The Yukon has vast wilderness areas with few marked routes and limited cell service.
All backcountry campers, hikers and visitors travel at their own risk and responsibility. Before you go into the backcountry, make a plan and be prepared.
- Build your backcountry skills
- Plan your route
- Prepare for weather, terrain and wildlife
- Share your trip plan
- Carry essential gear
- Travel with other people
- Travel safely on waterways during wildfire season
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
Plan ahead
Learn and plan ahead to enjoy a safer trip, minimize damage to our delicate northern ecosystem and preserve the experience for others.
- Read Into the Yukon Wilderness for Yukon-specific information on how to travel safely and respectfully in the outdoors. This guide is available in English, French, German and Japanese, and can be found at all Visitor Information Centres and Department of Environment offices.
- Learn about Leave No Trace principles through videos and courses at Leave No Trace Canada.
- Read Walk With Us for respectful travel guidelines from a Yukon First Nations perspective.
If you have any doubts about your abilities, consider a guided trip. There are many licensed wilderness guiding companies that can provide a safe, memorable experience.
How to travel safely in the Yukon wilderness
The following guidelines are a good starting point for safe travel in the Yukon's backcountry. This is not an exhaustive list and following these guidelines does not guarantee safety.
Ensure you have the necessary backcountry skills
Starting an expedition, river or hiking trip with no skills or experience puts you and members of your party at risk. Take a course in outdoor recreation skills or learn from an experienced friend before starting your trip.
Never travel alone
If possible, never travel alone. Go at the speed of the slowest person, and do not get separated. Keep in eyesight of each other when travelling.
Plan your route in advance
There are very few marked trails and boating routes in the Yukon. There are no warning signs before rapids, treacherous terrain or other hazards. Plan your route by:
- using a guidebook;
- buying the topographic maps for the area; and
- talking to someone who’s already travelled the route.
Staff at Visitor Information Centres or Department of Environment offices can help.
Give someone your travel plan
Whether you’re going for a trail run, leaving your campsite to canoe for the day or spending a week in the backcountry, tell others:
- where you are;
- where you’re going; and
- when you’ll be back.
Search and rescue efforts depend on the details in your trip plan. Be specific.
- Create a trip plan or fill out an online trip plan in advance of your trip. Include your:
- travel route;
- schedule;
- the number of people in your party; and
- the colour of tents, backpacks and other equipment.
- Email or print your plan and give it to someone in the Yukon who will call 911 if you:
- are not back by your planned return date; or
- miss a scheduled check in.
Carry essential gear
Take basic survival items for all outdoor activities and add safety and seasonal items for your specific activity. Practice using your gear before your trip.
Examples of specific gear include:
- repair kits for boating; or
- avalanche rescue gear for skiing.
Keep your survival kit with you in a day pack or belt bag. Include:
- a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries;
- a fire-making kit;
- a signalling device, such as a whistle;
- extra water and food;
- clothing to protect you from rain, wind and hypothermia;
- navigation and communications aids;
- a first aid kit;
- an emergency shelter with orange tarp or blanket that provides visibility;
- a pocket knife;
- sun protection; and
- bear deterrent.
Get a list of essential gear for outdoor travel.
Prepare for harsh conditions, emergencies and wildlife
Bring the proper gear and know how to use it prior to your trip.
Before you head out, check for emergency updates that could impact your trip, such as:
- avalanches;
- wildfires;
- floods;
- earthquakes; and
- road closures.
Learn how to prepare for emergencies in the Yukon wilderness
Respect wildlife by:
- observing from a distance;
- never feeding them,
- keeping your pets on a leash and under control; and
- learning about bear safety.
Understand bear safety
Learn how to prevent bear encounters, identify bears' presence and what to do if you see a bear. Ensure you:
- travel in groups;
- make noise to alert bears of your presence;
- pack your food in bear-proof canisters;
- cook and store your food at least 100 metres away and downwind from your camp;
- use a rope to hang your food from a tree at least 2.5 metres from the ground;
- never eat or store food in your tent; and
- consider bringing a can of bear spray and other bear deterrents such as bear bangers or an air horn and learn how to use them.
Prepare for medical emergencies
In the Yukon's backcountry, you’re far from help and rescue. You must be prepared to handle injuries and other medical emergencies on your own.
- Ensure all members of your group are trained in wilderness first aid.
- Be aware of allergies and health conditions.
- Be prepared to treat stings and insect bites.
- Know how to prevent, identify and treat hypothermia.
- Carry supplies and equipment appropriate for wilderness first aid in a waterproof kit.
Prepare for rescue if necessary
Follow the basics of wilderness safety. If a rescue is required, you’ll need to contact rescuers. Make sure you have:
- a satellite phone;
- a 2-way personal locator device; or
- a radio that can make contact with emergency services in case you need them.
You should also carry:
- a signal mirror;
- a whistle; or
- flares for helping rescuers pinpoint your location.
Learn more about contacting emergency services and signaling for help.
Important tips
Not all personal locator beacons allow you to communicate directly with emergency services, some just broadcast a distress signal. Additionally, messages from personal locator beacons do not go directly to Yukon Emergency Services. They’re answered and relayed by call centres, which could delay response.
If you carry a distress beacon of any sort, once you turn on it on, rescue efforts begin immediately. A rescue takes hundreds of person-hours and can cost over $100,000. Only activate it if necessary.
Rescue will not be immediate. It’ll likely take rescuers hours or even days to reach you. They’re dependent on:
- terrain;
- weather conditions; and
- remoteness of your location.
Some satellite phones will not dial 3-digit phone numbers. If you’re in the Yukon and cannot call 911, use 867-667-5555.
More information on safe wilderness travel
Adventuresmart also has useful tips and resources on safe wilderness travel.
If you have questions about how to travel safely and respectfully in Yukon wilderness, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-5652 or toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5652.