Instructor Roger Yim takes students down the Hart River, modeling paddling techniques and leadership skills on the water. Photo: Willy Hazlehurst

NOLS Yukon Facts Year Founded: 1999 Operating Season: June-Aug. Location: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada In-town Staff: 7-8 Skills offered: Backpacking, Mountaineering, Canoeing

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. This northern paradise of wild, technical rivers and sweeping tundra begs exploration, and NOLS is happy to oblige.

Whitehorse, dubbed “The Wilderness City” and capital of the Yukon, is incredibly accessible, just a two- to three-hour plane ride from Seattle, Vancouver, or Calgary. From here, you’ll have access to some of the most remote and pristine wilderness on the globe, and because of its remote nature, the Yukon is a place where canoeing, hiking, self-reliance, and outdoor competence are the way of life.

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. Once in the backcountry, the only trails you’ll follow are those made by the wildlife and the only people you’ll see are your fellow coursemates.

Paddle the rivers, walk the tundra plateaus, explore the boreal forest valleys, and cross the rushing mountain streams all while strengthening your own technical and leadership skills.

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.