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A Digital Nomad's Guide: Working Remote in The Yukon

Have you ever asked yourself where in the world you would travel if there was nothing stopping you? It’s one thing to grow your Pinterest travel board and talk about the hikes you’ll accomplish when you finally visit the Yukon. But can you imagine having the freedom to make those dreams come true, while working at the same time?

Vacations are fun, but they only usually only come around once a year. With the pandemic opening a multitude of remote work opportunities globally, there has never been a better time to become a digital nomad. Between the convenient schedules, relaxing work environments, and flexibility to travel, the benefits of remote work are endless. Most digital nomads work online, relying on technology to earn a living without being tied to one place. With Wi-Fi, they can work from anywhere since "going to work" simply means getting online. 

Are you ready to move beyond your Pinterest board and make your dream of visiting the Yukon come true? Learn how to work remotely in the Yukon with these digital nomadism tips.  

Consider your remote working needs.  

The first step of preparing to visit the Yukon as a digital nomad is knowing how to make the geographical circumstances work for you. This begins with determining what your needs are as a remote employee. For instance, if you require Wi-Fi connectivity 24/7 to complete all your tasks, consider visiting fewer destinations so that you’ll be able to stay connected along your trip. For extra reassurance, you can also inquire with an Overland Yukon chief exploration officer (CEO) to determine what route is the most optimal for your remote working needs. Our team will provide you with plenty of exciting attractions in each hub community that will blow your mind while allowing you to get work done simultaneously.   

Another benefit of being a digital nomad is that even if you require 24/7 connectivity along your trip, you’ll still have the flexibility to visit the Yukon for an extended period of time. Plan a longer trip, so that you can work during the week and be free to explore Yukon’s alpine lakes, hiking trails, enriched cultural history on the weekends.  

Take advantage of the daylight.   

During the June solstice, daylight can last as long as 24 hours in certain regions of the Yukon due to the proximity of the Arctic Circle. This seemingly uninterrupted daylight is great for after-work adventures, and is one of the defining traits that makes Yukon such a supreme location for digital nomads to explore. Finish work at 5 PM and later enjoy a scenic car ride down the Alaska Highway with your partner — the sun won’t be going down anytime soon.   

Limited Wi-Fi? No problem.  

You’re visiting the Yukon to experience its one-of-a-kind nature, vast wilderness, and free-spirited atmosphere. It is a place where everything is untouched and pristine, so much so that Wi-Fi and mobile service is only available in hub communities, such as Whitehorse, Carcross, Haines Junction, and Dawson City. Driving ten minutes outside of these hub communities, internet can be limited and more difficult to find.  

Mobility services are covered by Bell in the Yukon. You can see a coverage map from Bell Canada here, which maps 5G, 4G, LTE, HSPA and 3G network coverage in the territory. Search areas such as Whitehorse, Carcross, and Haines Junction in the search bar.  

Booking companies like Overland Yukon can also help you plan your itinerary around what areas have Wi-Fi connection in the Yukon, so that you can schedule your meetings, emails, and blog posts on the days you’ll be passing through each hub community. When you’re driving through areas without Wi-Fi, use them as opportunities to catch up on some tasks that don’t require internet connection, and most importantly - take some time to relax. Cruising along the Dempster Highway, witness the arctic beauty that surrounds you, and remember why you came here in the first place – to disconnect. 

Dawson City is a small and friendly community on the banks of the Yukon River. Its rich history, quaint charm, and downtown architecture make it a perfect place to connect to Wi-Fi for a few days and work.

Areas with Wi-Fi  

Whitehorse 

The Yukon’s main (and only) city, Whitehorse, offers a multitude of great cafes for you to work out of while visiting the Yukon. Enjoy your morning coffee with some free Wi-Fi at Baked Café and Bakery, an artsy, industrial-chic coffee house known for their trivia nights and live music in Whitehorse.  

Haines Junction  

Haines Junction is a small hub community with a population of 613 people. Amidst the majestic Saint Elias Mountains, this is an ideal base for digital nomads to not only explore, but also connect to Wi-Fi and complete some work while passing through.  

Dawson City 

With a population of 1375 people, Dawson City is an eclectic historical town located along the Yukon River. Stop and enjoy a few days (or weeks) exploring the natural and cultural wonders of this town that once served as a thriving base during the 19th-century Klondike Gold Rush. 

Mayo  

With a population of just 200 people, Mayo is located along the Silver Trail and the Stewart River. On your way from Whitehorse to Dawson City, pass through and respond to some outstanding emails in this small hub community. Moreover, be sure to get into some canoeing, hiking, and fly-in fishing before you go - the wilderness does not disappoint.  

Carcross  

Carcross has a population of 301 people. Located just 50 minutes from Whitehorse, you will be able to connect to Wi-Fi and experience the natural phenomenon of the Carcross Desert all at once. 

Rent a vehicle that allows you to charge your devices.  

Regardless of where you are in the Yukon, you’ll always be able to charge your devices if you travel with a vehicle. Overland Yukon provides vans and Overland jeeps fitted with rooftop tents and all-inclusive camping gear, so that you’ll have everything you need on your Yukon adventure. Doubling as an office-space, charging station, hotel room, and mode of transportation, you’ll be able to make the most of your digital nomadism by renting an Overland Yukon vehicle. Providing add-on solar packages which include a charging base station and a solar panel, we can help you ensure that you’ll be able to charge your gear day and night.  

Use your location as creative inspiration.  

When visiting the Yukon as a digital nomad, ensure to take advantage of the creative inspiration it’s beauty will offer you. Perform a creative brainstorm while having your morning coffee at an off-road campsite while listening to the water flow along the Yukon River. After reaching the summit of Caribou Mountain, jot down in your travel journal how much pride and energy you felt at that moment. The kinds of emotions and sights you’ll see in the Yukon are like no other - use them as creative fuel and inspiration in your work.  

Related: Why You Should Bring a Travel Journal to the Yukon  

From the pristine wildlife everywhere you look to the ability to complete work from your campsite, you can’t go wrong in choosing Yukon as your next remote work destination. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to stay in Whitehorse for multiple weeks and complete weekend road trips, or venture along the road the entire time you’re here. Overland Yukon will be able to provide you with everything you need in a remote work environment, from an office space to a campsite, to a place to gather creative inspiration.  

For more information on how to plan your digital nomad experience in the Yukon, visit Overland Yukon and Travel Planning | Travel Yukon - Media.