Yukon, Ho! | Alberta Venture Stops Over in Whitehorse

Jun 1, 2010

	Population 25,690
	Median Household Income $60,139
	Average Home Price $330,300
	Weather July highs average 14 C; December lows, -15 C. But since Whitehorse gets the least precipitation in Canada, it’s a dry cold.
	Commuter Route The tiny Erik Nielsen International Airport, named for the late Conservative MP and deputy prime minister (and brother of comic Leslie Nielsen), services most of Canada. Air Canada flights take about five to seven hours from Edmonton or Calgary, usually stopping in Vancouver.
	Economic Picture Advertisement A territorial hub for services and HQ for copper, silver, lead, zinc and gold mining companies, Whitehorse is home to roughly 75% of Yukon’s population. With wilderness on its doorstep, it’s a natural spot for tourism. Though vulnerable to a weak U.S. dollar, Yukon tourist numbers jumped 18.1% in 2009. Hoping to diversify its economy, the Government of Yukon introduced a new film incentive program last year.
	Under Construction An ambitious riverfront revitalization kick includes a high-profile Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre by hometown firm Kobayashi + Zedda Architects Ltd. Opening in late 2011, the centre will also house Whitehorse’s public library. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is getting a $2-million animal res-earch and rehab centre. Also under construction: a $67-million correctional centre and a $16-million staff residence and health services building at Whitehorse General Hospital.
	Conversation starter Whitehorse hosted the Arctic Winter Games five times and built a $45-million multiplex in 2007. But city council faced opposition before bidding for the 2012 staging after concerns it was too pricey. The Government of Yukon has since kicked in $1.4 million and other fundraising has begun.
	Where to Eat Local starchitect Jack Kobayashi co-owns the laid-back Baked Café and Bakery and the 20-minute drive to Bean North is local habit. For dinner, Volare EuroBar and Henriette’s Taverne are solid choices and there are mom-and-pop hangouts galore.
	Where to Sleep Whitehorse lacks the sleek hotels of southern capitals. Still, SKKY hotel is a comfortable option for business travellers, and the Gold Rush Inn is an institution. To connect with nature, the ritziest spot is Inn on the Lake, a worthwhile 40-minute drive.
	Diversions In July, make the road trip to Dawson City for its acclaimed music festival. The 1,000-mile Yukon Quest dogsled race zips between Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska, each February. Racing of another sort takes place during January’s Fulda Challenge Extreme Arctic Winter Adventure as lunatics ski, drive and ice climb their way across the subarctic.