rush, when thousands of hopefuls streamed into the region in search of gold. Larger than Life is the Yukon's tourism motto, most likely adopted for the grandeur of its pristine nature. Although the Yukon is Canada's smallest territory, it is still bigger than California.

The territory is shaped like a triangle, bordering Alaska, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. Despite its substantial size, it is sparsely populated, making it a desirable place to visit for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of crowds. You will find an abundance of exciting things to see and do on your vacation in the Yukon.

Weather in the Yukon

The Yukon is said to have a sub-arctic climate, but the weather is far from being one-dimensional. One day the Pacific Ocean provides a warm front, and the next day, an Arctic cold air mass quickly takes over. The only thing that you can count on is not seeing torrential downpours. Due to its relatively dry climate, a drizzle is the only rainfall you might encounter.

If you take a vacation in the Yukon in the summer, you will experience an average of 17 to 19 hours of sunlight per day; however, in the winter, from December through February, you will have a mere 6 to 8 hours of light per day. Average temperatures range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, and a cold -15 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Of course, you should expect some snow in the Yukon, many inches at a time. While Fall is colorful and chilly, and Spring brings early wildflowers and swan migrations, Summer and Winter dominate the scene in this territory.

Layered clothing is ideal as sudden temperature changes are common in the Yukon. In the summer, long sleeves and a hat is advisable in order to protect yourself from the intense, northern sun. In the winter, long underwear, vests, weatherproof coats, insulated boots, warm gloves and hats are needed. Some tour operations rent winter clothing packages to ensure that their customers are warm.

Communities

·        Whitehorse "This is the Yukon's capital and largest community, with a population just over 20,000 people. It is well-known for its breathtaking landscape and exceptional parks, earning the prestigious National Civic Award in recognition of its natural beauty.

·        Dawson "This small town has a population under 1,500 people, but welcomes a minimum of 60,000 visitors every single year. It is a captivating area; some say there is still plenty of gold to be found here. It is also known for its celebrities: Jack London, Pierre Berton and Robert W. Service. You can tour The Jack London museum and the late author's home.

Things to Do

No matter what you do and where you go, you will find the Yukon to be a casual, laid back and comfortable scene; you can definitely leave your fancy clothes and shoes at home. Jeans and a clean shirt are accepted in any establishment and appropriate for any type of activity.

·        Aurora Borealis "Top on the list of things to do on your vacation in the Yukon should be to watch the interplanetary magnetism of the northern lights. Late autumn and throughout winter are the best times to see this mystical and memorable sight.

·        White Water Rafting "It does not matter how big of an adrenaline junkie you are, you will get more than your fix on the Yukon's rapids. Some of the world's greatest rafting is experienced in this region, taking you through scenic passages of glacier lakes and lush forests.

·        Dog Sledding - Take an afternoon dog sled tour or take a week long adventure that includes learning how to care for and run with a team. The huskies are ready and eager to give you a wild ride, one you will never forget.

·        Horseback Riding "This happens to be a popular thing to do in the Yukon. Single day, weekend or week-long treks are available - an ideal way to view and admire the land's magnificent beauty.

·        Sightseeing "Guided tours can take you through Dawson City, Whitehorse, Carcoss and other Yukon communities if you are keen on learning about the culture, history, wildlife, nature and natural phenomena of the area. There are lots of exhibits, museums and art studios to explore.

Historic Attractions

Even if your vacation in the Yukon is primarily intended to experience adventures in the wilderness, you should reserve a little time for a few fascinating historical attractions.

·        Dawson City Museum "Collections include geology, early exploration, gold mining, the gold rush era as well as some restored locomotives used in the Klondike mines.

·        Waterfront Trolley "Take an exciting ride through history in this beautifully restored trolley.

·        Big Jonathan House "This cultural center is home to various works created by local artists including crafts such as birch bark baskets and handmade clothing.

·        Kluane Museum "World-class wildlife displays are found here, as well as interesting artifacts and native dress attire.

·        Northern Light Centre "It is the only facility solely dedicated to visitors wanting to learn about and see the aurora borealis.

Read more information about cities to visit in Canada.

 

About the Author

Johnny Mangiante is an online journalist. He is also the editor and webmaster for many websites. Go to Travel Medical Insurance for more information.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://goarticles.com

 http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

There's huge, massive mother ships going up to the Yukon. They've been filmed and are on video.

Dan Aykroyd

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

YUKON "THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN"

 BY CLAY LARROY

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Canada is a wonderful vacation destination. Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Yukon Territory

Backcountry adventures

The wild backcountry of the Yukon Territory is exhilarating, but you should venture into it only in the company of a licensed outfitter or guide.

Camping

Pitching a tent beneath the stars in pristine wilderness in Tombstone Territorial Park, with its spectacular mountain and lake views, is an unforgettable experience. As in all government-approved campgrounds in the Yukon, a permit is needed to camp and you can only camp in designated areas, but you'll still have your head in the clouds - both literally and figuratively.

Canoeing

Tributaries of the Yukon River (including the Teslin, the Big Salmon and the Pelly) offer fast-flowing, flat water. You can reach wild rivers such as the Bonnet Plume and the Firth by bush plane; others, like the Tatshenshini and the South Macmillan, are accessible by road.

Carcross

An hour's drive south of Whitehorse, between Nares and Bennett Lakes at the foot of Nares Mountain, Carcross is worth a visit; the Caribou, one of the Yukon's oldest hotels, can be found here. Carcross connects to Skagway in Alaska via the Klondike Highway.

Glowing skies

If you look up at the night sky, you may be fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) flashing against the darkness. The magical ambience of a Yukon winter with its crisp air is perfect for watching this dynamic display. The Northern Lights Space and Science Centre (www.northernlightscentre.ca) is at Watson Lake.

Hiking

You can retrace the footsteps of the gold rush stampeders along the famous 53km (33-mile) Chilkoot Trail. The starting point is Dyea, near Skagway (Alaska).

Historic Dawson City

Notable buildings in Dawson City include the Commissioner's Residence and the Palace Grand Theatre, which stages the 1898 vaudeville show, Gaslight Follies, each summer.

Kluane National Park

Established in 1972, Kluane National Park and Reserve has been the home of the Southern Tutchone First Nations people for thousands of years. The park is a vast expanse of mountains and ice and encompasses the Icefield Ranges; the highest mountain in this range, Mount Logan, rises to 5959 meters (19,545 ft) and is the highest peak in Canada. Other popular activities on offer in the park include cross country skiing, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding. A rafting trip down the Alsek River allows visitors to view the wildlife (including grizzly bears, Dall sheep and golden eagles) and glaciers along the way; however, permits for rafting on this Canadian Heritage river are strictly limited to one departure per day and visitors are advised to arrange their trip well in advance.

Mountain biking

The territory is a mosaic of historical trails and stunning scenery, featuring arduous climbs and rapid descents. The annual Kluane/Chilkat International Bike Relay (www.kcibr.org) sees contenders cycling through a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mountaineering

Mount Logan, part of the St Elias Range in Kluane National Park (www.pc.gc.ca), is the second-highest peak in North America at 5,959m (19,550ft).

Other national parks

Ivvavik National Park has a non-glaciated landscape with abundant wildlife, significant archaeological sites and the Firth River. Established in 1995, Vuntut National Park currently has limited visitor facilities.

Panning for gold

At GuggieVille Campground or Claim 33 on Bonanza Creek near Dawson City, amateur prospectors can pan for gold at the site of the original claim that sparked off the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush.

Whitehorse

Yukon's capital lies on the Yukon River. You can tour a restored sternwheeler, the SS Klondike (now a national historic site), or cruise Miles Canyon aboard the MV Schwatka. In summer, take in one of the many noon-hour performances at LePage Park that are part of the Arts in the Park festival.

REFERENCE SITES:

 http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I remember little of the Yukon or what I wrote there.

Robert W. Service

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

YUKON "THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN"

 BY CLAY LARROY

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about Canada. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

Where to stay in Yukon Territory

Hotels

The Yukon Territory has a wide selection of hotels and motels. Because of the heavy tourist flow through the region in summer, advance reservations are advised. The majority of hotels and motels are located in the larger centers, but facilities are available along the highways and in the smaller communities. Some hotels are closed in the winter. 

Grading: The national Canada Select program operates in the territory, rating accommodation from 1 to 5 stars on a voluntary basis.

Bed And Breakfast

There are many bed & breakfast properties in the Yukon Territory.

Camping Caravanning

Camping is advised only in summer and allowed only on government or private campsites. A number of companies can arrange the hire of motorhomes (known as recreational vehicles, or RVs, in Canada), with a range of fully equipped vehicles. You can obtain full details from Yukon Department of Tourism and Culture (see Contact Addresses).

Shopping & nightlife in Yukon Territory

Special items include First Nations moccasins, jewelry, art and carvings.

Opening Hours

Generally, Mon-Wed and Sat 1000-1800, Thurs-Fri 1000-2100, but retailers are free to open whenever they like. Some stores are open on Sunday.

Nightlife in Yukon Territory

Nightlife is best during the historical festivals and carnivals reflecting the pioneer spirit that enlivened the region in the 1800s. However, Dawson City has legalized gambling and there's a floor show at Diamond Tooth Gertie's featuring cancan girls and honky-tonk piano.

Food and Drink in Yukon Territory

Some of the Yukon's food is very distinctive but difficult to produce commercially. There are restaurants throughout the area, but the best selection is in Whitehorse and Dawson City. Most alcohol is imported from other areas of Canada and the USA.

Regional Specialties

- Moose meat is cooked in several ways, from steaming to smoking or roasting, and accompanied by sourdough and vegetables.
- Dall sheep, mountain goat, caribou and porcupine are also eaten, often in burgers.
- Wild seafood includes Arctic grayling, trout, Kokanee salmon, Alaska king crab and halibut.
- Yukon's gold mining past is reflected in some specialties, such as buffalo burgers, musk ox chops and Alaskan salmon.

Tipping

It is customary to tip 15% in bars and restaurants.

Drinking Age

19.

REFERENCE SITES:

 http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

This is the law of the Yukon, that only the strong shall thrive; that surely the weak shall perish, and only the fit survive.

Robert W. Service

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!