Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

On the drive from Skagway to Whitehorse yesterday we stopped off in the town of Carcross to get a cup of coffee and stretch our legs. It was Canada Day and there were programs, events and festivities going on all over the country, including this little parade thru the town led by a contingent of RCMP's in full regalia. The town only appeared to have about 75 residents - most of whom were in the parade marching behind the mounties - which left just us tourists to enjoy it from the sidelines.

The original name of the town was Caribou Crossing, due to the annual migration of the caribou herds across the river junction here. Problem was that there were about 3 other towns in Canada with the same name (and for the same reason) so the postmasters were constantly mixing up the mail. So...the solution in this case was to truncate the name to Carcross.




Most of the rest of the parade.



A riverside tram that runs the length of the town along the river.


Spent a couple of nights here, mainly to break up the drive to Dawson City, and just meandered about - taking in the local sights on a crisp July day. The wind really whistles up the Yukon River valley here, and comes in blowing off the snow-covered slopes surrounding the town which made for brisk walking.


The SS Klondike was one of the paddlewheel steamers that used to ply the river between Whitehorse & Dawson, until the highway was completed back around 1955. Hauled everything from gold to horses to people between the two cities.



Found a nice day hike near a place called Miles Canyon just south of town. Used to be a medium sized town on the point just behind this little tour boat to help service the trade coming down river from Skagway.




Hoping to get an early start tomorrow for Dawson City. Google maps says it's an 8 hour drive, while the locals say it's closer to 6, so I don't know which to believe. No problem with having enough daylight anyway. It never really gets dark here this time of year. Sunrise is around 0330 and sunset is nearly 0100...with only dusky twilight in between.

Should start seeing more creatures - saw our first bear on the drive up yesterday, feeding on the side of the road.

The scenery continues to be spectacular. Will try to get some photos enroute tomorrow.