To Whitehorse

The journey heading east to Whitehorse is through dramatic countryside with huge rivers, majestic mountains, and historic bridges from the gold rush days, some of which have been replace, but some original ones remain, although unused.

We arrive in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon and immediately head to Big Bear Eatery for a cold beer and a spot of lunch. It is very hot again, so we are pleased to sit in the cool and relax.

After lunch we walk Millennium Trail on the Yukon River which starts in the town by the SS Klondike steam ship, over the main bridge in the centre of town, and then along the far bank up to the dam. The dam is impressive - harnessing electricity from the last flowing and dangerous Yukon. They had to build a fish ladder for spawning salmon when the dam was built.

We cross back over the river by the dam and return along the easter bank, passing nesting bald eagles and spotting arctic terns flying over the river.

On our return we find the local laundromat to do some washing, and while waiting for it to dry, I find a nail bar for a much needed pedicure. Unfortunately it takes far longer than anticipated and the laundromat is closed when we return to collect the washing, so we decide to find somewhere to eat and come across the Woodcutters & Blanket Pub which is also a brewery. After an excellent meal we return to the truck and head out of town for the campsite. It is full when we arrive so we camp near Miles Canyon on the old railway line, and hear wolves howling in the early hours, an eery sound.

In the morning we drive to the nearest RV campground and pay for dump and water fill, then on to the laundromat to rescue our washing! We then visit the grocery store, Starbucks, and Canada Tire to buy a tent for the back of the truck before finding a barber shop - Yukon Man - where we both have our hair cut.

Feeling fresher than we have for ages after our haircuts, we take another trail around the city but it is very hot so we end up going to the local art gallery and then back to Woodcutter brewery for a cold pint.

We absolutely love Whitehorse, what a great friendly city. But it is time to take our leave, so we point the truck southwards towards Teslin.

We spot a total of 4 separate bears on our 100 mile drive along the River Yukon, Marsh Lake and Teslin Lake and River. The campgrounds are all full, probably because it’s a holiday weekend for Canada Day and all the residents of Whitehorse are camping!

We finally find a spot off the highway by the river and settle in for the night.