to our world. - NOLS

The Yukon Territory is an undiscovered wilderness paradise with little development, few people, and pristine backcountry.
Located in the far northwest of Canada, this territory encompasses almost 500,000 square kilometers of pure,
untouched wilderness and you’ll have access to it from our 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 your fellow coursemates. 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 NOLS Yukon experience is one you won’t want to 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 course is perfect for students
wanting to 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 to focus
on developing the skills to lead your peers in small groups. With all of
your supplies for the month packed into 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 to experience
the world-class fly-fishing. After this combo course, you’ll come home
an excellent camper and leader with an unparalleled appreciation for
Canada’s history and environment.
DETAILS
Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 30 days
Tuition: $4,135
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
2 hours 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 to lead your 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 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
2 hours Skills Practicum
Dates: page 107
YUKON OUTDOOR EDUCATOR:
BACKPACKING AND WHITEWATER CANOEING
This 30-day expedition for practicing and aspiring outdoor educators
combines the skills of wilderness backpacking with northern whitewater
canoeing in Canada’s Yukon Territory. 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 to 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 educators
Tuition: $3,840
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 2 hours Risk Management,
2 hours Environmental Ethics
Dates: page 107
Facing page: NOLS Yukon students are true explorers, visiting isolated wilderness
few people have ever seen. Ogilvie Mountains
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