Apply for a wilderness tourism licence and submit trip reports

What to know before you apply

Backcountry operators

At this time, Yukon businesses may offer backcountry camping services. These operators and their clients are expected to adhere to the public health measures in place, which include:

• the 6 steps to staying safe;
• tenting only with a partner or someone in their designated bubble; and
• using their own plate, cup, bowl, utensils and water bottle, for example.

Preparing an operational plan

Businesses offering backcountry camping must prepare an operational plan. The plan does not need to be submitted for approval, but should be kept on hand at all times in case a Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board inspector and/or an Environmental Health officer asks to see it.

Do I need a licence?

You need a wilderness tourism licence if you take clients into the Yukon wilderness for a fee or reward.

You don't require a licence to rent out equipment for wilderness trips if you don't guide or accompany clients, but you still need to report rentals to Yukon Parks.

See the list of current licensed operators.

Before you apply

You will need:

• Yukon workers’ compensation coverage for your employees.
• At least $1,000,000 (CAD) public liability insurance.
• A valid Yukon business registration in compliance with Yukon Corporate Affairs.
• Valid standard-level First Aid and CPR certificates for all guides. Online courses are not accepted.

Read What Wilderness Tourism Operators Need to Know for more details.

Apply for a wilderness tourism licence

1. Complete the application.
   You can also pick up an application from the Yukon Parks office in Whitehorse.
2. A licence costs $100.
3. Submit your application and fee, along with copies of all required documents.
   In person: Yukon Parks office in Whitehorse.
   Email: yukon.parks@gov.yk.ca
   Fax: 867-393-6223
   Mail:
   Government of Yukon
   Wilderness Tourism Licensing Act Registrar (V-4)
   Box 2703
   Whitehorse, Yukon
   Y1A 2C6

Office location: Building 1271 – 9029 Quartz Road, Whitehorse, Yukon
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All wilderness tourism operators must record their trips and required information to Yukon Parks by May 31 for winter activities and October 31 for summer activities.

Submit your reports

In person: Yukon Parks office in Whitehorse
Email: yukon.parks@gov.yk.ca
Fax: 867-393-6223
Mail:
Government of Yukon
Wilderness Tourism Licensing Act Registrar (V-4)
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2C6

Day trips

• Read Day trips – instructions.
• Complete the Day trips reporting form.

Multi-day trips

• Read Multi-day Trips – instructions.
• Complete the Multi-day trips – trip type table if necessary.
• Complete the Multi-day Trips – reporting form.

The following information is not required under the Wilderness Tourism Licensing Act, but will help us have a better sense of wilderness tourism activity in Yukon:

• Multi-day trips – origin of clients (optional)
• Multi-day trips – incidents (optional)

Rentals

• Complete the Rental reporting form.

Accidents

• If there is an accident that requires professional medical attention, complete an accident report.

Office location: Building 1271 – 9029 Quartz Road, Whitehorse, Yukon
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.