31 Oct 2022
The Yukon has been designated an official sustainable tourism observatory by United Nations World Tourism Organization. The Yukon's acceptance into the network is based on the strength of its new Yukon Sustainable Tourism Framework, its demonstrated capacities in sustainable destination management and the commitment to engage with the local tourism sector and other partners. Read more here.
The Yukon territory is committed to improving sustainability in the tourism sector by identifying, measuring and interpreting environmental and socio-economic conditions to guide evidence-based decision making.
Here is a round up of new sustainable tourism initiatives in the Yukon for 2022:
Eco Forest Cabins at Black Spruce Hotel:
A new and unique accommodation experience located in the Yukon's capital Whitehorse, which offers Forest Cabins inspired by boreal landscapes. Black Spruce began in 2019 with a passion for two things: design & sustainability. With the aim to become th first certified net zero accommodation option in the North, sustainable elements include a high efficiency wood boiler and a grid tied solar system, passive solar designs principles including high r-values, south facing windows, sheathing free construction and detailed air sealing, high performance dense pack cellulose insulation in double stud walls, straw bale insulation in the cabins offering a low embodied carbon footprint, and the use of non-toxic materials and finishes throughout.
Wilderness relaxation at Eclipse Nordic Springs
Geological evidence suggests that the hot springs have been running here for hundreds, quite possibly thousands, of years. The water contains ancient powerful sources of artesian restorative materials.
Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs is guided by the core values of sustainability, creativity, and authenticity in all activities. Embracing the pure, unadulterated wilderness experience of the North, Eclipse strives to provide clients with a unique and transformational "Eclipse Experience", through hot springs, through the Nordic Cycle, and through experiencing the Yukon outdoors in all seasons.
https://eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/pools
Sustainable trips into the wilderness with Terre Boreale
Nature leads the way on these small group adventures. Founded by owners Milena and Max, the company's ethos is to “limit our footprint on the landscape we love”. Groups of six or less can venture into the wilderness on guided hikes or kayaking excursions and enjoy organic, local food. Being connected to the land guides every aspect of Terre Boreale which boasts a zero-waste philosophy, so visitors leave with nothing but incredible stories.
Become educated about living off the land at Long Ago People's Place
Located just off the Alaska Highway outside of Whitehorse near Champagne, Long Ago People's Place is a recreation of a traditional First Nations Village. Since 1995, First Nations members of Kwäday Dän Kenji have been educating visitors from around the world on traditional practices involving living off the land. Trained guides will lead visitors through the forest, showcasing housing structures and how they were built and stored all those years ago, and learn all about the incredible ingenuity of the ancestors and how they made their life in the north.
https://yukonfirstnationculture.com
About the Yukon:
Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination. Home to Canada's highest mountain (Mount Logan) and the planet's largest non-polar icefields located in Kluane National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of North America's most undiscovered destinations; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. Roughly the size of Spain at just over 186,000 square miles, the Yukon is home to more than 160,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds, with a human population of only 41,000.
For further information on the Yukon, visit www.travelyukon.com
