Yukon Territory Photography
Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15494 Purchase
Canada’s Yukon Territory offers photographers subject matter in an environment that is unique and challenging. The Yukon is a dream location, encompassing some of the highest mountains in North America and endless expanses of Arctic tundra. It also has the only road in North America which can be driven directly to the Arctic Ocean. Wildlife photographers can also photograph a huge variety of species, including grizzlies, Dall sheep, herds of caribou, and even polar bears.
Any Yukon Territory photography trip requires planning. It’s a big area with only one major city, and few roads, many of which are unpaved. And, of course, the further north you travel, the wilder things get. Small towns on maps may be nothing more than a gas station and general store offering only the very basic supplies. And like Alaska, some locations may be accessible only by air taxis.
Landscape and nature Photographers generally won’t need any special skills or equipment different from other locations. However certain locations, such as the northern reaches offer subject matter that is unusual and ripe for creative interpretations.
Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15327 Purchase
When to go
You can travel to many locations in The Yukon throughout the year. However, summer is the most practical for most photographers. But being this far north summer is a fairly short season, with autumn conditions appearing in mid-August.
Summer:
Summer offers very long days and the appearance of the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle. Warm temperatures and weather patterns are more reliable. Destinations are wide open as all parks and services are open for business.
June and July are also the times when flying insects are most prevalent. These include mosquitoes, gnats, black flies, no-seem-ums, and devilish bulldog flies, also known as deer flies and horse flies. Depending on your tolerance this can be a major factor in planning your trip. I have a low tolerance, so these months are a definite no-go for me. Bugs are at their worst in the northern half of the territory where endless expanses of marshy tundra provide ideal breeding grounds for the various tormentors. Although, most of the bugs begin to disappear by early August.
Tundra in fall color, Yukon Territory #15258 Purchase
Fall:
For me, this is the best time of the year for photographing in The Yukon. Fall colors begin to appear in the far north in mid to late August and can last into early October in the southern reaches. By the second half of August, most of the bugs are gone for the year. This season also marks the beginning of unpredictable shifts in weather patterns. One day can be sunny and warm, and the next day can be freezing with snow.
By late August the tundra is ablaze with fall color. Some of the most breathtaking landscape photography is in Tombstone Territorial Park and north to the Arctic Ocean. North of the Ogilvie Mountains is an endless sea of low mountains and rolling hills carpeted in brilliant yellow, orange, and reds.
Late August and early September can also mark the reappearance of northern lights. Combined with fall colors the northern lights offer amazing photography subject matter!
Winter:
This of course is the most challenging season in The Yukon. Very long nights, wickedly cold temperatures, and few open services mark this season. Most main roads are still open for travel but conditions can be dicey, at best. Photographing the northern lights in The Yukon in winter can yield spectacular results. However, for safety reasons, you must take your preparations to another level.
Spring:
This season may be the best time to photograph the northern lights. The surroundings still have a wintery appearance, but the days are longer and temperatures are more reasonable. Road travel is safer and services begin to open.
Yukon Territory Photography Locations
Slims River Valley, Kluane National Park #13552 Purchase
Kluane National Park
This large national park in Yukon’s southwest corner is home to some of the largest and most spectacular mountains and glaciers in North America. Kluane is part of the Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek, a Unesco World Heritage site, all of which compose a massive expanse of mountains and ice.
Kluane National Park has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery a photographer can imagine. However, for the average visitor access to it is limited to several trails on its eastern perimeter. But, flight-seeing tours are available which will take you over the glaciers. Below are a few of the best locations accessible to photographers on foot.
Kathleen Lake, from the summit of King’s Throne, Kluane National Park #13475 Purchase
Kathleen Lake/Kings Throne:
This location is just south of Haines Junction on the Alaska Highway. Kathleen Lake is a large and beautiful lake that is a gateway to the park’s interior. Trails along its shores offer good photo opportunities, but the best photos are from the King’s Throne.
The trail to King’s Throne can be split into two parts. The first part is a relatively easy climb to the bench of the Throne, from here there are lovely views down and across Kathleen Lake. For photographers, the second part is the more desirable destination. The trail continues up from the bench and quickly turns into a rough and strenuous route. Views from the summit include Kathleen Lake far below, in addition, there are wonderful panoramas of the rugged glaciers and mountains of the interior of the park.
The summit of King’s Throne is one of the best destinations in the park. But keep in mind this is a difficult and strenuous hike.
Slims River Valley seen from Sheep Mountain, Kluane National Park #13553 Purchase
Ä’äy Chù (Slim’s River) West/ Discovery Mountain:
This awesome destination is a 2-4 day backpack that takes you to the edge of the interior glaciers and mountains. For photographers, however, I would recommend 3-6 days. Parks Canada rates this a difficult trip with a high possibility of bear encounters. The main valley trail ends along a campsite along the river, but the ultimate destination is the summit of Observation Mountain. From here are spectacular views of the Kaskawulsh Glacier and the interior mountains.
For those not wanting to do a long backpacking trip, the Sheep Creek Trail is a good alternative. The trail climbs up Sheep Mountain and has great views down the Slims River and beyond.
Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15190 Purchase
Tombstone Territorial Park:
This is possibly the ultimate destination in The Yukon for photographers. The park is located in the Ogilvie Mountains and Blackstone Uplands, about 1.5 hours north of Dawson City on the Dempster Highway. It sits where the northern boreal forest begins to transition to arctic tundra. Because of this, photographers can compose images of brilliantly colored tundra sprinkled with stands of spruce forests, against a backdrop of rugged granite mountains, and sparkling lakes.
Along the Dempster Highway, Yukon Territory #15479 Purchase
Frontcountry:
Photographers traveling to Tombstone Park have excellent options in both front-country and backcountry. The Dempster Highway cuts through the park and has numerous scenic pullouts along the way. The most notable of these is a classic view of the Tombstone Range and Klondike River Valley.
Driving north along the Dempster there are numerous ponds lakes and creeks to use in compositions with the mountains. Be aware that the tundra terrain just beyond the road is both extremely fragile and difficult to walk on. Often the soft tussocks of lichens, mosses, and other plants live just above a watery subsurface on top of the permafrost. Walking on this terrain can easily twist an ankle, soak your feet, and kill the vegetation.
Grizzly Lake, Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15152 Purchase
Backcountry:
The backcountry locations of Grizzly, Talus, and Divide Lakes are the hands-down prime destinations for photographers in Tombstone Park. These lakes and their campsites lie in the heart of the park, at the base of spectacular granite spires. It is truly some of the most beautiful scenery in North America.
To visit and photograph all three lakes requires at least a four-day backpacking trip, and ideally around 8-9 days. The route to the first lake, Grizzly, is moderate to difficult. Getting from Grizzly to Talus and Divide Lakes is difficult and strenuous. However, like many backcountry destinations in Canada, with plenty of money available you can book a flight instead. Of course, for the rest of us on foot it is unbelievably annoying to hear a chopper lander near your tent!
Reservations Woes:
Unfortunately, Tombstone Territorial Park has joined the growing list of locations succumbing to internet popularity. Reservations in advance are required for all three of the above backcountry lake campsites. There are no spots set aside for walk-up reservations, consequently, you are out of luck if you arrive without one. Reservations fill up for the entire season within minutes of becoming available early in the year.
The Dempster Highway, Yukon Territory #14903 Purchase
Dempster Highway and the Arctic:
For the ultimate trip, driving the complete length of the Dempster Highway and Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It is an 887km (551 miles) drive from Dawson City to its end at Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. This well-maintained but unsurfaced road passes through numerous great photo opportunities. To name a few, Dawson City, Tombstone Territorial Park, Blackstone Uplands, the Richardson Mountains, Pingo National Landmark, end of the road on the Arctic Ocean.
Blackstone Uplands, Yukon Territory #15390 Purchase
Practical Tips for Yukon Territory Photography
Just about anywhere in The Yukon can be considered a remote location. You’ll need to prepare for self-reliance for the duration of your trip. This includes photography equipment. The city of Whitehorse may be your only option for photography gear stores.
- Bring your entire photography kit, be prepared for everything!
- Similar to other locations, allow yourself plenty of extra time for weather and lighting. Be flexible with your itinerary, and prioritize locations.
- Cell service will be extremely limited to non-existent outside of towns
- Stock up on food, water, and supplies in major towns, small towns may be nothing more than a gas station.
- Keep an eye on your gas gauge, and check the distance to the next gas station.
- Have a mechanic check your vehicle in advance.
- Bring an emergency vehicle kit and at least one spare tire.
- Electric vehicle charging stations are very limited. At this time, there are none on the Dempster Highway.
- Bring bug repellant and or head nets.
- Bring Bear Spray and, above all, know how to use it effectively. Bear encounters are possible nearly everywhere in The Yukon. Educate yourself on traveling in bear habitat, and always be on the alert!
- Pack clothing and gear for all weather conditions, including winter clothing and gear even in summer.
- Check-in with visitor’s centers for local advice on weather, road, and trail conditions.
- Enjoy your Yukon Territory photography trip!
Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15116 Purchase
Leave No Trace in the Yukon Territory
Please Please Please! Don’t plan a trip to this or any other wilderness area unless you are willing to follow the guidelines of Leave No Trace (LNT). Mount Baker Wilderness and all other wilderness areas throughout the world are under incredible pressure from growing amounts of visitors. Please do your part to help preserve these precious areas for future generations!
To learn more about the principles and practicing LNT please take a few minutes to visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Your children, grandchildren, and the Earth will thank you!
Seven Leave No Trace Principles
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors
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Yukon Territory Photography