YUKON Ashley Wise
The Yukon Terri<strong>to</strong>ry is an undiscovered wilderness paradise with little development, few people, and pristine backcountry. Located in the far northwest of Canada, this terri<strong>to</strong>ry encompasses almost 500,000 square kilometers of pure, un<strong>to</strong>uched wilderness and you’ll have access <strong>to</strong> it from <strong>our</strong> base in Whitehorse, dubbed “The Wilderness City” and capital of the Yukon. This northern paradise of wild, technical rivers and sweeping tundra begs exploration. During the summer, the land explodes from its winter months of darkness for a season of continuous daylight. In this Land of the Midnight Sun, you’ll share the wilderness with caribou, bear, wolf, moose, and migrating birds. The only trails you’ll follow are those made by the wildlife and likely the only people you’ll see are y<strong>our</strong> fellow c<strong>our</strong>semates. Whether you call Canada home or you’re traveling from abroad, the Yukon’s stunning rivers and little-used mountain ranges provide the ideal setting for a wilderness adventure. The <strong>NOLS</strong> Yukon experience is one you won’t want <strong>to</strong> miss. YUKON Rivers are the highways and canoes are the vehicles in the Yukon's untrammeled wilderness. Hess River YUKON BACKPACKING AND WILDERNESS CANOEING Take full advantage of the remote, pristine Yukon wilderness on this self-supported 30-day expedition. This c<strong>our</strong>se is perfect for students wanting <strong>to</strong> develop two distinct skills—hiking and canoeing—be out for a month without re-supply, and get the quintessential Yukon experience. With the diverse, captivating terrain, you’ll be able <strong>to</strong> focus on developing the skills <strong>to</strong> lead y<strong>our</strong> peers in small groups. With all of y<strong>our</strong> supplies for the month packed in<strong>to</strong> a canoe, you’ll experience true expedition river travel with weeklong backpacking loops that provide incredible views of the wild Yukon peaks and spectacular ridge walks. You may even catch a glimpse of bear or caribou or get <strong>to</strong> experience the <strong>world</strong>-class fly-fishing. After this combo c<strong>our</strong>se, you’ll come home an excellent camper and leader with an unparalleled appreciation for Canada’s his<strong>to</strong>ry and environment. DETAILS Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 30 days Tuition: $4,135 Optional College Credit: 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum Dates: page 107 Steve Javorski YUKON BACKPACKING Roam through the Yukon’s expansive and trail-less wilderness of forest and mountains. This is the perfect training ground for mastering camping and traveling skills as well as for developing leadership skills and teamwork. You’ll explore and learn in the Yukon’s wild and remote mountain ranges, where you’ll climb far above tree line for awe-inspiring views. You’ll enjoy untapped fly-fishing and spin fishing in wild rivers and clear alpine lakes. Hiking here can be hard work, but the rewards of endless ridges and open tundra are well worth the effort. After just 30 days, you’ll come home with the skills and know-how <strong>to</strong> lead y<strong>our</strong> own backpacking trips, although you’ll always long for the freedom of the Yukon. DETAILS Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 30 days Tuition: $3,970 Optional College Credit: 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum Dates: page 107 YUKON OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: BACKPACKING AND WHITEWATER CANOEING This 30-day expedition for practicing and aspiring outdoor educa<strong>to</strong>rs combines the skills of wilderness backpacking with northern whitewater canoeing in Canada’s Yukon Terri<strong>to</strong>ry. A remote Yukon mountain range is the perfect classroom for developing the skills of the backcountry professional. You’ll find an abundance of mountain wildlife amidst the alpine wildflowers and chest-high forests of dwarf birch and willow. While learning the hiking and camping skills needed <strong>to</strong> manage groups in the remote backcountry, you’ll also spend time on technical canoeing skills, teaching techniques, and river rescue concepts. After a month in the rugged mountains and on the river, you’ll have a powerful set of water and mountain skills for future professional and personal adventures in the backcountry. DETAILS Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 28 • Duration: 30 days Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educa<strong>to</strong>rs Tuition: $3,840 Optional College Credit: 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Outdoor Educa<strong>to</strong>r, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Risk Management, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics Dates: page 107 Facing page: <strong>NOLS</strong> Yukon students are true explorers, visiting isolated wilderness few people have ever seen. Ogilvie Mountains 65