Guide: How To Travel Responsibly In The Yukon

The core of conscious exploration is to be aware of your impact on the environment as you travel. This involves making decisions and acting in a way that leaves a destination better than you find it. Every decision you make on your journey will have an impact, from what you pack, to where you explore, to how you interact with the locals and the environment. 

The Yukon is an incredibly special place - it is home to Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest internationally protected area on earth. Yukoners are very respectful of their environment and live a unique lifestyle. Since this area has some of the world's last unspoiled nature, much work goes into keeping it protected. Nature is a way of life for us. It’s why we live here, and why we endure the long dark winters to provide tourists with the opportunity to enjoy its spectacular summer and fall seasons. People are drawn to the north by the pristine outdoors, but it’s the way we choose to protect it that defines us as explorers.

Overland Yukon is grateful for the opportunity to help you discover this beautiful region but ask that you and your group show the same respect while visiting. Following these conscious travel tips, you will be able to experience Yukon's magic while acting respectfully towards its surroundings.  

Travel With Sustainable Items  

Your sustainable travel journey begins long before you arrive in Yukon. To make smarter choices in every aspect of the trip, this starts with packing the right items.  

Overland Yukon vehicles come equipped with dual burner stoves, electric coolers, pots, pans, cutlery, and other all-inclusive cookware and camping gear, which makes it easier than ever to cook on the go.  

To avoid leaving a full garbage bag behind at every campsite, incorporate an anti-waste packing strategy with your group. When you travel with an Overland Yukon vehicle, you will be able to easily prepare meals that use recyclable packaging, sustainable ingredients, non-spoil food items, and reusable containers. Next, forget the travel-size toiletries. They may be convenient for fitting into your toiletry bag, but their packaging causes unnecessary waste. Travelling with an Overland Yukon vehicle is like having a home on wheels. There is ample room to pack what you need and bring along whatever you want. Throw a fuzzy robe to wear after you've had a shower, along with your full-size toiletry items. You’ll appreciate the coziness as you enjoy your pre-hike breakfast in the cool alpine air.

Respect Nature 

There are twice as many moose as there are people in the Yukon. Irregardless of what region you are in at the time, you will always be surrounded by nature and wildlife. In driving along Yukon’s highways, ensure to watch out for animals that may be crossing or alongside the roads. If you encounter an animal while roaming in your Overland Yukon vehicle, respect its peace. Appreciate wildlife from your windshield and keep a safe distance from it to protect both yourselves and the animal’s well-being.  

The same goes for coming across animals while hiking, mountain climbing, or engaging in any other wilderness activity outside your car. Whether it is a caribou, grizzly bear, or rare bird species, always remember that you are in their territory. There is a possibility that the animal is frightened of you and does not know how to respond. Human contact changes their natural behavior and can cause stress on the animals. If you have pets, keep them on a leash. Do not forget to pack your bear spray, binoculars, and your best attitude.  

A little respect goes a long way in the wild.  

Respect The People 

The Yukon is a wonderful place to live - offering fresh wilderness, abundant natural resources, and friendly welcoming people. For many Yukoners, this land is their personal paradise.  

A pivotal aspect of the territory's economy is travel and tourism, and we are grateful to be able to show you so much of its beauty. As vast and open as it may feel, people really do live here. Keep in mind that you are in someone's hometown as you pass through Yukon's small towns. Show respect to the locals by leading all interactions with a friendly attitude, respecting the region’s surroundings, and cleaning up after yourself along the way. Obey speed limits and take extra care when travelling on country roads. Adhere to local bylaw to ensure the safety of both yourselves and others.  

Do not Litter 

Do not litter. This universal rule should be obvious everywhere, but unfortunately, people still do it. As mentioned, when exploring Yukon, you are amid a diverse ecosystem. Home to some of the rarest and most untouched wilderness in the world - the smallest things could offset the habitats of animals and wildlife. If you are bringing snacks along on a hike, designate a place to store your garbage in your travel pack. As you would not leave your garbage lying around in someone's house, do not do it where animals live.  

Do not Feed Wild Animals  

Providing food to wild animals reduces the animals' natural ability to survive. Wild animals can become sick or addicted to the wrong foods if you feed them, and their delicate digestive systems can also be upset by human food, causing serious problems that may lead to death or euthanasia. It is dangerous for the animals because they can end up starving. They are also highly susceptible to diseases from human hands. Bacteria on your hands may produce toxic effects for them.

While staying at campgrounds, clean up after your group and correctly abide by the garbage disposal policies. Do not throw out food along the road and use a solid garbage disposal system. Your group will stay clean and respectful if all members are responsible for their conduct.    

Responsible travel in the Yukon does not end here. From preserving the wildlife to supporting local museums, there are countless ways to show respect to the regions you are visiting. Here at Overland Yukon, we strive to provide you with the best experience possible - as well as information that will help you preserve this natural paradise.

Keep the Yukon wild. If you are going to leave an impact here, let it be your group's respect for all that Yukon has to offer and its grace in appreciating it.