Good morning,

My dad was in town last week, and it’s always a real joy to show friends and family around the Yukon. Village Bakery music, Kathleen Lake, the hot springs, we hit up all the classics.

But by far the best experience was Long Ago Peoples Place. A big thank you to Harold Johnson and Meta Williams for the experience; it was such a pleasure to learn about the history and culture of the Southern Tutchone First Nations. Besides the educational component for tourists, it’s a learning opportunity for everyone in the territory.

Speaking of the land, we lucked out on the drive back from Haines Junction, with two bears sauntering off into the forest, and a massive bison herd on the side of the road. The Yukon really knows how to put on a show.

Today it’s a bit shorter of a newsletter as I’m in between travelling. But fear not, I’ve got another burger review.

Let’s get to today’s newsletter.

– Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

THE YUKON NUMBER

20

The number of years for which the Yukon Water Board approved the Whitehorse dam’s operating license. It’s the final step in Yukon Energy’s plan to renew its license. Read more. [Yahoo News]

THE AGENDA

🌍️ A new study says that the Tintina fault line is due for up to a 7.5 magnitude quake in the future, which could cause widespread damage and landslides. Read more. [Time]

🐻 One bear, booked for being too nosy. The Millennium Trail continues to be a hot spot for bears lately. While one was captured, officers say there’s still a cinnamon-coloured black bear in the area, and the trail remains closed. Read more. [CKRW]

🏘️ The 16-unit housing facility at 5131 5th Ave. is seeing some significant changes. Management of the building is shifting from Connective Support Society to Safe at Home Society, and the facility is redefining itself as a transitional housing program. Read more. [Yukon News]

⛏️The federal government has assumed responsibility for remediating the Clinton Creek asbestos mine, 65 kilometres from Dawson. The Trʼondëk Hwëchʼ First Nation on which the mine operated is also helping, with the goal of the final closure of the site by 2036. Read more. [CBC]

⛏️ Speaking of mine remediation, Carcross/Tagish First Nation will now be overseeing the clean-up of three former mine sites, including the Arctic Gold and Silver mill site and Venus mine. Read more. [CBC]

🤝 A northern free trade zone? That’s not technically what’s happening, but as other provinces liberalize inter-provincial trade, the three territories have agreed to work together to “address barriers to trade and labour mobility” throughout the North, while respecting modern treaties and land claims. Read more. [Cabin Radio]

🦌 So, let me get this straight… if you eat meat that you let go bad, the courts won’t deem you having wasted moose meat? It’s a bit more complicated than that, but a hunting guide was found not guilty of wasting big game meat after he obtained a court order to have his spoiled moose meat returned, which he then ate with friends (hopefully after a vinegar bath and trimming). No one was sick, and the judge declared there was little legal precedent for this since the meat technically wasn’t wasted, though he still faces trial on related charges. Read more. [CBC]

🗳️ Richard Mostyn, minister for community services, who is the current MLA for Whitehorse West, won’t see re-election after 10 years as an MLA. Read more. [Yukon News]

HOME OF THE WEEK

I like this place for a few reasons. First, it’s got 1,700 square feet (which doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’ll make sense later) with three bedrooms and one bathroom. It’s also in the popular Riverdale neighbourhood. And it’s got one of the best gardens I’ve seen on any place for sale.

But better than all that, and why it’s so appealing? The price…

REVIEW

The Airport Chalet? More like the Burger Chalet

Airport Chalet Polar Burger. Geoff Sharpe/Yukon Lookout

If you’re not Born-and-Raised in the Yukon, the Airport Chalet is not the first place you’d think to grab a bite to eat. Up Two Mile Road, past the massive rigs, the wooden chalet is a humble spot, where many people grab some sleep and a meal before catching a flight.

While it’s not the first place you’d think to eat, every time I’ve visited has been memorable. It’s not fancy food, but that’s not the point. Simple cooking, done well, is worth a visit. And who doesn’t love the decor?

I’m not the only one who thinks this, as Lookout readers have hounded me (in the nicest way possible), demanding I visit and review their burger.

“You really need to check out the Airport Chalet.”

“Great service and delicious food at good prices.”

“I won’t read this newsletter until you try their burger.”

The last one is a joke, but you get the idea. Yet sometimes, if you hype it up too much, there’s a worry that it won’t meet expectations. So I tried to go in with an open mind.

We visited earlier in July, and naturally I ordered the Polar Burger, which includes mushrooms, cheddar cheese and bacon. As the burger arrived, I readied myself to keep my expectations in check.

Not only did the burger meet expectations, it exceeded them. This patty was thick and seemed as fresh as any burger I’ve had. In the end, a burger is only good as the beef, and this one was full of flavour.

When you add the melted cheese, mushrooms and thick chunks of bacon, it all came together in perfect harmony. It’s not the best burger I’ve ever had in my life, but it’s a high-quality restaurant burger, enjoyable to the point that multiple visits over a month wouldn’t be out of the question.

I’ll admit this review seems short. I usually take notes, but I couldn’t find what I had written down. But it’s a testament to how much I enjoyed it that the burger is still getting an 8.8 out of 10. I put it slightly ahead of the Roadside Grill’s slam burger, purely because it felt more traditional (and easier to eat).

Any others I’ve missed? Let me know. I’m planning to stop at the Mile 1016 Pub for their burger, but please let me know if there are others I should try.

BURGER RANKINGS

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Family Fun Day at Moosehide | Moosehide, Yukon, 3 km downriver from Dawson City by Boat | Aug. 2, 1–3:30 pm | Games, inflatables, and boat rides from noon | Free

CFAY Festival | Shipyards Park | Aug. 2–3 | Rides, music and family fun all weekend | Free

A&W Cruise Night | A&W, 2222 2nd Ave., Whitehorse | Aug. 6, 9–10:30 pm | Classic car meet-up and hangout | Free

Discovery Days Parade | Peter’s Trailer Court, Watson Lake | Aug. 16, 12 pm | Floats, prizes and a ‘Life in the North’ theme | Free

Yukoners Day BBQ | Wild Adventure Yukon, Whitehorse | Aug. 18 | Pizza, hot dogs and discounted admission | Tickets $10 adults, $8.50 seniors, $7 youth

Arts + Music

The Two Gentlemen of Verona | Guild Hall, 27 14 Ave | Jul. 30-Aug. 2, 7 pm | Outdoor Shakespeare comedy by Yukon Theatre | Tickets $15

CFYT Radio-thon | The Station, Queen St. at Front St., Dawson City | July 31, 10 am to 8 pm | Food, swag, prizes, music and radio fun | Free

Midway Lake Music Festival | Midway Lake, NWT | Aug. 1–4 | Popular summer music festival in NWT | Tickets various prices

Keno Music Festival | Keno City | Aug. 1-2 | The popular music festival returns, with a massive lineup | Free, see lineup

Paradise 2025 | Kettley’s Canyon, Marsh Lake | Aug. 8–10 | Multi-day EDM music fest with 42 DJs | Tickets – various prices

Free 54•40 Concert | Shipyards Park | Aug. 30, 5 pm | Outdoor concert with legendary rock band 54•40 | Free

A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy | Yukon Arts Centre, 300 University Dr. | Oct. 21, 7 pm | Comedy with Carolyn Taylor, Pat Kelly & Peter Oldring | Tickets $50

Atlantis: A dystopian cardboard clown show | Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse | Oct. 14–16, 7 pm | Absurd clown theatre by Ramshackle Collective | Tickets $20

Outdoors and Sports

Family Golf Tournament & BBQ Lunch | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 2, 1–4 pm | Free BBQ and prizes for all players | Free

Mountain View Club Championships | Mountain View Golf Club | Aug. 2–3 | Golf tourney with multiple categories and dinner | Adults $85, Juniors $40

17th Annual Haines Fishermen’s Free Coho Salmon BBQ | Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, Haines | Aug. 3 | Free BBQ with local salmon and festivities | Free

7th Annual Takshanuk Ridge Run | 7 Mile Saddle Trailhead Parking Lot, Haines, AK | Aug. 3 from 8 am | Scenic ridge run with limited spots | Tickets $40

Honey Harvest | Wye Lake Park, Watson Lake | Aug. 7, 11 am | Learn how honey is harvested, snacks provided | Free

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Cultural Gathering of Nations | Ovintiv Events Centre, Dawson Creek, BC | Sept. 18–21 | Powwow, hand games, tea dance, culture | Free

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

WHAT’S FOR SALE

Here are some of the funniest and weirdest things available on Facebook Marketplace in the territory:

• Bonasi Jade plant - $120

• An entire shipping container - $2,990

• An old 1981 Volkswagen Westfalia - $12,500

• A newer 1990 Volkswagen Westfalia - $36,000

• A massive L-shaped couch - $1,250

• Lots of lamps - $20

LATEST STORIES

Good morning,

You may have noticed there was no email last Thursday. And you’d be correct! These newsletters take a lot of time to put together and let’s just say sometimes burnout strikes at the worst possible time.

But I’m excited to be back as usual today with what may be the biggest burger update of the summer. I ask the question that everyone (or maybe just me) has been asking themselves — why are the burgers so good in Carmacks? I’m not sure I found the answer, but I certainly left satisfied.

And of course, there’s lots of news to cover, including some important trade news, so let’s dive into the newsletter! 

– Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

THE YUKON NUMBER

130

Fun fact – this is the number of bridges in the Yukon. [Yukon Highways and Public Works]

TRADE

Trade barriers take a hit?

Doug Ford/Twitter

Are internal trade barriers dead? Not so much, but there has been some movement. 

What happened: On Wednesday, the Yukon government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ontario, BC and Alberta, to break down trade barriers, improve labour mobility and help strengthen Canada’s economy in the face of Donald Trump’s tariff attacks.

The details: The memorandum calls for a few different things, such as “regulatory alignment” and reducing costs for businesses operating in each jurisdiction. One thing that the MOU noted was that the territories have a “unique context” and “development level” that may require keeping certain regulations. 

• Key consideration: Internal trade barriers cost the country around $200 billion per year. 

What it means: As you can tell above, there’s not a whole lot of meat on the bones when it comes to the actual policy changes that would take place, and what it could mean in practice for the Yukon. Carney promised to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by Canada Day, but it hasn’t really happened, according to CBC. 

• The Yukon and the collective territories in the North also face unique challenges that will require a different approach than what the provinces are currently undertaking, as noted in the MOUs. While it’s slow going, there’s at least some progress in the face of years of slow movement.

THE AGENDA

👮 The RCMP arrested a man on Tuesday evening, in connection with a child who went missing on July 20, who later returned home that evening. Police said the child had been forced into a vehicle. The man faces kidnapping and other “very serious” offences. [Yukon News]

❌ On Monday at 4 pm, Beaver Creek was under evacuation alert due to a fire in the area, which had burned around 76 square kilometres. But that order has now been rescinded. [CBC]

🏅 The Yukon government is investing $2 million into sport and recreation organizations, athletes and other groups. The list of groups getting money is big and includes a huge cross-section of organizations. 

🔥 As of Wednesday evening, there were 92 active fires in the Yukon, 17 requiring a full response. There are currently no fire restrictions in place.

🏕️ The Carcross/Tagish First Nation are using all the Conrad Campground drive-in sites for their Haa Kusteeyí Celebration from today until July 27. In other camping news, Ethel Lake Campground is open once again after fire closures.

🛢️ Whitehorse conservation officers are seeking information on a hydrocarbon spill on the Alaska Highway at km 1436 near Whitehorse. If you have information, please call 1-800-661-0525 or submit the tip to yukon.ca/TIPP

🗑️ There are new changes to how to deal with some Household Hazardous Waste. Interchange Recycling is taking over responsibility for waste oil, anti-freeze and other materials like that on Aug. 1 with a collection site at the Whitehorse Waste Management Facility. The facility for disposing of these items will be open Monday and Thursday and the first Saturday of the month from 9 am-4 pm, while commercial operators need to contact the organization directly.

REVIEW

Carmacks, the burger capital of the Yukon?

Carmacks has 588 people according to the last census. It has one gas station. But somehow Carmacks is blessed with not one, but two burger spots that are, surprisingly, some of the best in the territory.

Coal Mine Campground & Canteen

Geoff Sharpe/Yukon Lookout

Everyone has a spot they build a long road trip around. A place you have to stop at, no matter what. For us, it’s the burger and ice cream stand at Coal Mine Canteen, a few minutes outside Carmacks.

Every summer we’ve lived here, we’ve made the trek to Dawson, and on every trip, we stopped for what I had always assumed was the best burger in the Yukon. The soft serve was an added bonus.

On our trip to Tombstone last week, anticipation was high because this time, I came not only to eat it, but to rate it.

The place is slightly different than previous summers. The stand now sits in a renovated trailer instead of the large building, but it was as busy as ever. It still maintains its charm, a long line of people waiting patiently for food as they continue their trip up to Dawson or the Dempster.  

Like many things, sometimes memories are better than reality. You hold something on such a pedestal that, in reality, it’s impossible to live up to. Sadly, it was the case with the burger.

Don’t get me wrong, the burger was good. The cheddar cheese had lightly melted, with a thick-cut patty that was well salted. But it wasn’t as great as I remembered. Still though, it’s a burger worth stopping for.

Geoff Sharpe/Yukon Lookout

Luckily, some memories stay true. The fries were exactly as I remembered them, slightly cut, golden crispy on the outside with a well-cooked inside. Lathered with ketchup, they are some of the best in the Yukon (though as always, the fries don’t factor into the burger rating).

So how did it rate? I’m giving it a 8.3. It’s a really great roadside burger, but the Smashed YXY still ranked better.

Roadside Grill

Geoff Sharpe/Yukon Lookout

Waving inflatable tube arms are not just meant to sell cars, but also show where to grab a burger. 

Roadside Grill, located just across the street from Carmacks General Store, re-opened in June as a small, roadside stand. If you drive by too fast, you’ll miss it. And that would be a mistake.

Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

The menu is eerily similar to Coal Mine Canteen: whiteboard menu, black lettering, cheeseburger, chicken burger, fries, and ice cream. But the big difference? The Roadside Slam, sitting right atop the list. Intriguing and naturally, I ordered it.

What appeared in my takeaway container was one of the tallest burgers I’ve ever laid my eyes on — two thick slabs of thick beef patties, well-cooked bacon and mushrooms, yellow and white cheese… The list goes on. I think I had pickles? Hard to remember with so much on it.

Slam Burger. Geoff Sharpe/Yukon Lookout

There’s something about seeing a burger and immediately knowing it’s good. On the first bite, I knew looks matched the taste. The beef was well-cooked, perfectly salted, with a soft bun. Enough can’t be said about the bacon. Rather than frying it to a crispy tasteless slice, the grill master kept it slightly soft. Well done.

My only complaint, and warning for some, is that if your mouth is on the small side, it’ll be awkward to eat. It was easily the messiest burger I’ve had during these rankings, as it fell apart halfway through eating it. With a lesser burger, it would’ve been annoying. In a burger this good, it’s part of the charm.

Their score? 8.7. The team at Roadside Grill has built a towering testament to well-cooked meat, an overwhelmingly precarious behemoth of cheese, beef, bacon and mushrooms. It’s not just good, it’s great.

If you’re craving a burger, you can’t do much better than Roadside Grill.

BURGER RANKINGS

HOME OF THE WEEK

Realtor.ca

Grizzly Valley sure has some nice spots, and this place is no exception. Except it’s not one building, but two. 

This 12-acre lot boasts a five-bedroom main home with Italian heated tile, open concept kitchen, quartz countertops, wood stove and a whole lot more. It’s really a sight to behold. The guesthouse ain’t bad either.

For what looks like one of the nicest places available in the Yukon, you can bet it’ll set you back a pretty penny…

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Southeast Alaska State Fair | Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, 1029 Haines Hwy, Haines | July 31–Aug. 3, various times | Parade, music, rides, shows, vendors & more | Tickets various prices

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Discovery Days Parade | Peter’s Trailer Court, Watson Lake | Aug. 16, 12 pm | Floats, prizes and a ‘Life in the North’ theme | Free

Arts + Music

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | Guild Hall, 27 14 Ave. | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

Johnny Pogue & the Colleens Alive | 98 Hotel | Friday, July 25 | Come dance to the music of the East Coast and Irish, or just have a cold beverage

Brunch of Dreams | Macaulay House, 907 6th Ave, Dawson | Jul. 27, 11 am | Pyjama brunch with art, games and tattoos | Free

The Two Gentlemen of Verona | Guild Hall, 27 14 Ave | Jul. 30-Aug. 2, 7 pm | Outdoor Shakespeare comedy by Yukon Theatre | Tickets $15

Atlantis: A dystopian cardboard clown show | Yukon Arts Centre | Oct. 14–16, 7 pm | Absurd clown theatre by Ramshackle Collective | Tickets $20

Paradise 2025 | Kettley’s Canyon, Marsh Lake | Aug. 8–10 | Multi-day EDM music fest with 42 DJs | Tickets – various prices

Free 54•40 Concert | Shipyards Park | Aug. 30, 5 pm | Outdoor concert with legendary rock band 54•40 | Free

A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy | Yukon Arts Centre, 300 University Dr (Whitehorse) | Oct. 21, 7 pm | Comedy with Carolyn Taylor, Pat Kelly & Peter Oldring | Tickets $50

Atlantis: A dystopian cardboard clown show | Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse | Oct. 14–16, 7 pm | Absurd clown theatre by Ramshackle Collective | Tickets $20

Outdoors and Sports

Bike Day and BBQ | 503 Hanson St, Whitehorse | July 26, 10:15 am | Bike ride, free tune-ups, BBQ at park | Free

Drive Chip Putt Junior Event | Mountain View Golf Club | July 27, 11 am | Golf skills for ages 6–14, lunch and prizes | Learn more

Mountain View Club Championships | Mountain View Golf Club | Aug. 2–3 | Golf tourney with multiple categories and dinner | Adults $85, Juniors $40

17th Annual Haines Fishermen’s Free Coho Salmon BBQ | Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, Haines | Aug. 3 | Free BBQ with local salmon and festivities | Free

7th Annual Takshanuk Ridge Run | 7 Mile Saddle Trailhead Parking Lot, Haines, AK | Aug. 3 from 8 am | Scenic ridge run with limited spots | Tickets $40

Honey Harvest | Wye Lake Park, Watson Lake | Aug. 7, 11 am | Learn how honey is harvested, snacks provided | Free

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

We managed to get out to Tombstone last weekend. The weather gods were smiling on us because for two whole days, it was sunny with barely any clouds in the sky.

WHAT’S FOR SALE

Here are some of the funniest and weirdest things available on Facebook marketplace in the territory:

• A dragon enclosure - $600

• A 1994 Dodge Roadtrek camper van - $24,500

• Fresh organic vegetables - $6

• 20-foot tiny home - $45,000

• A city bus - $5,000

• Spruce tip/lime jelly - $4

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Congrats to Long Ago People’s Place on their 30th anniversary. I’m hoping to take my dad there this weekend! [CBC]

The Millennium Trail was briefly closed on Monday due to a roaming brown-coloured bear, though there were no reports of aggressive behaviour. [Yukon News]

The Yukon 1000 sounds absolutely gruelling, with participants having 234 hours to get from Whitehorse to 140 miles north of Fairbanks by paddling. Only 30 teams are accepted each year. Here’s a great story from someone who participated in it. [Paddling Mag]

Haines Junction has a new drop box at the front entrance of the St. Elias Convention Centre for correspondence and payments.

Congrats to Stu Qually, who was named the City of Whitehorse’s 2025 Employee of the Year for 2025.

If you’re a CAFN citizen, you can now access language learning on your own time. Email nprimoziclanguageservices@gmail.com.

The Keno City Music Festival is looking for volunteers to help out with the event. 

Cabin Fever in Whitehorse is closing, and people have some strong thoughts about the food over on Reddit…

The Yukon Status of Women Council is looking for a new board member.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Team Yukon was out in force at the Celebration of Lights 2025 in Vancouver, run by Midnight Sun Fireworks, a Whitehorse-based volunteer troupe. You can watch the show in the video above.

LATEST STORIES

Good morning,

A big thank you to the 124 new readers who joined our 2,535-member Lookout community! 

I got to knock off another trail run/hike off my list this week. Samuel Glacier is stunning and easily one of my favourites. I’ve got a mini trail report in case anyone else is interested in hiking it.

I’ll be at the Atlin Arts & Music Festival this weekend, cp,e say hi if you recognize me. If you’re planning on attending, let me know, as I’m hoping to do a story on event for next week’s newsletter.

With that, let’s dive in. 

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

Editor’s note: A few readers asked if I could include event links to all events. One reason I don’t is that many are just posters posted in Facebook groups, without actual links. I also usually don’t include links for ones that are free since anyone can show up. And the last reason is a technical one, it creates a bigger email size, cutting it off for some readers, which is always annoying!

The Yukon Weather Report

THE YUKON NUMBER

93

The number of active fires across the Yukon as of this morning. The fires have burned around 105,382 hectares. As of this morning, 25 have needed a full response.

THE AGENDA

⛏️ An independent review board looking at the Eagle Mine heap leach failure says that the disaster was preventable, with multiple ongoing issues that caused the disaster, including stacking poor quality ore, the steep selection of slope and poor drainage. The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said they aren’t opposed to the current sale resulting in the mine potentially re-opening, as long as the buyer has experience, will work to fix the site and wants to partner with the First Nation. Read more. [CBC]

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun also said they still want a public inquiry into the disaster, to address what went wrong fully. They also called Victoria Gold Corp “reckless” in how it operated the mine. Read more. [APTN]

🚶 The plan to adopt the Whitehorse North trail plan has been paused after the council voted to postpone it, with all councillors voting in favour. Part of the reason was a debate about banning snowmobiles on the non-motorized trails. Read more. [Yukon News]

⚡️ If you live outside Faro you may not be able to hear it, but people in Faro sure can. A diesel plant in Yukon, which looks like it will be expanded, has faced criticism from the community due to how loud the generator operates. It works as a backup for the town and the Yukon electricity grid. Locals are worried about more noise and air pollution. Read more. [Yukon News]

⛺️ As of Tuesday, the Ethel Lake campground is closed due to fire. All other campgrounds remain open.

🍇 Wine lovers rejoice, it may soon be easier to import your favourite drinks from different provinces. The Yukon and nine other provinces have entered into an agreement to allow direct alcohol sales across provinces and territories by May 2026. It’s a non-binding agreement, and things have moved slower than anticipated, but it is an important step. Read more. [Globe and Mail]

🏒 Yukon’s own Gavin McKenna has taken a big step forward in joining professional hockey, choosing to play with Penn State University this season. He’s expected to be the number one draft pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Go Gavin, go! Read more. [NHL.com]

🚘️ Who needs McDonald’s downtown when you can have McDonald’s in Whistlebend? Joking aside, there are no plans for McDonald’s to move there, but Northern Vision Development is seeking approval from city council to open a restaurant in the area that includes a drive-through. Some locals spoke against it because it might generate waste, and cause more idling cars. NVD noted it would encourage residents not to drive downtown to get a meal. Read more. [Yukon News]

👮 A collision that killed a U.S. citizen on Lewes Bridge last fall has resulted in the driver of the vehicle, also a U.S. citizen, being charged. Read more. [CKRW]

REVIEW

Frosty’s is back. And their ice cream is a winner

Frosty's. Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

I’ve lived my entire life in the Yukon, all two and a half years that is, driving by an abandoned building called Frosty’s in Haines Junction, never knowing what used to be inside. It always felt like the place had real potential, given its location on the drive to Kluane and Alaska.

Luckily, Grace Clunies-Ross swooped in to re-open the building, and Frosty’s was reborn on May 24th. 

On my trip out to Samuel Glacier, I stopped by because, as readers know, I’m on a mission to rank every single burger in the Yukon. So, how did it stack up?

The place is popular. Very popular. There was a line when I arrived and a line when I left, a mix of locals, people heading to Alaska and returning to Whitehorse. It had an energy that the best summer spots have, people laughing, chatting and eating.

After a short wait, I ordered the burger and their soft serve ice cream.

The burger itself was nothing to write home about. A simple, if slightly overcooked patty, sharp cheddar cheese and a nice bun, it’s a perfectly acceptable burger given the price. The fries (as readers know) don’t factor into the ranking, but were satisfactory and happily not overdone like others I’ve had.

Frosty's Ice cream. Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

I’m keeping the burger review short for one reason — the soft serve was the true star of the show.

You’d hope a place called Frosty’s would have excellent ice cream, and they deliver. Soft serve is usually either too sweet, or has a weirdly artificial aftertaste. This was neither.

Subtly sweet, subtly creamy, the flavour isn’t that pronounced but is really easy to eat (confirmed by the fact I ate it in a few minutes and almost ordered a second). It also maintained its consistency rather than immediately melting. It’s the perfect summer treat and I cannot wait to visit again.

I’d give the burger a 7.1, but I’d give the ice cream an 8.9, if we were doing rankings compared to other ice cream I’ve had in the Yukon. I suspect their sundae or banana split would score even better.

Welcome back Frosty’s, your soft serve ice cream will keep everyone visiting for a long time.

BURGER RANKINGS

HOME OF THE WEEK

It looks like there are quite a few homes up for sale in the Marsh Lake area, so we’re grabbing one from that area today. 

This one caught my eye, and you’ll understand why shortly. It’s a four-bedroom, two-bathroom, and most importantly, lakefront property. It’s a nice-sized home with 2,350 square feet of space. But what I like the most is that it’s got a ton of upgrades - new septic, boiler, roof and solar panels mean living here should be a breeze.

How much will it set you back? It’s not cheap, but also not insanely expensive…

TRAIL REPORT

Samuel Glacier

My trip to Samuel

It was a beautiful day, trail running/hiking out to Samuel Glacier through the Chuck Creek Trail last Friday.

The weather was about as good as you could ask for. Sunny skies on the way there, with a splattering of rain at the end. There are quite a few creek crossings along the way. After taking off my shoes a few times, I slipped on one rock, and the rest of the trip my shoes were soaked (luckily it wasn’t cold out).

Someone mentioned in late June on AllTrails that they were punching through snow while walking in many spots. There were still some big mounds, but the snow was hard enough to walk over. 

I’ve knocked that one off my bucket list, and am hoping to get to a few more before the summer is over. Right now I’ve got the entire King’s Throne, part of Cottonwood, Mount Boyle, Tally Ho, Fraser Peak and Paddy Peak on my list.

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Fridays in the Park | Valleyview Park, Whitehorse | Jul. 11 at 4:30 pm | Games, crafts, snacks and fun for all ages | Free

Yukon Pride Parades | Taking place in Dawson on July 12 at 1 pm, Whitehorse on Aug. 2 at 1 pm and Watson Lake on Aug. 16 at 12 pm

First Fish 2025 | Moosehide Village, near Dawson City | July 11–16 | Learn Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditions, fish & culture | Free with registration

Knee-high nature: Itty bitty bugs | Jim Light Park | July 15, 10 am | For toddlers and caregivers, join us for free to learn all about arachnids, butterflies, bees, and more | Free

Youth Wildcrafting Programs | Dawson City | Multiple dates in July | For kids 5+, learn outdoor skills and survival strategies | Register

Southeast Alaska State Fair | Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, 1029 Haines Hwy, Haines | July 31–Aug. 3, various times | Parade, music, rides, shows, vendors & more | Tickets various prices

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Fiddle Night: Kevin Barr & Boyd Benjamin & Friends | 98 Hotel | Today at 8 pm | Traditional fiddle night with all-star talent | Free

Dustin Sheldon Artist Talk & Performance | KIAC – Dënäkär Zho Ballroom, Dawson City | July 10, 6:30 pm | Free artist talk and performance by Dustin Sheldon/Calm Rivers

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | 27 14 Ave. | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

The Two Gentlemen of Verona | Guild Hall, 27 14 Ave | Jul. 30-Aug. 2, 7 pm | Outdoor Shakespeare comedy by Yukon Theatre | Tickets $15

Outdoors and Sports

Takhini Area Plant Workshop | Alaska Hwy pickup locations, Whitehorse to Takhini | July 10–11 | Learn, harvest and share edible wild plants | Call or text Dixie, 778-220-1053

Sheep Hunting Clinic | Yukon University, Room A2206, 500 University Dr | July 16, 6 pm | Learn safe, sustainable sheep hunting practices | Free

Dome Dash | Palace Grand Theatre, Dawson City | July 19, 9:30 am | Walk, run or bike the Dome Dash route | Free

Celebrate Parks Day | Wolf Creek, Pine Lake & Tombstone Campgrounds, Yukon | July 19 | Join free events across Yukon Parks

Pine Lake Triathlon | Pine Lake, Haines Junction| | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swim, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Drive Chip Putt Junior Event | Mountain View Golf Club | July 27, 11 am | Golf skills for ages 6–14, lunch and prizes | Learn more

17th Annual Haines Fishermen’s Free Coho Salmon BBQ | Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, Haines | Aug. 3 | Free BBQ with local salmon and festivities | Free

7th Annual Takshanuk Ridge Run | 7 Mile Saddle Trailhead Parking Lot, Haines, AK | Aug. 3 from 8 am | Scenic ridge run with limited spots | Tickets $40

Honey Harvest | Wye Lake Park, Watson Lake | Aug. 7, 11 am | Learn how honey is harvested, snacks provided | Free

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

BREWGA aka Beer & Yoga at Winterlong | Winterlong Brewing Co. | Jul. 12 at 10:30 am | Yoga class with beer at Winterlong | Tickets $12

Indigenous Summer Play Readings | Village Bakery & Deli, 186 Auriol St, Haines Junction | July 20, 12 pm to 2:30 pm | Readings of two new Indigenous scripts | Free

George Johnston Museum 50th Anniversary | George Johnston Museum, 17 Nisutlin Dr, Teslin | July 18, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm | Speeches, lunch, art fair & cultural demos | Free

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

I have to say, the photos coming out of the market at Haines Junction look delicious. Cookies, brownies, dried morels… From what I can tell online (and someone from there, please correct me if I’m wrong), it’s on Wednesdays at 4 pm downtown during the summer, just look for the tents if you’re in the area. 

If you’re visiting Kluane, you can soon rent a boat from FasGas at the RV Park. 

The Yukon River Trail Marathon, on Aug. 3, needs volunteers. You can sign-up here. 

Yukon Fruitstand will be back in Dawson this Sunday for the farmers market, with a whole lot of produce and fruits. 

I can’t believe I haven’t posted this yet, but here’s the Haines Junction Bakery’s Summer Music Series list of all performers. 

The Yukon Food Bank has shared their meal schedule for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Whitehorse is seeking input on Firesmart bylaw and policy changes and its Vision Zero Policy.

There will be a marriage comissioner in Dawson on July 12 in case anyone wants to tie the knot. Contact Meaghen at inspire@raveneventsyukon.ca. 

If you’re a reader in Haines Junction, Yukon Handyman is back in town on July 26 and 27, contact handyman-yukon@gmail.com to secure a time. 

There’s still time to enter the Dawson City Pride Parade, either in a float or as a volunteer. 

A woman is looking for a retired man in Tagish who adopted her dog Tiffany, a duck toller, in 2023. 

YUKON JOB BOARD

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Multiple jobs available, Yukon Health and Social Services throughout the territory

• Executive director and registrar, Engineers Yukon in Whitehorse

• Herbmaster (Budtender), The Herbary in Whitehorse

• Director of health, Council of Yukon First Nations in Whitehorse

• Financial planner, Scotia Financial Planning in Whitehorse

VIDEO OF THE DAY

I mean, how’d they capture this video? Horses frolicking in the mud, rolling around in front of the camera? It’s like they’re showing off and know the camera is there…

LATEST STORIES

Good morning,

A big thank you to the 115 new readers who joined our 2,411 Lookout community! 

Today we’ve got another freelance story from Ben Charland. I think we’ve nailed down a little bit of a series this summer. The plan? Try to write about different communities in the territory. I’m not sure we’ll be able to hit every single one. So if you live in some smaller places (Mayo, Carmacks, Destruction Bay, etc), don’t hesitate to reach out and maybe we can do a story on it!

I will be spending most of the weekend out in Kluane, and am planning to stop by the Village Bakery once, twice, a few times over the weekend, while getting in some hikes. I will also be ranking my favourite food from the bakery in the next newsletter, so if you have some favourites, fire them my way.

Let’s dive into today’s newsletter!

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

Correction: I got last week’s home of the week location confused; it was actually in Tagish, not Teslin, as I had written.

The Yukon Weather Report

THE LOOKOUT RECOMMENDS

New opening: A reader informed me that DK Nguyen Bakery now has a canteen at Frank Slim Building in Shipyards Park. I don’t need any excuse to have more pho!

A big music summer: Summer music is heating up. We just had Our Lady Peace play this weekend, and the rest of the territory is getting in on the action — Atlin Arts and Music Festival is July 11-13, and Dawson City Music Festival is July 19-21. Hopefully I’ll see some Lookout readers at the Atlin festival.

Where to drink: I’m a big fan of both Kita Boba at 204B Main St. and Bliss Brewtique at 4198 4 Ave C. (Though one flag is the last time I visited Kita, it was closed for what appeared to be construction). BBQ King also has bubble team, and while I found their tea solid, the boba wasn’t soft enough. Any other bubble tea spots you like?

THE YUKON NUMBER

4.6

The magnitude of the earthquake that Watson Lake, yes, our Watson Lake, had on Monday. It struck 64 kilometres west of the town, and no damage was recorded. [CTV]

COMMUNITY PROFILE

The Common Good: Three Women Building Community in Haines Junction

Photos by Ben Charland and Lynn Iler

By Ben Charland.

The drive from Whitehorse to Haines Junction never loses its power to surprise. This morning, as the St. Elias Mountains begin to open up, I spot two paragliders — tiny coloured dots against Canada’s highest peaks, a reminder of how small we are next to them.

But that’s what makes the small community of Haines Junction so remarkable. Here, at the foot of the Kluane National Park and Reserve, where the Alaska Highway meets the Haines Road, a few hundred people are building something significant.

My first stop is the Dakų Cultural Centre. “Our House,” as the name translates, celebrates the living traditions of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations while housing the Kluane National Park’s visitor centre and exhibits. Inside, museum panels and intricate artwork tell stories that stretch across generations, like threads in an endless tapestry. A scale model of the Kluane icefields offers a humbling perspective on the surrounding wilderness. 

Daku Cultural Centre. Photo by Ben Charland

When I sit with Lynn Iler in the upstairs common room of her Raven’s Rest Inn, I am thinking about this lineage, as the windows frame the mountains. At 70, Lynn wears a flannel shirt, jeans, and a hat adorned with a small goose pin. The goose, she explains with the patience of someone who has learned to read life’s deeper currents, represents the common good: individual effort becomes collective flight when we align our directions.

Lynn’s journey to Haines Junction began 14 years ago as a one-year commitment that became a calling. She came north seeking to give back after paying off her mortgage and watching her children start their lives. She volunteered as the town’s Anglican minister, and what she discovered was that the North doesn’t just change your geography, it transforms your understanding of purpose itself.

Lynn Iler, Raven's Rest Inn . Photo by Lynn Iler

“I believe there’s a plan greater than me,” Lynn tells me. “My gifts could be used here to make this a better place.” Seven years after moving to the Yukon, she purchased the Raven’s Rest Inn. Today, she offers far more than lodging for passers-by and park visitors.

Her inn’s gift shop features work from over 50 local artists and entrepreneurs that strengthen the entire community. She’s also collaborating with the St. Elias Seniors and Elders Society to bring services like hairdressing to the Junction.

During the pandemic, when her retirement investment became both a lifeline and an anchor point for community connection, Lynn lived on a cot under the stairs. This wasn’t a sacrifice in any traditional sense, but something deeper—the understanding that personal comfort and community wellbeing exist in delicate, necessary balance.

“Everyone’s welcome at the table,” Lynn says about the breakfast she provides for her guests, which often feeds others. “You need every single person in the community. Everyone’s welcome because when you exclude that, you’re excluding that energy that you need to live a peaceful life.”

A quick walk down the road from the Raven’s Rest Inn brings me to the Village Bakery. I sit on a picnic table in the bakery’s yard. Rhonda Powell tells me she needs a few more minutes to finish a tray of lemon squares. Her southern accent and warm demeanour is immediately disarming, even as she gets back to the hustle inside.

The bakery itself pulses with the energy of friendly staff, hungry clientele and a wide selection of treats and meals. Customers line up for everything from sourdough bread to Texas barbecue, which I learn was introduced after locals specifically requested “Texas stuff”. 

Rhonda Powell and Chris Robinson. Photo by Rhonda Powell

Rhonda and her son-in-law, Chris Robinson, took over the Village Bakery five years ago, two weeks before COVID-19 closed the border. Their story begins in a Facebook sourdough group, where Rhonda first glimpsed this place and recognized something familiar in its atmosphere, the same community energy that defines the best of her hometown of Austin, Texas, transplanted north and transformed by mountain air and the midnight sun.

“I love to come out and watch people eat our stuff and say how good it is,” Rhonda explains, describing what sustains her through six-month seasons of 16-hour days. The challenges they face are real and constant. Sourcing ingredients requires weekly pilgrimages to Whitehorse with full trailers, finding staff means housing international workers in on-site cabins, and northern isolation tests both patience and creativity daily. But the community shows up to help.

“The people of Haines Junction have been behind us, wanting us to do well and helping us,” Rhonda recalls. “When we first came here, not knowing anybody at all, we started cleaning up out here and were putting stuff on the side of the road. People came with their trailers to load up our stuff and take it away. Well, this is great!”

Grace Clunies-Ross, Frosty's. Ben Charland

At Frosty’s, Grace Clunies-Ross embodies that same principle. Wearing a white blouse, Grace radiates the focused energy of someone managing multiple enterprises while maintaining a singular vision. She’s the driving force behind Frosty’s recent resurrection after two years of closure, but also operates Top Spot Convenience Store and Kusina Gracia Catering Services with partners Jane Mendoza and Joy Allen.

When Frosty’s became available, it represented more than a business opportunity. “This place has been a landmark of the community,” Grace explains. The soft opening on May 24th and the bluegrass festival launch on June 6th drew people from Haines to Whitehorse, confirming what Grace already understood, that this wasn’t about ice cream and burgers, but creating spaces where connection becomes inevitable.

Her plans extend beyond summer treats into something more fundamental. The indoor seating area will become a winter café, offering simple soups and warm spaces when other gathering places, like the Village Bakery, close for the season.

“This is what we’re missing here,” Grace observes. “In the community, you become friends, you cater for people’s needs, you listen to stories.” After our interview, I watched Grace casually collect a few pieces of litter in the parking lot. For her, ownership, stewardship and community are intertwined.

One of the panels in the Dakų Cultural Centre speaks of “Nän K’atädàtth’ät”: Changing Times, Continuing Ways. Deep in the celebrated Dän (Southern Tutchone) culture is a sense that family is the foundation of community, but that family can transcend blood. Lynn, Rhonda and Grace each seem to recognize, in their own way, that what they are doing is bigger than revenue or even one’s individual purpose in the back half of life. Haines Junction is, itself, a family, one dedicated to the common good.

THE AGENDA

🏘️ There’s demand, but delays persist. Currently, a 10-unit housing complex at  807 Lakeview Avenue in Watson Lake is inoperational because they do not have a service provider. As of now, 21 people have applied for a unit in the complex.  [CBC]

🏥 Starting yesterday, the health centre in Ross River will not have any staff until July 10. Services will also be reduced from July 11-28, with one nurse available. Normal service will resume on July 29. [CBC]

🗳️ The Yukon’s new Premier Mike Pemberton was sworn into office last Friday.

🚴 Whitehorse may be getting new biking trails. The Contagious Mountain Bike Club brought forth an application to city council to build the Amanda Taylor Memorial Trail Connector in Mount McIntyre and the Yellow Brick Connector at Chadburn Lake, with the city helping manage them. Council will vote at a later date on moving forward with construction agreements to build them. [Yukon News]

HOME OF THE WEEK

Realtor.ca

Well, this is a big place!

It’s described as a sanctuary, and I can see why. Three-bedrooms, four bathrooms, with 2,600 square feet, this massive home in Carmacks is not only big, but has a nicely redone kitchen and interior. There’s a great space for entertaining guests, has a nice perk of an in-floor heater and you’re right next to the water.

Of course, sanctuaries tend to be costly and this is no different…

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Art Adventures for Youth | Yukon Artists at Work Gallery, 4129 4th Ave | July 2–5 at 1 pm | Youth-led creative workshops exploring art techniques and mixed media | Free

Music in the Park: Calla Kinglit | Riverside Park, 200 Main St | July 3 at 7:30 pm | Outdoor summer concert with indie folk artist Calla Kinglit by the river | Free

First Fish 2025 | Moosehide Village, near Dawson City | July 11–16 | Learn Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditions, fish & culture | Free with registration

Youth Wildcrafting Programs | Dawson City | Multiple dates in July | For kids 5+, learn outdoor skills and survival strategies | Register

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Major Funk at the Kopper King | Kopper King, 918 Copper Rd. | July 4, 9 pm | Funk band live. Doors at 8 pm | Tickets $10 advance / $15 door

Dustin Sheldon Artist Talk & Performance | KIAC – Dënäkär Zho Ballroom, Dawson City | July 10, 6:30 pm | Free artist talk and performance by Dustin Sheldon/Calm Rivers | Free

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | 27 14 Ave. Whitehorse | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Murder Mystery at the MacBride | MacBride Museum, 1124 Front St | July 4 at 6:30 pm | Interactive detective game set in historic Whitehorse—solve a thrilling mystery | Tickets $15

Midnight Sun Ultimate Frisbee Tournament | Christ the King Elementary School | July 5th | A  day of frisbee, food, fun and a party under the midnight sun | Learn More & Register

Knee-high nature: Mini mammals | Robert Service Campground | July 8, 10 am | For toddlers and caregivers, join us for free to learn all about bats, rodents, and more | Learn more

Caribou Night | Beringia Centre | July 9, 7 pm | Film, speakers, activities on caribou hunting and conservation | Tickets $33

Pika Palace | Keno Hill, Mayo | July 13, 11 am | We'll do a short off-trail hike to look for alpine wildlife | More info

Pine Lake Triathlon | Pine Lake, Haines Junction| | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swim, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

Yukon African Cultural Day | Shipyards Park, 100 Ogilvie St | July 6 from 1 pm | Celebrating African heritage with food, music, dance, and community sharing | Free

Indigenous Summer Play Readings | Village Bakery & Deli, 186 Auriol St, Haines Junction | July 20, 12 pm to 2:30 pm | Readings of two new Indigenous scripts | Free

George Johnston Museum 50th Anniversary | George Johnston Museum, 17 Nisutlin Dr, Teslin | July 18, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm | Speeches, lunch, art fair & cultural demos | Free

Cultivating the Future Workshop | Whitehorse | July 29, 1 pm | Networking, planning, and leadership in agriculture and agri-food | Free

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Anglers, be aware that Little Atlin Lake is closed to all trout fishing until Nov. 30, as well as Tower Bay on Dezadeash Lake until Aug. 15

Speaking of fishing, this year’s Family Fishing Weekend, where you don’t need a license to fish, goes from July 4 to 7. 

Sewer mains are being replaced at Roundel and Summit Roads in Hillcrest until July 8.

I don’t think many youths are signed up for this newsletter, so let your high school-aged kids know that they can register for a Whitehorse transit pass online, now that paper forms won’t be accepted

Congrats to everyone who completed this year’s Yukon River Quest, with 85 of the 90 teams making it to Carmacks. [CKRW]

Tombstone background campgrounds are officially open, and those with reservations can now hike out and camp.

YUKON JOB BOARD

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Lifeguard, City of Whitehorse

• Community adult education coordinator, bridging program, Yukon University in Whitehorse

• Operations manager, Town of Faro in Faro

• Receptionist, Kluane First Nation in Burwash Landing

• Director of health, Council of Yukon First Nations in Whitehorse

POLL OF THE WEEK

What readers said about a downtown commons area

Last week, we shared that Whitehorse is looking at the idea of bringing in a downtown commons area like Carcross. So we asked the Lookout community for their feedback. Here’s what you said:

The sound of ABBA’s classic song “Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again” coaxed out of the speakers at The Bistro in Carcorss, as a burger was dropped down in front of me. Yes readers, here we go again, it was the beginning of another Yukon Burger Review.

After a 10km run through Montana Mountain, and a 16km run and hike on the Sam McGee Trail the day before, I was ready to stop moving and start eating. It was my first time at The Bistro, the local Carcross institution that opens for the summer. As the kids say, the vibe was immaculate — sunny, beer flowing, people happy, you could easily spend an afternoon there. 

The ABBA song is about an on-again, off-again relationship with a man who repeatedly cheats. While burgers have never been unfaithful, there’s certainly an on-again, off-again relationship with burgers in the Yukon. Few have ascended to true burger heights. Would this one be any different?

I ordered the classic burger. The first good sign was the bun, an almost brioche version that was soft and fresh, studded with sesame seeds. It came with cheese, two thin meat slices, lettuce, tomato, red onion and a small dollop of what I think was mayo. 

On the positive side, it looked extremely fresh, with cheese meeting in between the meat, creating that stringy effect. It’s as close to a smash burger as I’ve come across, with two thin patties with a hint of char. While the cheese was delightful and the meat hot and juicy (yes!), the taste just wasn’t there, needing more salt to bring out the flavour (no!). 

Another unfortunate issue was the thick red onion, almost overpowering the meat. Best to cook up the onions or slice them thinner. There was also a lack of sauce on the burger, which is usually fine if the meat has lots of flavour.

We don’t review the fries, but they were undercooked and not salted enough. Someone, please, point me in the direction of good fries! Maybe the correct order was the poutine, which, judging by the food orders at the table next to me, looked outstanding.

This was a tough one to rate. I’m going to give them a 7.8. It certainly seems high for what you just read, but the meat seemed to have a higher quality than what many other places are serving.

Here’s the updated burger rankings!

Good morning,

We’ll keep today’s intro pretty short as there’s lots of important news about the fires in the territory.

I’m looking to get some quotes from anyone in Dawson. If you live in the town or the surrounding area, and want to share your experience up there so far, just hit reply and I’ll get back to you. The same goes for anyone else in the territory who’s been impacted by the fires.

Lastly, a big thank you to all the fire teams working so hard throughout the territory to keep everyone safe.

Let’s dive into today’s newsletter!

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

THE YUKON NUMBER

300 km

Sadly, this year’s Yukon River Quest has been shortened for the second year in a row. The race will once again change from 715 km to 300 km, stopping at Carmacks instead of Dawson. [CBC]

PUBLIC SAFETY

A week of fires in Dawson and the Yukon

Photo of the Mount Dave fire (BC-004) from June 21

What happened: Well, that escalated quickly. Last week, there were 17 fires and now there are 75 in the territory, as of last night, with many impacting Dawson and the surrounding area. We’re breaking down all the biggest fire news you need to know. 

Over in Dawson: Wildland Fire is currently focusing resources around populated areas in the Klondike area, including West Dawson, Sunnydale, Moosehide, Klondike Valley and areas along the Dempster Highway.

There are three fires of real concern — Quebec Creek north west of Dawson, which has burned 3,710 hectares, Rabbit Creek west of the Dempster which has burned 12,149 acres and Mount Leotta south of the Klondike Highway, which has burned 7,161 acres.

• In total, there are 29 active fires in the Klondike area, though only those three are of concern right now.  

Of note, as of yesterday evening, the Mount Leotta fire had reached the highway between kilometres 667 and 675, but had not crossed it. There is also a fire at the Goldfields, though roads remain open. 

Evacuation alerts are in place for West Dawson and Sunnydale, properties along Top of the World Highway from kilometres 1-36, the Dempster Highway Cutoff and Henderson Corner, and properties along Klondike Highway between kilometres 693-672. This does not mean people need to evacuate, but they should be prepared. 

Road status: As of 5 pm last night, no roads were closed around Dawson, though travel into Dawson from the west, the beginning of the Dempster highway, and from km 655 was not recommended. There will be traffic delays from kilometres 656 to 696 on the Klondike Highway.

• Outside Dawson: Ethel Lake has also been issued an evacuation alert, and camping is closed at Ethel Lake Campground. The North Ferry Hill fire is burning north of Stewart Crossing and Silver Lake Trail, and has a modified response. 

By the numbers: A total of 58,967 acres have been burned, with 28 fires requiring a full response. The map below is accurate as of 5 pm on Wednesday.

Fire ban: Wildland Fire has moved fire restrictions to level three, meaning fires are only allowed in fire pits or other containers throughout the territory. 

IQ Air Quality

This chart breaks down the Air Quality Index scores. Anything 151 and above is considered unhealthy, while anything above 200 is very unhealthy. For context as to how bad it got, there were only seven cities in the world yesterday that had an index score of above 150. 

It’s been a tough few weeks for residents across the Yukon when it comes to air quality. We’ve put together a chart outlining just how bad it’s been. At certain points throughout the last few weeks, Dawson and Whitehorse have had some of the worst air quality in the world.

Looking ahead: Beyond the fire danger, air quality will continue to be poor in Dawson, which is projected to be above 100 today and tomorrow. The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Community Hall has a clean air shelter for anyone suffering from the smoke. 

For anyone travelling in the area, it’s best to travel in the morning or late at night when wildfire activity is lower, meaning it’s safer to travel.

• I posted in a Facebook group about interviewing anyone in Dawson about the fires. One person pointed out that I should not be visiting. I was planning on doing phone or email interviews, but their point is correct — no one should be visiting during these times. Hold off on your trip till the fires settle down! 

Here is a list of useful links and sites to follow at this time:

• 511 Yukon for road conditions and closures

• The Yukon emergency update page: 

• The campground status page 

• Use the Alertable app for government alerts

Information is accurate as of yesterday evening. Things are changing quickly, so stay up to date by following relevant government information.

THE AGENDA

🕜️ Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary (though anniversary hardly feels like the right word choice) of the heap leach failure at the Eagle Gold Mine. Now, the receiver of the mine, PricewaterhouseCoopers, is preparing to sell the mine. The Yukon government will not necessarily have a say in who it’s sold to. [Mining.com]

🗳️ The Yukon Liberal Party members selected Mike Pemberton as their new leader and soon-to-be Premier, winning the race by 13 votes out of a total of 873 votes cast. Pemberton announced he has no plans for a snap summer election. He will be sworn in as Premier on Friday. An election has to take place before Nov. 3. [CBC] 

📈 Expect your energy bill to be higher starting on July 1. Yukon Energy received approval by the Yukon Utilities Board to raise the rates by 10 per cent, to fund over 150 different upcoming projects. The decision was approved on an interim basis until the board can make a final decision on the rate increase. 

🐻 The new Yukon Hunting Regulations Summary has been released. Some of the key changes include bison hunting season closing on March 24, and the prohibition of hunting grizzlies within 100 metres on Haines Road from Gribbles Gulch to Unnamed Creek #1. 

🏞️ The Yukon has a new territorial park. The Government of Yukon, with the support of Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the City of Whitehorse, has designated Chasàn Chùa (McIntyre Creek) as a new park. This includes 36 square kilometres of land, with mineral staking now banned in the area.

Haines Junction council will be discussing a number of issues at their council meeting tonight, including hiring another Solid Waste Management Facility staff member, a byaw to provide grants for developers who build rental housing, and a zoning bylaw amendment.

HOME OF THE WEEK

Realtor.ca

If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving the big city (Whitehorse) for the countryside (Teslin), then this may be your future home!

This two-bedroom, one-bathroom 1,142 square foot home is near the lake, has a modernized guest cabin for friends to visit, plus a big kitchen for hosting those friends when they decide to leave that cabin. It’s a big piece of property, perfect for any RV or other toys.

Your dream almost-waterfront property will set you back this much…

BURGER RANKINGS

Hits and misses with The Bistro’s burger

The Bistro burger. Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

The sound of ABBA’s classic song “Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again” coaxed out of the speakers at The Bistro in Carcorss, as a burger was dropped down in front of me. Yes readers, here we go again, it was the beginning of another Yukon Burger Review.

After a 10km run through Montana Mountain, and a 16km run and hike on the Sam McGee Trail the day before, I was ready to stop moving and start eating. It was my first time at The Bistro, the local Carcross institution that opens for the summer. As the kids say, the vibe was immaculate — sunny, beer flowing, people happy, you could easily spend an afternoon there. 

The ABBA song is about an on-again, off-again relationship with a man who repeatedly cheats. While burgers have never been unfaithful, there’s certainly an on-again, off-again relationship with burgers in the Yukon. Few have ascended to true burger heights. Would this one be any different?

I ordered the classic burger. The first good sign was the bun, an almost brioche version that was soft and fresh, studded with sesame seeds. It came with cheese, two thin meat slices, lettuce, tomato, red onion and a small dollop of what I think was mayo. 

On the positive side, it looked extremely fresh, with cheese meeting in between the meat, creating that stringy effect. It’s as close to a smash burger as I’ve come across, with two thin patties with a hint of char. While the cheese was delightful and the meat hot and juicy (yes!), the taste just wasn’t there, needing more salt to bring out the flavour (no!). 

Another unfortunate issue was the thick red onion, almost overpowering the meat. Best to cook up the onions or slice them thinner. There was also a lack of sauce on the burger, which is usually fine if the meat has lots of flavour.

We don’t review the fries, but they were undercooked and not salted enough. Someone, please, point me in the direction of good fries! Maybe the correct order was the poutine, which, judging by the food orders at the table next to me, looked outstanding.

This was a tough one to rate. I’m going to give them a 7.8. It certainly seems high for what you just read, but the meat seemed to have a higher quality than what many other places are serving.

Here’s the updated burger rankings!

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Nature Sprites | Minto Park, Dawson City | June 25–27, 1–4 pm | Crafts, nature play for grades K–1 | Tickets $50

Haunted Yukon History Walk | MacBride Museum, 1124 Front St | June 27 at 6 pm | Eerie tales from Whitehorse’s haunted past on a guided storytelling walk | Tickets $11

Atlin Canada Day Parade | Starts at REC Centre Parking Lot, Atlin | July 1, 11 am | Floats, bikes, dogs welcome, cupcakes at Tarahne Park | Free

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Cultural Day | Mayo Waterfront Park, Mayo | July 1 at 11 am | Traditional food, dancing, singing, crafts, and canoe races celebrating Na-Cho Nyäk Dun culture | Free

Canada Day at Shipyards Park | Shipyards Park, 100 Ogilvie St | July 1 from 12 pm | Family-friendly music, food vendors, and kids activities for Canada Day | Free

Art Adventures for Youth | Yukon Artists at Work Gallery, 4129 4th Ave | July 2–5 at 1 pm | Youth-led creative workshops exploring art techniques and mixed media | Free

Music in the Park: Calla Kinglit | Riverside Park, 200 Main St | July 3 at 7:30 pm | Outdoor summer concert with indie folk artist Calla Kinglit by the river | Free

First Fish 2025 | Moosehide Village, near Dawson City | July 11–16 | Learn Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditions, fish & culture | Free with registration

Youth Wildcrafting Programs | Dawson City | Multiple dates in July | For kids 5+, learn outdoor skills and survival strategies | Register

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

Classic Movies on the Big Screen: E.T. | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, 1171 Front St | July 3 at 7 pm | Family movie night featuring Spielberg’s classic E.T. with concessions available | Tickets $10

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | 27 14 Ave. Whitehorse | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Murder Mystery at the MacBride | MacBride Museum, 1124 Front St | July 4 at 6:30 pm | Interactive detective game set in historic Whitehorse—solve a thrilling mystery | Tickets $15

Knee-high nature: Mini mammals | Robert Service Campground | July 8, 10 am | For toddlers and caregivers, join us for free to learn all about bats, rodents, and more | Learn more

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Midnight Sun Ultimate Frisbee Tournament | Christ the King Elementary School | July 5th | A  day of frisbee, food, fun and a party under the midnight sun | Learn More & Register

Pika Palace | Keno Hill, Mayo | July 13, 11 am | We'll do a short off-trail hike to look for alpine wildlife | More info

Pine Lake Triathlon | Pine Lake, Haines Junction| | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swim, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

The Big Print Steamroller Event | Shipyards Park, 100 Ogilvie St | July 1 from 12 pm | Artists print large block designs using an actual steamroller press | Free

Yukon African Cultural Day | Shipyards Park, 100 Ogilvie St | July 6 from 1 pm | Celebrating African heritage with food, music, dance, and community sharing | Free

Indigenous Summer Play Readings | Village Bakery & Deli, 186 Auriol St, Haines Junction | July 20, 12 pm to 2:30 pm | Readings of two new Indigenous scripts | Free

George Johnston Museum 50th Anniversary | George Johnston Museum, 17 Nisutlin Dr, Teslin | July 18, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm | Speeches, lunch, art fair & cultural demos | Free

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

🌊 A heads up — water levels are extremely high in the Kluane National Park and Reserve, so be careful when crossing. 

⚡️ Those on Robinson Road, at lots 496–650 even, 173–649 odd, excluding 193, will have a power outage on Monday from 10 am to 12 pm while new construction takes place. 

🐻 New signs have gone up in Haines Junction along the Trans Canada Trail about high-frequency bear paths. 

🐕️ In some good, non-fire news for Dawson, the Humane Society has two puppies up for adoption!

🐟️ You can register for the Kluane Lake Fishing Derby at the Destruction Bay Community Hall at 6 pm on Friday. It’s $60 for adults and $30 for kids, along with burgers and hot dogs. 

💰️ The Yukon Beringa Interpretive Centre is part of the Canada Strong Pass, meaning anyone under 18 can visit for free, while 18-24 get half off all summer.  

📜 You no longer have to pay a fee to reclaim your traditional Indigenous name on government birth certificates.

🐻 Someone filmed a cute video of a bear and bear cubs here in the Yukon (I think and hope from the safety of their car)

YUKON JOB BOARD

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Youth Program Coordinator, Whitehorse Nordic Centre: Lead XC ski programs for ages 4–12. XC skiing experience required. Full-time position starts Oct 2025. Learn more and apply [Sponsored

• Junior Development Program Coordinator, Whitehorse Nordic Centre: Lead our youth XC ski program (ages 11–18). XC skiing experience required. 200 hrs/season starting Aug 1. Learn more and apply [Sponsored]

• Public works maintenance worker, Village of Teslin

• Operations manager, Town of Faro

• Kitchen helper, Baked Cafe and Bakery in Whitehorse

POLL OF THE WEEK

Someone asked a question over on Reddit that I thought was very interesting. They asked if Main Street feels outdated. It was in response to Whitehorse asking people’s opinions about a new downtown commons area, like Carcross.

Having visited Carcross this weekend, I personally feel like it’s a great idea to have a commons area like that. While it’s, of course, a lot of tourists, there were lots of locals enjoying a drink at the Bistro. I’m sure Whitehorse could do something similar.

So what do you think? Should Whitehorse have an area like Carcross Commons? Let us know in the poll below. After you vote, you’ll be directed to the city’s survey. Or if you want to skip ours, you can head directly to the city’s survey.

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Photo Credit: Hunter Wolfe - Liard Crew Leader

I grabbed this photo from the Yukon First Nations Wildlife page. A big thank you to all the firefighters and first responders across the territory for their work keeping everyone safe.

Good morning,

But have they lately been good mornings? I’ve been through wood fire smoke in other Canadian cities, and the last week and weekend were the worst I’ve ever experienced in terms of breathability

My partner and I were out fishing on Little Atlin Lake on Saturday. Truly a beautiful spot. Luckily, the smoke didn’t descend until the afternoon. And when it hit… Yikes. I ended up so fatigued that I went to bed at around 8:30 pm. I hadn’t felt that tired since my last running race.

A big thank you to everyone who reached out about advertising with us here at the Lookout. If you’re a small business or other organization interested in reaching thousands of Yukoners, and want to support local media, just hit reply and let me know!

I’ll be passing through Carcross this weekend at various times. I’m planning on stopping at the Bistro in town and trying the burger for Yukon burger rankings. If there’s any other food I should try, let me know!

Now enough with my ramblings, let’s get to today’s news.

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

THE YUKON NUMBER

100+

The number of cyclists who came out on Monday to honour Joseph Morrison who was tragically killed by Adam Lougheed, who pleaded guilty the same day to dangerous driving causing death, driving while prohibited, and not staying at the scene of the crash. [CBC]

THE AGENDA

❌ If you’re travelling on the Dempster, keep an eye out. The road was closed from KM 0-86 on Tuesday due to a washout at KM 72, but was reopened last night. Be sure to check 511Yukon for more info.

🔥 The number of active fires has risen to 17, with 10 requiring a full response from fire crews. There was a fire that started on the 15th at Jeckell Creek, which the fire teams have made progress on. Meanwhile, on the 17th, there were multiple lightning strikes that caused more fires, including one near Crosby Creek. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire was 15 hectares. The latest info can be found at the Yukon Wildfire Hub.

🤝 The Yukon Supreme Court has approved the final part of the sale of the Minto mine to the Selkirk First Nations. The mine was previously abandoned in 2023 by Minto Metals Corp, and the First Nations have purchased the land and equipment for just over $6 million. [CBC]

📈 Expect some price changes on July 1 in Whitehorse. Transit fares now cost $3, while a monthly pass is $75. Parking fees are changing, at $0.50 per 15 minutes and a fine for not having a parking ticket of $40 or $20 if paid in one business day. 

🚘️ Also on July 1, be prepared for higher fines for dangerous driving. There’s a big list of fines that are changing, with many doubling. Some of the most notable now $250 for operating without or failure to produce a license, $2,000 for operating an uninsured vehicle, and doubling, or more, of many speeding fines. 

👷 The Yukon Employment Report for May is out and the Yukon had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 3.6% compared to the Canadian average of seven per cent. 

⛏️ PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the receiver of the Eagle Gold Mine formerly owned by Victoria Gold, is hoping to put the mine up for sale, and sell it by December. A court hearing will be held on June 30 for the company to make a case for its sale. The mine has been managed by PWC during the cleanup of the heap leak failure last year. [rci]

💰️ Speaking of the Eagle Gold Mine, the Yukon government says the mine receiver is recovering the remaining gold from the cyanide water that’s stored on site. This sale will help fund the work and offset some of the public costs that have been spent on remediation efforts. It’s still too early to say how it will be recovered. 

🏘️ Whitlebend will see soon have six new supportive housing units that will help Indigenous women and children, bought by the Yukon Housing Corporation for $6.3 million, and the program delivery for residents will be run by the Council of Yukon First Nations. 

🗳️ In the latest Yukon election updates, the Yukon Liberal Party will select their new leader, who will then become the new Premier, later tonight. The Yukon Party has nominated Aurora Viernes as their candidate for Riverdale South, currently held by Tracy-Anne McPhee. And the Yukon NDP announced that Dario Paola, President of Safe at Home Society, will seek the NDP nomination of Porter Creek South, held currently by Premier and Liberal MLA Ranj Pillai. 

☀️ Watson Lake is getting a solar power plant and energy storage to help reduce the community’s reliance on diesel generators. When running at full capacity, it will replace 24 per cent of the diesel generating power in the town. The investment is worth $28.6 million from the federal government, territorial government and First Kaska Utilities LP. 

🐻 Haines Junction announced last week that bear activity has increased throughout the village, which, if you’ve been following all the photos online, is not surprising at all. If you’re out in the bush, make sure you have bear spray and be bear aware!

👮 An Arizona man was killed in a collision on the Alaska Highway on Sunday, near Marsh Lake. This happened two days after another fatal collision. The Yukon corner is investigating both, but police say there’s no indication alcohol was involved. [CBC]

HOME OF THE WEEK

We haven’t looked at much in downtown Whitehorse lately, so I thought we’d return to that spot today. 

Stylish and in the heart of downtown Whitehorse, this place has a lot going for it. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, with 1,017 square feet, you’ll find a fantastic layout with lots of natural light, a private patio, and zoned to allow work. 

Of course, this close to downtown means you’ll pay a little more…

RESTAURANT REVIEW

At Desycan, Indian food has never tasted so good

Vegetarian Thali. Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

After the first bite of the spiced chickpeas, I knew this place was special. After the last bite of dessert, I’m convinced this is one of the best restaurants in the Yukon. 

Tucked in behind Petro Canada, taking a left after you pass BBQ King, at a nondescript, forgettable storefront is Desycan at 314 Ray St.

The team told me that they had previously served food at Fireweed Market years ago, had returned to Montreal, but were now back in the Yukon and had opened their restaurant three weeks ago. 

Sometimes with restaurants, you can tell immediately it’s going to be good. We were the only ones inside and were greeted with an incredibly warm smile by the server (owner?) and ushered to a table.

The menu is one of the most exciting in the Yukon. You’ve got the standard curry and biryani, but what stood out was the numerous Indian street food items: stuffed puri topped with chutney, yogurt-dunked lentil fritters and chana chaat, just to name a few. It’s a welcome change to standard items. 

There’s also Thali, the first time I’ve seen it in the North. For those unfamiliar, Thali is a round platter of multiple small dishes. Rice, bread, curries, and sauces, it all varies, with vegetarian or meat options. Think of Middle Eastern mezze or Korean banchan. It’s the perfect way to try a little bit of everything. 

We opted for the vegetarian Thali, and the server/owner recommended the Chole Kulche, a boiled chickpea mixture of tomatoes, onions, house-made sauce and potatoes in a bun. I also ordered the Kathi Roll, marinated chicken, with tamarind and mint sauce. 

Skipping out on the drinks would be a huge mistake. They’ve put great thought into them. The Roohafza Lemonade was described as an aromatic rose essence, but it hit bigger than that. Delicious, refreshing and totally unique. 

The Spiced Tamarind was entirely different. Almost like a Caesar, you get the tangy zip of tamarind, with a spicy hit of chaat masala spice that, if you drink too fast, will have you coughing. I couldn’t tell if I actually enjoyed it, but it’s unique enough that it’s worth trying. 

Desycan Cole Kulchie. Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

The server/owner couldn’t have been more right with her suggestions. The Chole Kulche is a steal at $10, overflowing with well-done chickpeas, a sweet and tangy sauce, and a leavened bread pocket that soaked up the sauce.

Kathi Roll. Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

Crunchy, soft and subtle, the Kathi Roll is like a burrito, but crispy on the outside. Where the Cole Kulchie was intense, the roll was much more nuanced, where everything worked together in a laid-back way rather than any intense flavour. 

Vegetarian Thali. Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

Finally, the Thali. I believe it came with the Channa Masala, a more subtle version of what I’m used to, and the Shahi Paneer and Paneer Tikka Masala. I could be wrong on the last two. Either way, it doesn’t matter – the curries were the best I’ve had in the Yukon, an intense, rich, unique sweetness to each one. Desycan don’t know it yet, but they’re now my official weeknight Indian food spot when I’m craving curry. 

The Thali also came with a small Gulab Jamun, a soft, round, spongy Indian donut, served in a syrup of cardamom and rose water, which is the best representation of what the dessert should taste like.

If I had one complaint, it’s that the food could be spicier. With that said, the lack of heat means even people who hate spicy food will be able to enjoy it.

I’m not sure what I expected at Desycan. One of the best meals in the Yukon was not on my list. A place like this deserves a visit from anyone who enjoys food and wants to explore different Indian cuisine. And for the sake of having more good food in the Yukon, let’s hope the team behind Desycan is here for good.

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Nations Skate Youth – Mayo Event | Skatepark at the Community Hall, Mayo | June 23, 11 am to 4 pm | Skateboarding, BBQ, gear provided | Free

STEAM One-Day Camp | Whitehorse Public Library, Whitehorse | June 24 & June 26, 10 am to 4 pm | Free STEAM camp for youth | Free

Nature Sprites | Minto Park, Dawson City | June 25–27, 1–4 pm | Crafts, nature play for grades K–1 | Tickets $50

Atlin Canada Day Parade | Starts at REC Centre Parking Lot, Atlin | July 1, 11 am | Floats, bikes, dogs welcome, cupcakes at Tarahne Park | Free

First Fish 2025 | Moosehide Village, near Dawson City | July 11–16 | Learn Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditions, fish & culture | Free with registration

Youth Wildcrafting Programs | Dawson City | Multiple dates in July | For kids 5+, learn outdoor skills and survival strategies | Register

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Yukon Arts Centre, 300 College Dr | June 18–22, 7 pm (plus June 22 matinee at 2 pm) | Youth musical theatre production by YTYP | Tickets $30+

Painting workshop with Ernest Chua | The Yukon Arts Centre, 300 University Dr. | Jun. 25, 6–8 pm | Silent creation art session + group reflection | Free

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | 27 14 Ave. Whitehorse | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

YUKON WIKD

Yukon Freshwater Fishing Workshop | Yukon University, 500 University Dr. | Jun. 19, 6 pm | Learn fishing tips, knots, Yukon species and more | Tickets $25 | Event link

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Midnight Sun Ultimate Frisbee Tournament | Christ the King Elementary School | July 5th | A  day of frisbee, food, fun and a party under the midnight sun | Learn More & Register

Pine Lake Triathlon | Pine Lake, Haines Junction| | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swim, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

John Kilmer Celebration of Life | Tarahne Park, Atlin | June 20, 3 pm–11:59 pm | Potluck, music, jamming, and shared stories celebrating the life of John | Free

Graze & Gather | Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Alaska Hwy | June 20, 6 pm | Keynote, local apps, Yukon ag networking | Tickets $23

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration | Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, Dawson City | June 21, 11 am | Hand games, live music, bannock & more | Free

National Indigenous Peoples Day – We Wear Our Stories | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, Whitehorse | June 21, from 9:30 am | Dancers, fashion show, market, storytelling | Free

Rare Plant Garage Sale | 21 Redwood St, Whitehorse | June 22, 10 am to 2 pm | Hundreds of rare plants incl. Hoyas & Monsteras | Free

Indigenous Summer Play Readings | Village Bakery & Deli, 186 Auriol St, Haines Junction | July 20, 12 pm to 2:30 pm | Readings of two new Indigenous scripts | Free

George Johnston Museum 50th Anniversary | George Johnston Museum, 17 Nisutlin Dr, Teslin | July 18, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm | Speeches, lunch, art fair & cultural demos | Free

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Whitehorse has installed two trail counters, Hamilton Boulevard Trail at the Canada Games Centre and the Riverfront Trail near Quartz Road and Chilkoot Way, to help understand how people are using the trails. 

While Our Lady Peace is obviously the big draw, a number of local bands will be playing from 12:10 onwards at the  Frank Slim Stage on June 28, including Rising Sun Singers, Taiko Drummers, and more. 

A reminder that property taxes in Whitehorse are due by July 2 at 5 pm!

If you’re in Dawson, keep an eye out for Arrow, a black and white dog that’s gone missing. There’s a reward for her return. 

Congrats to the Haines Junction grad class on their trip to Japan. Easily one of my favourite countries I’ve ever visited. 

Now that’s a milestone – École Émilie-Tremblay celebrated its 40th anniversary last Friday!

Unhoused Yukon has a survey out on developing a plan for unhoused people in the territory. You can complete it here. 

The  Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre is seeking volunteers for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. You can sign up to volunteer here. 

For those looking to read this weekend, you’ll want to check out books from the Whitehorse Public Library by tomorrow, as it will be closed from Saturday to Monday for the holiday. 

Someone put together a super helpful guide for donating clothes, tools, books and literally anything else. You’ll want to save this one! 

YUKON JOB BOARD

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Youth Program Coordinator, Whitehorse Nordic Centre: Lead XC ski programs for ages 4–12. XC skiing experience required. Full-time position starts Oct 2025. Learn more and apply [Sponsored]

  Junior Development Program Coordinator, Whitehorse Nordic Centre: Lead our youth XC ski program (ages 11–18). XC skiing experience required. 200 hrs/season starting Aug 1. Learn more and apply [Sponsored]

• Marketing manager, Northwestel in Whitehorse

• General labourer/core cutter, Fox Exploration in Dawson City

• Environmental manager, Parsons in Faro

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Living culture: The ancient art of sourdough in the modern Yukon

Starters. Ben Charland/Yukon Lookout

A story about sourdough, the North and history.

Read the story

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Well, it was definitely smoky while fishing. Here’s one of the better photos I captured of the trip. I like how it turned out with the smoky air, but would’ve obviously traded the nice photo for less smoke!

Good morning,

A few of you emailed asking about when the next restaurant or burger review is coming. Sadly, none today, but I’ve got a few planned in the coming weeks, especially for spots outside of Whitehorse. So stay tuned.

Here’s a surprising announcement — we just passed 2,000 subscribers here at the Yukon Lookout. That means that around 6% of adults in the territory are subscribed. Pretty crazy…

Now that we’re a decent size, I think now is the right time to announce a big addition here at the Lookout.

Here’s the deal: the Lookout is not sustainable right now. We spend more producing this newsletter than we make. My hope is to make this a local news outlet that is sustainable, which these days is really hard.

So our first big step towards this is launching a new partnership and advertising program for local businesses and organizations. If you’re a business owner or someone looking to reach thousands of Yukon locals, please reply, and I’d love to chat with you.

For the time being, we’re only opening up four partnership spots, since we want to keep this mostly news and events. So make sure to contact us soon if you’re interested.

We never expected to hit 2,000 subscribers so quickly. I can’t thank each of you enough for reading and sharing the newsletter.

And with that, let’s get to today’s news.

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

THE YUKON NUMBER

$7.2 million

The amount of money, in USD, that the Yukon government secured to help fix parts of Alaska Highway in the Shakwak corridor, that includes Haines Junction, Destruction Bay, Burwash Landing and Beaver Creek as it approaches Alaska.

ENVIRONMENT

Fire season has arrived

BC Wildfire Services

Summer is here. That means BBQ in the backyard, camping on the weekend and, unfortunately, the return of fire season. Over the last week, fire issues have intensified, so we’re breaking it all down for you today.

Weekend warning: Last week, dry conditions contributed to a rising danger level for fires in and around Whitehorse. On June 7, the rating was extreme, falling to high on June 9, followed by medium on June 10. Extreme and high mean that there is a big risk of wildfires due to dry conditions. 

Looking back: In 2024, lightning started most fires, causing evacuations in multiple towns. The most notable fire was the Wrong Lake Fire, which was reported on June 19, burned 16,918 hectares and caused Stewart Crossing to be evacuated. Most of the worst fires occurred between June and the beginning of July. 

Current situation: While the rest of the country is dealing with an early and bad fire season, the Yukon currently, as of Wednesday evening, has one active fire with 4.3 hectares burned, and nine that have been extinguished. One near Wellesley Lake is currently being monitored, but there are no fires of note, meaning public safety is not impacted.

• Yes, but: Not everything is fine, especially anyone heading to BC…

While conditions can change quickly, as of last night, the Alaska Highway north and south of Fort Nelson was closed. There is a wildfire North and West of Fort Nelson between Grouse Trail and Toad Mountain, and then another South at Skianni Chief Rd. and Prophet River Rd., according to DriveBC. The Alaska Highway has been closed and reopened multiple times since the beginning of June. 

• Expect another update this morning on the status of both those fires and access to the Alaska Highway.

Looking ahead: Projections show that the Yukon will get hit with a high amount of smoke tomorrow, with Whitehorse affected later in the day. Friday is also expected to be bad. 

What it means: I was in Toronto over the weekend, and the smoke was, to put it lightly, horrible. Fires across BC, Alberta and Manitoba are blanketing the country in smoke. What used to be a rare occurrence is now common. As we approach the prime season for fires, it’s important to keep an eye out at the Yukon Wildfire Hub for all the latest information, especially when travelling. 

HOME OF THE WEEK

If you’re a handyman, need a big shop, or just want a unique house, then this spot out in Grizzly Valley South, just north of Whitehorse, may be for you.

The home has two bedrooms and one bathroom, and it has as much character as you’d ever want. If you like wood finishing, then you’ll love this place. But it’s the extra stuff that makes it stand out, including a massive workshop, a big deck and a hot tub and a greenhouse.

All this can be yours for this price…

THE AGENDA

🍔 Drive through fast food in Whistlebend? Northern Vision Development is asking for a zoning amendment to allow a drive-through restaurant in part of the commercial use area in Whistle Bend, in order to make the commercial area viable and allow other less profitable stores to operate, like a grocery store. There are currently no food or beverage operators in the area. [CBC]

🏡 Construction has begun on 34 affordable housing units in Dawson. The site was previously contaminated, which required remediation, which is now complete. 

🪥 If you’re enrolled in the Yukon Dental Program, a reminder that you’ll need to renew your coverage as it resets on July 1. You can do so online. 

❌ After 40 years, the Yukon Chamber of Commerce is no more. On June 11, the board voted to dissolve the organization. In a release, the organizations said the three other chambers of commerce in Whitehorse, Dawson and St. Elias will work together more closely. 

🏗️ Whitehorse City Council has set its priorities for the next three and a half years. A main one, according to Mayor Kirk Cameron, is building more infrastructure, as the city continues to grow quickly. [CBC]

🚘️ The driving speeds on residential streets will now be a little different in Whitehorse. City council approved a new speed limit of 40 km/h, unless otherwise indicated. Takhini North, McIntyre and Valleyview will remain 30 km/h. [CKRW]

⛴️ The Pelly Barge is expected to reopen on June 16, assuming North Canol Road is safe to travel. The ferry will open later this year than normal, due to ferry repairs and lower water levels. 

🚴 The RCMP are asking for witnesses to a motor vehicle driver hitting a cyclist on June 7 near 91280 Alaska Highway near the Philmar RV Centre. Darryl Tait, a local athlete and accessibility advocate, was struck from behind by the vehicle.

THE YUKON GUESSER

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show | Takhini Arena | Jun. 13-16, 4 pm | If you love dogs, this is for you, with eight confirmation shows, and more

Community Bike Nights | Spruce Street cul-de-sac, Haines Junction | June 12, 26, July 10, 24, August 7, 21 | Every other Thursday 6–8 pm | Bike skills stations and fun rides for all ages | Free

Maker Madness: Summer Camp | Yukonstruct Society, 2180 2nd Ave | June 16–20, 9 am–3:30 pm | Hands-on camp for ages 11–15 in wood, metal & more | Tickets $439

Atlin School Year-End Assembly | Atlin School Gym, Atlin | June 18, 1:30 pm | Student performances, awards & kindergarten grad | Free

Nature Sprites | Minto Park, Dawson City | June 25–27, 1–4 pm | Crafts, nature play for grades K–1 | Tickets $50

Youth Wildcrafting Programs | Dawson City | Multiple dates in July | For kids 5+, learn outdoor skills and survival strategies | Register

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Yukon Riverside Arts Festival | Multiple locations in Dawson | June 12-14 | Come see art and listen to music, with multiple performances | Learn more

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Yukon Arts Centre, 300 College Dr | June 18–22, 7 pm (plus June 22 matinee at 2 pm) | Youth musical theatre production by YTYP | Tickets $30+

Painting workshop with Ernest Chua | The Yukon Arts Centre, 300 University Dr. | Jun. 25, 6–8 pm | Silent creation art session + group reflection | Free

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | 27 14 Ave. Whitehorse | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Out There, From Here: Bikepacking Trip to Lime Peak | June 14-16 | Come explore the space around us with a biking and hiking trip near Lake Labarge | Sign-up

DDY BBQ II: A Hot Dog Extravaganza | Riverside Gazebo, Dawson City | June 15, 1–3 pm | Free BBQ, hot dogs & DJ Glizzy McGuire | Free

Fastpitch Wednesdays | Minto Park, Dawson City | Wednesdays, 8:30 pm | Weekly fastpitch games, prior softball experience suggested | Free

Yukon Freshwater Fishing Workshop | Yukon University, 500 University Dr. | Jun. 19, 6 pm | Learn fishing tips, knots, Yukon species and more | Tickets $25 | Event link

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Pine Lake Triathlon | Pine Lake, Haines Junction| | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swim, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

Spaghetti Dinner & Game 4 Stanley Cup Finals | Atlin Rec Centre Members Lounge, Atlin | June 12, 5 pm | Pasta dinner and hockey screening night | Free

Italian Summer – DH Shoppe’s Summer Collection | DH Shoppe, 130-2237 Second Avenue | June 14, 2 pm | New summer drop inspired by the Italian coast | Free

Father's Day Show and Shine | Yukon Transportation Museum | June 15, 10 am | Classic car show with vehicle entry and family fun | Free to attend

John Kilmer Celebration of Life | Tarahne Park, Atlin | June 20, 3 pm–11:59 pm | Potluck, music, jamming, and shared stories celebrating the life of John | Free

Graze & Gather | Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Alaska Hwy | June 20, 6 pm | Keynote, local apps, Yukon ag networking | Tickets $23

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration | Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, Dawson City | June 21, 11 am | Hand games, live music, bannock & more | Free

Yukon Prize Celebration Evening and Feast of Small Plates | The Yukon Arts Centre, 300 University Dr | Oct. 4, 6 pm | Visual, culinary and performing arts celebration | Tickets $100+

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Frost season has officially passed in Whitehorse, so you can now turn off any frost protection devices. 

Registrations for trapper training workshops are opening up on June 17 at 8:30 am. You can find the dates of the workshops here. 

Seven campsites at Laberge Campground from June 22-27 will be reserved for Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s fish camp. The boat launch and boat trailer parking area will stay open. 

As of June 6th, one of the outhouses near site 19 at Conrad Campground was closed due to a robin family nesting nearby. 

The Humane Society Dawson AGM Meeting is on June 23 at 5:30 at the Dawson Community Library. Membership fees are $20, and are required if you wish to sit on the board. 

KlondikePup Pet Supplies in Dawson is doing an order on June 27th for anyone needing pet food or supplies. For anyone needing teeth cleaning for June, you can book an appointment at Yukon Spa by calling or texting 867-993-3332.

A group of people in Atlin are meeting at Tarahne Park to clean up a bit of the area on Sunday at 11 am. Chainsaws and other tools like that are very welcome!

Congrats to Pedal Junction Yukon, who received funding from Lotteries Yukon to build a bike skills park. 

YUKON JOB BOARD

Discover a new job in the Yukon

• Part-time housekeeper, The Dawson City Bunkhouse in Dawson City

• Instructor/lifeguard, City of Whitehorse

• Board director, Canada Mental Health Association in Whitehorse

• Environmental management system coordinator, Yukon Energy in Whitehorse

Good morning,

You’ll notice today’s newsletter is one day delayed. This is what happens when you don’t properly plan out your travel schedule like I did!

I managed to get out to Kusawa Lake campground last weekend. It’s a reminder of why that campsite is so popular, it’s a beautiful spot to spend a few days camping. I’m looking forward to tackling the big hike there sometime this summer.

Without further delay, let’s dive into today’s stories.

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

HEALTHCARE

New program seeks to increase the number of family doctors in the Yukon

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

What happened: Could the Yukon be one step closer to having more family doctors? A new program partnership with the University of Alberta seeks to do just that. The family residency medical program pilot program is the first-ever in the territory, allowing a medical student to do their residency program in family medicine. The program is modelled after a similar program in Yellowknife that saw huge success with retaining doctors, according to CBC. 

The goal of the program is to embed residents in the territorial health care system, which is considered a valuable way to recruit and retain doctors. The first resident will start in January and will split their time between Edmonton and the Yukon, according to Yukon News. If the program works, it could be expanded in the future, up to potentially four residents after 2027.

• While doctors visit the Yukon, few stay long enough to settle in.

Key data: According to an interview in the Yukon News, the president of the Yukon Medical Association says the Yukon has fewer doctors per capita than the Canadian average. And it’s been challenging to keep new doctors after their locum.

The shortage is acute for family doctors, with around 4,000 families in the Yukon without a family doctor in the territory, according to the CBC. An even more troubling statistic? Around 40 per cent of family physicians plan to close in the next five years. In Canada, around 6.5 million people don’t have a family doctor. 

Why it matters: Retaining more doctors is a huge challenge in rural and smaller areas across Canada, and the Yukon is no different. One key difference that may help retain doctors is the selection process for the program, so the territory can identify residents who are more likely to stay in the Yukon after the program is done.

HOME OF THE WEEK

Is this a dream home in Granger?

Newly listed, this four-bedroom, three bathroom home has a massive deck for having friends over, a big, newly renovated kitchen and 1,900 square feet of living space. It’s the perfect layout for a family.

How much will this set you back? You’ll have to see…

THE AGENDA

🏥 Whitehorse General Hospital announced a new mental health care unit, to help deliver better short-term psychiatric care in the territory. It will replace the existing Secure Medical unit above the Emergency Department, with eight dedicated beds, with expansion up to 12. 

🤝 The Council of Yukon First Nations and the Assembly of First Nations will combine their regional leadership into one group. AFN is an Ottawa-based national advocacy group, while CYFN is a political organization in the territory. [CBC]

🧑‍🚒 Yukon firefighters, as well as a heavy air tanker, have been sent to Alberta and Saskatchewan to help fight wildfires for up to 19 days. Wildfire activity in the territory is currently low, meaning resources are free to send. 

🚰 The Village of Haines Junction is planning to release wastewater effluent from the Waste Water Treatment and Disposal facility beginning on June 12. They are asking people to stay away from the disposal corridor.

🔥 The City of Whitehorse announced that after the successful prescribed burn around Hidden Lakes. The next location they’re planning to burn will be Mary Lake on Monday, assuming conditions are good. There will likely be grey smoke in the area. 

♿️ Dawson is working towards becoming more accessible, while also maintaining the buildings and roads that make it unique. One of the big challenges is the lack of ramps, and accessibility is especially worse in the wintertime. [CBC]

🗳️ Yukon MP Brendan Hanley was recently appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs. 

THE YUKON GUESSER

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Friday’s in the Park | Goddard Park | 4:30-6:30 pm | Virsa Crafts, Yukon Invasive Species Council and Humane Society of Yukon all with things to do, and snacks

Midnight Sun Moppets Children’s Festival | Yukon Arts Centre | June 8, 10 am-4 pm | Arts activities for kids and families, all free | Activities

Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show | Takhini Arena | Jun. 13-16, 4 pm | If you love dogs, this is for you, with eight confirmation shows, and more

Youth Wildcrafting Programs | Dawson | Multiple dates in July | For kids 5+, learn outdoor skills and survival strategies | Register

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Yukon Arts Centre, 300 College Dr | June 18–22, 7 pm (plus June 22 matinee at 2 pm) | Youth musical theatre production by YTYP | Tickets $30+

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | 27 14 Ave. Whitehorse | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Velonorth 2025 Spring Group Rides | Meet at Midnight Sun Coffee/Icycle | Saturdays, Now until June 7, 10 am | Two-hour road ride with other cyclists | Free

Miles Canyon Clean-Up | Miles Canyon Road (bottom gate) | June 10, 5:30 pm–7:30 pm | Trash pickup & invasive plant removal | Free. Food & drinks provided

Out There, From Here: Bikepacking Trip to Lime Peak | June 14-16 | Come explore the space around us with a biking and hiking trip near Lake Labarge | Sign-up

Yukon Freshwater Fishing Workshop | Yukon University, 500 University Dr. | Jun. 19, 6 pm | Learn fishing tips, knots, Yukon species and more | Tickets $25 | Event link

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Pine Lake Triathlon | Haines Junction, Pine Lake | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swim, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

FireSmart Plant Tag Program Launch | Decora and Yukon Gardens | June 6, June 14 at various times | Learn which plants are safer in wildfires | Free

Atlin 2025 Farmer's Market and Tailgate Sale | On the waterfront next to the Tarahne Boat | June 7, 1 pm–4 pm | Local vendors and community market | Free

Italian Summer – DH Shoppe’s Summer Collection | DH Shoppe, 130-2237 Second Avenue | June 14, 2 pm | New summer drop inspired by the Italian coast | Free

Father's Day Show and Shine | Yukon Transportation Museum | June 15, 10 am | Classic car show with vehicle entry and family fun | Free to attend

Graze & Gather | Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Alaska Hwy | June 20, 6 pm | Keynote, local apps, Yukon ag networking | Tickets $23

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration | Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, Dawson City | June 21, 11 am | Hand games, live music, bannock & more | Free

Yukon Prize Celebration Evening and Feast of Small Plates | The Yukon Arts Centre, 300 University Dr | Oct. 4, 6 pm | Visual, culinary and performing arts celebration | Tickets $100+

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Dawson has a handy guide to all their summer activities. You can read it here. 

Until June 15, you can nominate someone from the Community Recognition Program in Haines Junction. 

Car-sharing business Turo has launched in the Yukon. It’s a platform that allows you to rent out your vehicle while you aren’t using it.

Whitehorse has a number of proposed trails that could be built and the city is asking for public feedback on them until June 19. 

Haines Junction is looking for volunteers for the Free Store, for a minimum shift time of two hours from Friday to Sunday. You can email corporate@hainesjunction.ca if you’re interested. 

The next intake of aquatic lotteries registration at the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse has been delayed due to technical issues. They are hoping to have the problem solved by Monday. 

After a long delay, the Chilkoot Trail is now open for bookings, though Parks Canada is reminding everyone it is illegal to cross the border as part of the hike. 

YUKON JOB BOARD

Discover a new job in the Yukon

• Licensed automotive service technician, Fountain Tire in Whitehorse

• Post office assistant - term, Canada Post in Dawson

• Labour relations advisor, Yukon Employees Union in Whitehorse

• Aquatic instructor, City of Whitehorse

• Casino - bank cashier, Klondike Visitors Centre in Dawson

Good morning,

Today is a very special day for two reasons.

The first is that I was actually able to get the newsletter off even while still managing to get over to Kusawa for a quick camp. It will sadly be quick because, in my haste, I forgot to bring some important things!

The second is more important. I teased it last week, and it’s here — I’m excited to announce our very first commissioned story here at the Lookout!

My hope with the Lookout has always been to work with local writers and journalists to produce interesting and impactful local stories. Today is a first step towards that.

I’m keen to hear what people think, if we should do more of these in the future.

If you’re a writer or a journalist, please reach out. Our budget isn’t huge, but we’re committed to trying to build something here in the Yukon.

Let’s dive in!

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

PROFILE

Living culture: The ancient art of sourdough in the modern Yukon

Starters. Ben Charland/Yukon Lookout

By Ben Charland.

It’s after 10 p.m., but it’s May in the Yukon, so there is still a dash of light in the sky. Our kitchen island is cluttered with measuring cups, flour-dusted utensils, dish towels. My wife, Shelaine, quietly places a batch of dough into a Dutch oven and then into the range. Our two kids, aged 2 and 4, are finally down in their room.

For many, this is a familiar ritual—stealing moments between work and family to nurture something else. Our dog, Galena, used to be the twice-daily recipient of such love. On the day she died in April, Shelaine received her very first sourdough starter.

“Twenty minutes with the lid on, and then I take it out. Then bake for another 20 to 30 minutes,” she tells me as she sets a timer on her phone.

The starter Shelaine uses isn’t just any sourdough culture. It’s a direct descendant of the territory’s most famous microbial community, the “1898 Yukon Sourdough Starter” that accompanied gold miners up the treacherous Chilkoot Pass more than 125 years ago.

I picture a weary prospector climbing the infamous trail forty times to transport his mandatory 1,000 pounds of supplies. Dangling around his neck for warmth is a small pouch of sourdough starter: a living culture that is as much a companion as sustenance. On each ascent, he feeds it a pinch of precious flour and a few drops of water, knowing it’s his only reliable means of leavening bread in the North.

A regional legacy

To understand this culture, both microbial and historical, I visited Cat McInroy at Well Bread, her Whitehorse cooking school housed in what was once the Boys and Girls Club. 

The kitchen is immaculate but homey, dominated by a large central island where students gather to learn. Cat herself radiates the same energy as her collection of bubbling starters. These resemble what Shelaine has been keeping in a half-litre glass jar in our fridge: a handful of off-white dough, teeming with hungry bacteria, which quadruples in volume after being fed. 

“Sourdough bread has been around for thousands and thousands and thousands of years,” Cat explains, her voice animated as she traces the history that brought this particular culture to the North. “Ione Christensen’s family is the one in Dawson that has been taking care of this starter since 1898. Her great-grandfather got it from someone on the Chilkoot Trail.”

DNA testing confirms what old-timer settlers have long claimed—this particular starter originated in San Francisco before making its way north with miners seeking fortune in the Klondike. Today, Cat ships dried portions of this historical culture to bakers worldwide.

“We know this because it’s been DNA tested and the DNA of that starter comes from San Francisco,” she says. The testing also revealed something remarkable: “This sourdough really hasn’t been contaminated by other sourdoughs. Nobody’s mixed in their sourdough to it. Nobody’s put commercial yeast in it.”

Art resurrected

The global resurgence of sourdough bread over the past 15 years finds a surprising nexus in a baker named Chad Robertson and his iconic San Francisco bakery, Tartine, creating a full-circle connection to the Klondike Gold Rush starter. Robertson’s 2010 book, Tartine Bread, sparked a revolution in artisanal bread making.

“Chad Robertson is the guy who changed the pace of sourdough bread in the last 15 years,” explains Michael Roberts, owner of Landed Bakehouse in Whitehorse. I meet him in his bustling space, a converted warehouse where the scent of fresh-baked bread mingles with the rhythmic sounds of dough being shaped and classic rock music that pumps through a Bluetooth speaker.

Michael sits at a long communal table, fielding phone calls for orders and directing staff. A delivery driver in a high-vis jacket notes that Michael hasn’t moved from this spot since last Tuesday.

Michael Roberts, Landed Bakehouse. Ben Charland/Yukon Lookout

“Chad showed the world that there needs to be more water,” Michael continues, describing how Robertson popularized high-hydration doughs that create bread with airy, open crumb structures. “They bake their bread dark.”

While sourdough’s scientific principles may be universal, Michael stresses that bread making remains highly localized. “We use local Hinterland grain, freshly milled each week, and we’re supplementing with Canadian organic grains,” he tells me. “Some of them are more digestible. Some of them are harder. They soak up more water.”

Full circle

Shelaine with Bread. Ben Charland/Yukon Lookout

Shelaine pulls her finished loaf from the oven. The crust is dark, almost mahogany—what Michael from Landed Bakehouse might appreciate. “There’s a lot of sweetness on that crust,” he told me during our interview. “The burn is caramelizing sugars.”

I can’t help but think about how this simple loaf of bread links us to the Klondikers of the past. The term “sourdough” itself has evolved in the Yukon, once a badge of hardiness for those who survived a northern winter, now a complex word carrying the weight of history. In 2021, the Yukon Rendezvous festival acknowledged this complexity by dropping the word “Sourdough” from its name—recognizing that our shared stories can, and must, be both honoured and reimagined.

Shelaine sets the hot loaf on a rack to cool. The kitchen fills with that aroma. In the morning, our children will wake up to fresh toast, blissfully unaware of the hours of feeding, folding, and waiting that transformed bacteria, flour and water into something greater.

The starter, now back in the fridge, will remain dormant until next week. It requires attention and care—a living reminder that the most meaningful things often demand patience. In a world of instant gratification, the process is grounding, an ancient process that cannot be rushed, as the past carries forward to the future in each loaf.

THE YUKON NUMBER

20

The number of reported illegal dumpings last year in Whitehorse. This year so far, there have been nine. [Yukon News]

HOME OF THE WEEK

If you’ve been on the hunt for a recreational property that’s less than an hour from Whitehorse, then this may be your dream home. It’s the perfect place for anyone looking for off-grid living and fishing. Of course, there’s no power, running water or septic, but that’s to be expected. 

If you’re looking for an off-the-grid dream cabin, then this may be the one for you

THE AGENDA

🌊 As of May 27, water conservation efforts are still in effect in Haines Junction. The city says they will need to be in place for at least another week while the new pump is installed. The pump that provides the main water supply stopped working on May 25, though the second well continues to work as usual. 

🧊 It was dicey there in Old Crow for a few days. The flood advisory and evacuation alert were partially lifted after previously being initiated due to a potential ice jam on the Porcupine River. Dump Road was closed due to flooding on Saturday but is now back open. Residents are being asked to conserve water. [CBC]

🗳️ It looks like there’s now a race. Businessman Mike Pemberton announced that he’s entered the race for Liberal leader and Premier. He owns Signature Homes, was vice-chair of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and served on other organizations, is a long-time Liberal and says he’d focus on community safety if elected. He joins former Kwanlin Dün First Nation chief Doris Bill, who announced her candidacy earlier this month. [Yukon News]

⚡️ Hey, you wanna hook up? BC and the Yukon have signalled a willingness last week to work towards getting the Yukon hooked up to BC’s power grid, a game changer for the territory. But experts say that it could take more than a decade to happen. [CTV]

⛏️ Placer miners are none too happy about the state of license renewals. The long wait for renewals means some have expired while they wait for renewals. The Klondike Placer Miners' Association has paused all discussion with the territory as they wait for a solution. No work can be done on a site if there is no license. It’s a big deal as half of Dawson’s commercial revenue comes from the industry. [CBC]

🗳️ The Yukon’s electoral boundaries are set to change this upcoming territorial election. There are now 21 seats, with the two extra in Whitehorse around Whistlebend. Kyle Hutton has put together a useful chart outlining how the electoral results would’ve been with the new seats. You can see the new map here as well.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

🥪 Sadly, the Deli Cafe and Eatery in Whitehorse has announced its closure. No reason was given. You can still visit until May 30. 

🏊️ The Dawson City pool is now open for the season, with kids’ time, lanes and camps. 

🐂 The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is going above and beyond to take care of a baby muskox, including bottle feeding it. [CBC]

🎤 Whitehorse is asking for public feedback and ideas on its upcoming budgets, you can do so here.

NEW JOBS

Discover a new job in the Yukon

• Newcomer Engagement Settlement and Training (N.E.S.T) Project Coordinator, Yukon Literacy Coalition in Whitehorse

• Housing Manager, Ross River Dena Council in Ross River

• Director of Human Resources, Carcross/Tagish First Nation in Carcross

• Bagel Baker, Bullet Hole Bagels in Whitehorse

• Financial Controller, North 60 Petro LTD. in Whitehorse

THE YUKON GUESSER

Can you guess which campground this is?

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Fridays in the Park | Hillcrest Park | 4:30-6:30 pm | Lots of groups participating, including the Humane Society, Yukon Literacy Centre, Yukon Invasive Species Council, all doing education seminars, games and more | Free

Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis | Wye Lake Park, Watson Lake | May 31, 10:30 am | Fundraising walk and BBQ for CF Yukon | Free

Midnight Sun Moppets Children’s Festival | Yukon Arts Centre | June 8, 10 am-4 pm | Arts activities for kids and families, all free | Activities

Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show | Takhini Arena | Jun. 13-16, 4 pm | If you love dogs, this is for you, with eight confirmation shows, and more

Youth Wildcrafting Programs | Dawson | Multiple dates in July | For kids 5+, learn outdoor skills and survival strategies | Register

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Opening Reception for New Exhibits | The Yukon Arts Centre | June 5, 5-7 pm | Cocktails and appetizers, along with the new exhibits

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Yukon Arts Centre, 300 College Dr | June 18–22, 7 pm (plus June 22 matinee at 2 pm) | Youth musical theatre production by YTYP | Tickets $30+

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | 27 14 Ave. Whitehorse | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Velonorth 2025 Spring Group Rides | Meet at Midnight Sun Coffee/Icycle | Saturdays, Now until June 7, 10 am | Two-hour road ride with other cyclists | Free

Seed Library Talk | Whitehorse Community Garden | May 29, 12-1 pm | Get your gardening questions answered | Register by emailing emrlibrary@yukon.ca 

Orchid Trail Walk | West Dawson (meeting location shared upon registration) | May 31, 1 pm | Guided orchid hike with Sebastian Jones | Free

Seeds + Seedlings Exchange | Dawson Community Garden and Green House, Dawson City | May 31, 10 am | Share and trade seeds and seedlings | Free

The Ball & Chain Challenge - Hybrid Golf for a Good Cause | 3 Olive Place | May 31 | Disc golf fundraiser with live music, bbq and games, includes game, food and drink tickets | $500 per team of four

Southern Lakes Yukon Gran Fondo | Starting at McClintock Bay | June 1, 10 am | If you can bike 173 km, then this is for you! | Learn more

Out There, From Here: Bikepacking Trip to Lime Peak | June 14-16 | Come explore the space around us with a biking and hiking trip near Lake Labarge | Sign-up

Yukon Freshwater Fishing Workshop | Yukon University, 500 University Dr. | Jun. 19, 6 pm | Learn fishing tips, knots, Yukon species and more | Tickets $25 | Event link

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Pine Lake Triathlon | Haines Junction, Pine Lake | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swim, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

Square Dancing at the Copperbelt | MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum | May 31, 7 pm | All-ages evening of square and round dances | Tickets $15 non-members

Winterlong Turns 10 | Winterlong Brewing | May 31, 12 pm-7 pm | Live music, fun and more with their biggest anniversary celebration yet

Italian National Day | 90351 Alaska Hwy | June 1–2, 12 pm | Italian food and outdoor celebration | Free

Wings Wednesdays | Island Eats, Dawson City | June 4, and every Wednesday | $1 wings, enough said

FireSmart Plant Tag Program Launch | Decora and Yukon Gardens | June 6, June 14 at various times | Learn which plants are safer in wildfires | Free

Father's Day Show and Shine | Yukon Transportation Museum | June 15, 10 am | Classic car show with vehicle entry and family fun | Free to attend

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration | Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, Dawson City | June 21, 11 am | Hand games, live music, bannock & more | Free

Yukon Prize Celebration Evening and Feast of Small Plates | The Yukon Arts Centre, 300 University Dr | Oct. 4, 6 pm | Visual, culinary and performing arts celebration | Tickets $100+

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

YUKON JOB BOARD

Discover a new job in the Yukon

• Head route setter/program coordinator, Climb Yukon Collective in Whitehorse

• Community housing coordinator, Government of Yukon in Whitehorse

• Building services manager, City of Whitehorse

• Mining liaison, First Nation of Na Cho Nyäk Dun in Mayo

• Custodian, Atlin School in Atlin

Can there be a best burger? That’s a great question that we’re working hard to answer.

We’re fanning out across the Yukon, trying different burgers to crown the winner. Beef, bison, salmon, any and all burgers will be rated.

Burgers will be added to the leaderboard as we try them. For now, here’s the standings. You can find a review of each burger below the rankings.

Smashed YXY has everything you want in a burger

Smashed YXY burger. Yukon Lookout/Geoff Sharpe

Since I started the burger rankings, Smashed YXY has been the most requested place by readers.

I had thought, based on the name, it would be a smashburger, my second favourite form of burger after Oklahoma-style onion burgers (which you have to try making with this recipe). Traditional smashburgers are formed into a ball and pressed down into a thin patty, creating a crispy layer on the grill. Topped with cheese, you’d be hard pressed to find a better burger.

Let’s get the bad part out of the way first. Smash YXY, as the name would imply, does not offer a traditional smashburger. The patty, as you can see is thicker than a smashburger, and mine at least did not have much crispiness on the outside.

Now the good news — it’s a great burger, the best I’ve had so far. The beef is well-cooked and flavourful, the cheese is real cheddar and not processed, and you’ve got a sturdy bun that holds it all together.

Read the story

Dirty Northern's burger is a winner

Dirty Northern bison burger. Geoff Sharpe/The Yukon Lookout

It was one of those nights where you want, no, you need to have a burger. We hadn’t been to Dirty Northern since last summer, so thought now would be a good time to return.

The list of burgers is solid, with six options that will satisfy just about anyone — beef, bison, chicken, veggie, it’s all there. The prices range from $24.50 to $26.50, which is on par for living in the Yukon.  

I love onion jam, so opted for the Bison Burger and a side of fries.

The burger itself is a bit on the smaller side. Not McDonald’s size, but the patty itself won’t necessarily leave you feeling full. Luckily the fries are massive, well-cooked, and enough to fill anyone up. Could these be the best fries in Whitehorse? Potentially!

Read the story

Mile 1016 Pub has a darn good fresh salmon burger

Mile 1016 Pub salmon burger. Geoff Sharpe/The Yukon Lookout

I was told by a friend that I made a terrible mistake ordering the salmon burger at Mile 1016 Pub instead of their house burger. Why? Because, according to them, it’s the best burger in the Yukon.

Point taken. I’ll have to visit again!

Even with that sad bit of knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed the pub’s salmon burger. I was informed it was a homemade patty of Alaskan salmon, none of that store-bought stuff. 

The burger was cooked well, though it had a faint disappointing aftertaste of oil. Sizing for fish burgers is always an issue, as many places skimp on the patty. Thankfully, they did not. The bun was also excellent, and was soft without breaking apart. 

While I don’t include fries in my review, they were sadly practically inedible, over-fried to the point of being hard, with a strong aftertaste of deep fryer oil. My friend said they’re usually good, so I’ll have to try them again next time.

Overall, I’d give the burger a solid 7.6, though we’ll have to see how it holds up against their own burger next time.

Whiskey Jacks' mozza mushroom burger is one big burger

Whiskey Jacks Pub and Grill Mozza Mushroom burger. Geoff Sharpe/The Yukon Lookout

As my friends and I pounded back schooners at 12:30 am last month, I came to a realization — Whiskey Jacks is the perfect neighbourhood pub. Walkable from the neighbourhood, friendly staff, great deals and affordable beer, what else do you want?

The only thing I can think of is good food.

I ordered the Mushroom Mozza burger, and true to form, it was loaded with both. Mozzarella is a great addition to a burger, giving it a more subtle flavour than the classic American or cheddar, and a different texture. The size of the patty is also top-notch and should fill anyone up.

I would’ve ranked it higher, but the addition of the onion rings was a miss. They were overly deep-fried, and it completely overpowered the rest of the burger’s taste. I get the idea, and usually welcome creativity. But in this case, it didn’t work.

I gave it a 6.5. That’s not to say it was bad or not worth trying. It just didn’t hold up to the other ones I’ve tried recently. 

The Klonbite food truck has always been a bit of an enigma to me, though not in a bad way. 

Usually, food trucks have a consistent style of food. Azhong has Chinese Noodles, Daat has Indian food and Crepetown has, well, you get the idea.

Klonbite? Their latest menu is a mix of poke bowls, seafood and squash chowder, and churros. Talk about a mix!

A sign perched precariously at the ordering window made that ot clear their animating theme is a commitment to local ingredients — arctic char, potatoes from Yukon Grain Farm, haksap berries from Circle D Ranch, just to name a few.

While the menu is eclectic, the team clearly has talent. Previous food times they’ve created are not run-of-the-mill meals. Over on Instagram they’ve made beef bourguignon, elk empanadas and haskap chicken roulade.

I had a long list of places to visit, so I stuck with ordering one thing, the arctic char chowder, made with arctic char, clams, bacon, potato, celery, fennel and dill. 

Chowder can easily be done wrong. Too much clumpy roux, not enough fish, poorly cooked potatoes are just a few. This was not one of those, and I dare say, is one of the best I’ve come across.

The fish and clams were fresh, and not overcooked in the slightest, the base had a lovely fish taste, but what really stood out was the addition of fennel. It’s the perfect slightly sweet vegetable, an addition that, upon tasting, you instantly realize that a talented chef/s knew instinctively that it would elevate the soup.

Klonbite’s choice of a medley of menu items doesn’t reflect a team grasping for things to cook — the lack of consistency speaks to a team focused on local ingredients, overflowing with talent that a food truck can barely contain.

Frankly, I can’t wait to try the rest of their food. 

Since I started the burger rankings, Smashed YXY has been the most requested place by readers.

I had thought, based on the name, it would be a smashburger, my second favourite form of burger after Oklahoma-style onion burgers (which you have to try making with this recipe). Traditional smashburgers are formed into a ball and pressed down into a thin patty, creating a crispy layer on the grill. Topped with cheese, you’d be hard pressed to find a better burger.

Let’s get the bad part out of the way first. Smash YXY, as the name would imply, does not offer a traditional smashburger. The patty, as you can see is thicker than a smashburger, and mine at least did not have much crispiness on the outside.

Now the good news — it’s a great burger, the best I’ve had so far. The beef is well-cooked and flavourful, the cheese is real cheddar and not processed, and you’ve got a sturdy bun that holds it all together.

I like that it’s not trying too hard. You won’t find any onion rings or other toppings (though you can certainly order one with it). It’s letting the meat itself do the heavy lifting, which the best burgers do.

One suggestion for the team is to put the cheese on earlier when cooking, or cover it with something, so the cheese melts more into the burger.

It was interesting to note that some of their photos on Facebook show a much more traditional smashburger style of thin patties. Maybe this was just one that didn’t get enough frying? Or maybe I’m hallucinating…

We don’t include the fries in our burger rankings, but they were excellent. Not over- or undercooked, they were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a sizable portion size. Easily some of the best I’ve had.

I’m giving them an 8.5. It’s an excellent burger that easily jumps to the top in the territorial rankings (at least so far!).

Good morning,

It’s been a few months since we started the Lookout and to say I’m surprised would be an understatement. We are almost at 2,000 newsletter subscribers, many of you have reached out directly sharing ideas and stories and I’ve even managed to meet a few of you in person.

But it feels we’ve only scratched the surface. There’s a lot more we can do.

So a few weeks ago, I met with a writer to commission our very first story. It’s not quite ready yet, but it’s close. And I can’t wait to share it.

Why is this a big deal? Because I believe it’s the next step for the Lookout. Local news is a really tough place to be right now. But with so many of you reaching out, sharing the Lookout and providing feedback, I feel like we might be onto something here.

All this to say, thanks for sticking around.

Now let’s get to today’s newsletter

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

TERRITORY

Yukon energy costs could be set to rise

Yukon Energy Facebook page.

What happened: If you thought energy prices were expensive already, well, I’ve got some potential bad news for you — Yukon Energy Corporation has applied to the Yukon Utilities Board to spend an additional $350 million over the next three years.

How it would impact you: Yukon Energy says that it would increase the cost of electricity by about $25-$30 per month for 2025-2027, for anyone who uses an average of 1,000 kWh of electricity. The cost increase is estimated to be around 34 per cent over three years.

Yukon Energy has identified a number of projects they wishes to fund, including completing the battery energy storage system, renewing water licenses in communities around the Yukon, and replacing aging diesel units in Mayo and Whitehorse, amongst other things. 

• The biggest line item is $180 million for upgrading the Mayo generating station and preventing ongoing rockslides.

Zoom out: The Northwest Territories is also weighing a rate hike of 15 per cent, to cover rising fuel costs, inflation and capital projects, according to CBC.

What it means: It’s not just Yukon grappling with energy price increases. Canada-wide, prices increased by 14.2 per cent on average between 2020 to 24, with Whitehorse having the third highest at 22.4 per cent, while Alberta’s was a shocking 40.1 per cent, according to the Globe and Mail. Aging infrastructure is always a challenge when it comes to costs.

• Using these capital costs to upgrade infrastructure is spread out over multiple years, which is the case in the Yukon. Some of the existing infrastructure is over 60 years old. However, it will be up to the Yukon Utilities Board to approve the increase.

Next steps: A public review of the rate increase is set to take place in the coming months, according to CBC, and could take up to a year to review by the Yukon Utilities Board. A technical workshop will be held on May 29 and more information on that meeting can be found here.

HOME OF THE WEEK

Realtor.ca

Is this about as Northern a style of living as you can get?

Close to Whitehorse, 15 acres, rural, a serviced rental cabin, and a massive shop… It really has it all. The home itself is not too shabby, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,761 square feet of living space.

But how much will this slice of Yukon set you back?

THE AGENDA

🏗️ The City of Dawson has released more details on the new recreation centre. It would include a skating rink, two curling sheets, a fitness centre, an indoor play area, a community kitchen and an indoor walking rink. The bleachers would be able to hold around 150 people. You can see a video rendering walk-through here. 

💰️ Speaking of recreation centres, Haines Junction has received $110,000 in planning funds for its future recreation centre. The location could include an aquatics centre, fitness area, and a multi-use space. But don’t get too excited yet, the money is just for the initial design phase. For context, Dawson’s new recreation centre is slated to cost $65 million. 

🧑‍⚖️ A man has alleged in a statement of claim in the Yukon Court that he lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in an immigration fraud scheme, where an immigration consultant funnelled money into her partner’s business. Multiple companies are named in the lawsuit, including the owners of the Yukon Mart. None of the allegations have been proven in court. [CBC]

🚨 A man has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving, including one causing death, in the collision on Aug. 2 of last year that killed a Yukon civil servant on the Alaska Highway. 

🔥 Heads up that there will likely be a prescribed burn on May 26 near Hidden Lakes trail. Access to Chadburn Lake Road may be restricted for part of the time. 

🎤 The City of Whitehorse is seeking public input on their Climate Action Plan. You can contribute until June 20 by following this link.

YUKON BURGER RANKINGS

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

🛣️ The Top of the World Highway and the Alaska/Canada border crossing near Dawson are now open for the season. 

🚵 As of May 16, Pay Dirt and Whipsaw biking trails are closed around Dawson. Many others are open, along with hiking trails around the city. 

🏪 The Haines Junction Free Store is now open Friday-Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm for anyone who wishes to donate. Reminder that food, water bottles and large items cannot be donated. Large items can be shared in their new Facebook group.

🏊️ Dawson’s pool is not yet open as of a Facebook update on Monday, though they are hoping to open it this week. 

🖼️ A bunch of exhibits are ending on Friday at the Yukon Arts Centre, so there’s still time to check them out if you haven’t already. 

🚤 The Lake Laberge campground boat launch is complete and is now once again open. 

🎥 The National Film Board is now streaming Saturday, by Yukon filmmaker Jessica Hall.

🏘️ Dawson has announced development grants of up to $20,000 to support garden suites for rental housing. You can learn more about it here.

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Midnight Sun Moppets Children’s Festival | Yukon Arts Centre | June 8, 10 am-4 pm | Arts activities for kids and families, all free | Activities

Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show | Takhini Arena | Jun. 13-16, 4 pm | If you love dogs, this is for you, with eight confirmation shows, and more

Youth Wildcrafting Programs | Dawson | Multiple dates in July | For kids 5+, learn outdoor skills and survival strategies | Register

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

A Conversation with Mary Walsh | The Sternwheeler Hotel | May 23, 7-9 pm | A night of wit, wisdom and laughs with This Hour Has 22 Minutes alum Mary Walsh | Tickets $55

Opening Reception for New Exhibits | The Yukon Arts Centre | June 5, 5-7 pm | Cocktails and appetizers, along with the new exhibits

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Short Walks for Short Nights at ‘Round Back | 27 14 Ave. Whitehorse | July 24, 7-9 pm | Live performances, storytelling, musicians and artists | Tickets $12

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Velonorth 2025 Spring Group Rides | Meet at Midnight Sun Coffee/Icycle | Saturdays, Now until June 7, 10 am | Two-hour road ride with other cyclists | Free

Wolf Creek Fry Release | Wolf Creek Campground | May 25, 11 am-2 pm | Learn about Chinook salmon conservation efforts, free BBQ lunch and help release the salmon into the creek

Seed Library Talk | Whitehorse Community Garden | May 29, 12-1 pm | Get your gardening questions answered | Register by emailing emrlibrary@yukon.ca 

The Ball & Chain Challenge - Hybrid Golf for a Good Cause | 3 Olive Place | Disc golf fundraiser with live music, bbq and games, includes game, foo,d and drink tickets | $500 per team of four

Southern Lakes Yukon Gran Fondo | Starting at McClintock Bay | June 1, 10 am | If you can bike 173 km, then this is for you! | Learn more

Out There, From Here: Bikepacking Trip to Lime Peak | June 14-16 | Come explore the space around us with a biking and hiking trip near Lake Labarge | Sign-up

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Pine Lake Triathlon | Haines Junction, Pine Lake | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swm, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

Yukon Innovation Day | Multiple locations in Whitehorse | May 22 | Events to celebrate and showcase local innovators and entrepreneurs | Learn more

Jody Wilson-Raybould in Conversation with Ivan Coyote | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | May 22, 6 pm | Come meet and hear from The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould as she discusses her new book | Free

German Springfest | 90351 Alaska Highway | May 24, 5-9 pm | Different German foods to try

Hootalinqua Volunteer Fire Department BBQ | 427 Klondike Highway | May 25, 10 am-3 pm | Community BBQ, market and garage sale, kids can tour the fire trucks

Winterlong Turns 10 | Winterlong Brewing | May 31, 12 pm-7 pm | Live music, fun and more with their biggest anniversary celebration yet

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

YUKON JOB BOARD

Discover a new job in the Yukon

• Head route setter/program coordinator, Climb Yukon Collective in Whitehorse

• Community housing coordinator, Government of Yukon in Whitehorse

• Building services manager, City of Whitehorse

• Mining liaison, First Nation of Na Cho Nyäk Dun in Mayo

• Custodian, Atlin School in Atlin

THE YUKON WORDLE

Think you can guess this week’s Yukon Wordle? It has something to do with the changing weather. Play it here.

Good morning,

And welcome to the 84 new readers who joined the Lookout this week. And a big thanks to all 1,976 Yukoners who read this newsletter.

It feels like summer has officially arrived. No, not because of the weather, which has been pretty mediocre so far, but because campgrounds are now open. Some rules have changed, so it’s always worth revisiting them.

Today is a shorter newsletter than normal, but I hope you still enjoy it! We’ve got a quick update on the Fireweed Market and some feedback from readers.

Also happy birthday to Kent Pigott! If you refer one person to the newsletter, you get a birthday shout-out like we just did for Kent. We’re only 25 readers away from 2,000 so consider forwarding this or sharing the newsletter with your friends and family. 

Let’s dive in. 

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

GOVERNMENT

The Fireweed Community Market is back

Fireweed Market/Instagram

What happened: The popular Fireweed Market returned to Whitehorse last week. It features many new and old returning favourites. You can catch it every Thursday, from 3-7 pm until Sept. 18.

Here’s the list of vendors so far:

My personal favourites:

• Half Moon Ice Cream is serving up some spectacular flavours

• Daat indian Cuisine has some of the best Indian food in the territory

• I always love grabbing sausages from Tum Tum’s

• Any of the produce from the local farms. Having access to fresh produce in one spot like that makes cooking so much better. 

On my radar: I’m really looking forward to trying Out of the Blue Wood-Fired Pizza. It always struck me as surprising that no one was making pizza like this at the market. I’ll report back!

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone out there!

YUKON NUMBERS

👍️ $1 million: The amount a Yukon group won for the Arctic Inspiration Prize, a yearly award where money is given to fund education, health and other programs. That amount, the biggest of the grants given, will go to the Council of the Yukon First Nations’ Bibia Nàtsät Ku, a new Indigenous midwifery and reproductive health care program. [Yahoo News]

HOME OF THE WEEK

Alright, this is a cute home.

Close to Atlin, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom 1980 square feet is nicely designed without much upkeep needed. But what really stands out is the five acres of property, perfect for someone who wants to get their hands dirty with a garden or anything else.

This is how much this beauty of a place will set you back…

THE AGENDA

🌊 Those living in Dawson and in the lower Yukon River basin should be aware that flooding is possible this spring. According to the Yukon government, the Dawson/Klondike snowpack is 177 per cent above the historical median for May 1. The only other above-average is Central Yukon (Carmacks area). Southern regions should expect lower to average freshet runoffs. 

🗳️ After last week’s announcement that Premier Ranj Pillai was planning to step down, many were wondering who might take his place. One person has already announced they plan to run — former Kwanlin Dün chief Doris Bill. She was chief from 2014 to 2022. She said in her announcement that she’d focus on justice reform, improving the health system and responsible mining. No other candidate has stepped forward as of yet. The Liberal Party has set a date of June 19 to choose a new leader. [APTN]

🏫 The Yukon government released the latest Health and Health-Related Behaviours among Young People report based on data from 2022. Some key findings include that bullying was down from 2018, and cannabis use was lower.

⛴️ The George Black Ferry is once again crossing the Yukon River as of Monday. The ferry runs seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 

🚓 The RCMP Historical Case Unit is seeking the public’s help over the death of Tootsie Jimmy-Charlie. She was found dead on May 17, 1967 at the old Whitehorse landfill at McIntyre Creek. 

🕯️ Last Friday, the Canadian Filipino Association of Yukon held a prayer vigil for the victims of the Lapu Lapu Day Destival attack in Vancouver. 

🍖 There has been a rise in wasted caribou meat in Northern Yukon. Discarded meat was discovered in the Old Crow Landfill in April, an abandoned caribou carcass was found near Porcupine River, and along the Dempster Highway near River Rock. If you have any information, please contact Yukon Conservation Officer Services at 1-800-661-0525.

SURVEY

What you said about community summer guides

Well, that was an overwhelming response! Not only did over 100 of you respond, 90 per cent of you said the Lookout should build some guides for communities across the Yukon.

Many of you also wrote in with ideas. Here are a few below. If you’re an organization or business outside of Whitehorse and want to be featured or interviewed for the guide, or have something interesting to share that visitors would like, hit reply to this email with your info!

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

🥾 The ever-helpful Yukon Hiking has an overview for Burdette Creek near Atlin. Can’t wait to hike this one over the summer. 

🐏 A reminder that it’s lambing season at Kluane National Park and Reserve. Travel is prohibited from now until June 15 on the Thechàl Dhâl’ Ridge Route. 

🇯🇲 Jamaican restaurant Island Eats in Dawson is open again after a brief maternity leave hiatus. I wrote about how much I loved their food back in March. Hours are Monday-Saturday, with lunch from 11 am-2 pm and dinner from 5-10 pm

⚡️ A reminder with campsites reopening that fuel-powered generators in campsites are now only allowed from 9-11 am and 5-8 pm. 

🚘️ As of today, speed limits approaching the Lewes River Bridge are now 70 km/h, not 90 km/h and the speed limit on the bridge itself is 50 km/h. 

💰️ There’s still one day left to apply for the next intake of community grants in Dawson.

🧗 The new Climb Collective Gym has many excited, and the organization is seeking input on youth and adult programming. You can fill out the adult form here and the youth form here. 

🍽️ Popular restaurant Bonton & Company in Dawson has added a second seating on Thursday. As always, reservations are strongly recommended. And if you like bread, every Wednesday they get in an order from Landed Bakery.

NEW JOBS

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Tour guide, Northern Lights Resort & Spa in Whitehorse

• Summer pool coordinator, Village of Carmacks

• Building services manager, City of Whitehorse

• Travel nurse, Bayshore HealthCare in Whitehorse

• Construction labourer or journeyman, Organ Construction in Whitehorse

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Birding for Kids Agend 6-12 | Yukon University | May 17, 9:30 am | Dedicated birding event for kids and their parent/guardian with the Yukon Bird Club

Atlin Volunteer Fire Department BBQ | Tarahne Park, Atlin | May 20, 4:30-7:30 pm | Fun, family-friendly BBQ with door prizes, goody bags for kids and equipment demos

Midnight Sun Moppets Children’s Festival | Yukon Arts Centre | June 8, 10 am-4 pm | Arts activities for kids and families, all free | Activities

Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show | Takhini Arena | Jun. 13-16, 4 pm | If you love dogs, this is for you, with eight confirmation shows, and more

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Adult Movie Month at Yukon Film Society | Yukon Theatre | All of May | Come see more adult themed movies, like The Ballad of Wallis Island, Sinners, Sacramento, The Shrouds and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning | Full schedule

A Conversation with Mary Walsh | The Sternwheeler Hotel | May 23, 7-9 pm | A night of wit, wisdom and laughs with This Hour Has 22 Minutes alum Mary Walsh | Tickets $55

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Velonorth 2025 Spring Group Rides | Meet at Midnight Sun Coffee/Icycle | Saturdays, Now until June 7, 10 am | Two-hour road ride with other cyclists | Free

Intro to Yukon Camping & Outdoor Adventures | Yukon University, 500 University Drive, Room C1440 | May 15, 6:00 pm | Family-friendly workshop on camping | Tickets $25

Whitehorse Trail Running Film Festival | Yukon Beringa Interpretive Centre | May 15, 6 pm | Films for running lovers, plus pizza + drinks | Tickets $23

Wolf Creek Fry Release | Wolf Creek Campground | May 25, 11 am-2 pm | Learn about Chinook salmon conservation efforts, free BBQ lunch and help release the salmon into the creek

Southern Lakes Yukon Gran Fondo | Starting at McClintock Bay | June 1, 10 am | If you can bike 173 km, then this is for you! | Learn more

Out There, From Here: Bikepacking Trip to Lime Peak | June 14-16 | Come explore the space around us with a biking and hiking trip near Lake Labarge | Sign-up

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Pine Lake Triathlon | Haines Junction, Pine Lake | Jul. 20, 8 am | 1 km swm, 23 km bike and 6km run | Register here

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

Lorne Mountain Community Association AGM | May 21, 6 pm | Come out, share ideas and get involved in shaping the future of the community

Yukon Innovation Day | Multiple locations in Whitehorse | May 22 | Events to celebrate and showcase local innovators and entrepreneurs | Learn more

Jody Wilson-Raybould in Conversation with Ivan Coyote | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | May 22, 6 pm | Come meet and hear from The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould as she discusses her new book | Free

Winterlong Turns 10 | Winterlong Brewing | May 31, 12 pm-7 pm | Live music, fun and more with their biggest anniversary celebration yet

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

CLASSIFIEDS

What’s for sale in the Yukon:

• 1974 vintage Boler - $15,500

• Tomato seedlings of various kinds - $10

• Vision fly fishing kit - $300

• The Kramer (yes, from the show) - $50

• Esquif Mallard Freighter Canoe (12’4) - $1,700

THE YUKON WORDLE

Think you can guess this week’s Yukon Wordle? It has something to do with the changing weather. Play it here.

As my friends and I pounded back schooners at 12:30 am last month, I came to a realization — Whiskey Jacks is the perfect neighbourhood pub. Walkable from the neighbourhood, friendly staff, great deals and affordable beer, what else do you want?

The only thing I can think of is good food.

I ordered the Mushroom Mozza burger, and true to form, it was loaded with both. Mozzarella is a great addition to a burger, giving it a more subtle flavour than the classic American or cheddar, and a different texture. The size of the patty is also top-notch and should fill anyone up.

I would’ve ranked it higher, but the addition of the onion rings was a miss. They were overly deep-fried, and it completely overpowered the rest of the burger’s taste. I get the idea, and usually welcome creativity. But in this case, it didn’t work.

I gave it a 6.5. That’s not to say it was bad or not worth trying. It just didn’t hold up to the other ones I’ve tried recently. 

I was told by a friend that I made a terrible mistake ordering the salmon burger at Mile 1016 Pub instead of their house burger. Why? Because, according to them, it’s the best burger in the Yukon.

Point taken. I’ll have to visit again!

Even with that sad bit of knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed the pub’s salmon burger. I was informed it was a homemade patty of Alaskan salmon, none of that store-bought stuff. 

The burger was cooked well, though it had a faint disappointing aftertaste of oil. Sizing for fish burgers is always an issue, as many places skimp on the patty. Thankfully, they did not. The bun was also excellent, and was soft without breaking apart. 

While I don’t include fries in my review, they were sadly practically inedible, over-fried to the point of being hard, with a strong aftertaste of deep fryer oil. My friend said they’re usually good, so I’ll have to try them again next time.

Overall, I’d give the burger a solid 7.6, though we’ll have to see how it holds up against their own burger next time.

Good morning,

And welcome to the 103 new readers who joined the Lookout this week. And a big thanks to all 1,885 Yukoners who read this newsletter.

With the weather improving, I made my first trip of the year out to Haines Junction and Kluane. Hitting that turn as the mountains appear overhead is a sight that still fills me with awe every time I visit. It’s quickly become one of my favourite spots in the Yukon.

A big thank you to everyone who referred readers to the Lookout. I’ve reached out to the winners of the two $25 local gift cards, so keep an eye out for an email.

Our main story is territorial government-related, but I’ve also got two new additions to the Yukon’s burger rankings.

I’m also working on a story idea I’d love to get feedback on from our community. See the survey later in the newsletter to reply.

Without further delay, let’s dive in.

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

GOVERNMENT

In a surprising move, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai announces resignation

Premier Ranj Pillai, April 2025. Government of Yukon

Well that was a surprise. In what has to be some of the biggest news in recent months, Premier and Yukon Liberal Party leader Ranj Pillai announced yesterday afternoon he was stepping down as Premier and party leader, and would not be seeking re-election.

• Background: Premier Pillai took over as premier from Sandy Silver back in January 2023 in an uncontested leadership race. The Liberals have been in power since 2016, with Pillai serving as the MLA of Porter Creek South.

The reason: Pillai did not provide a specific reason for the early departure, but said that he had served in politics for a while. He noted in the press conference that a former premier told him about leaving, that “you know when you know,” it’s time to leave.

As with any leader who ends their time in politics, part of that means laying out what they want to be remembered for. A news release on the Yukon website noted the government’s work on the Dempster Fibre Project, renewable energy, economic partnerships with First Nations, as well as child care and paid sick leave.

Challenges: The government also dealt with a number of controversial issues during Pillai’s time as premier, including the Eagle Gold Mine spill, problems with the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter at 405 Alexander St., and complaints over crime and public safety in downtown Whitehorse.

What comes next: Premier Pillai said that he would continue to serve as premier until a new Liberal Party leader is chosen and that person becomes premier. The party met yesterday to discuss the timelines and requirements for a leadership convention. Due to the fixed election law, an election has to be called by Nov. 3 at the latest.

Disclosure: In the interest of transparency, please note that my partner works for the Yukon government.

YUKON NUMBERS

🏊️ 7: The number of years since the pool in Ross River has been closed. There is no plan to reopen it this year either. [CBC]

🤝 $75,000: The amount of money committed by the Northern Premiers to support the creation of a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. 

💰️ $2.3 billion: The size of the Yukon budget for 2025-26. [CBC]

❌ $10,500: The size of the fine levied against Instagram influencer Trisian James Hamm for offences under the Yukon Wildlife Act, after he illegally hunted three bears in 2022 and 2023. [Yukon News]

HOME OF THE WEEK

Realtor.ca

Now, this is a unique place in Crestview. If you like wood and like being surrounded by wood everywhere, then this might be your dream home.

This two-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,125 square foot home has a double detached shop, room for five vehicles and a huge outdoor deck. It also backs out onto the area’s trail system and a protected greenspace area.

This dream Crestview home will set you back this much…

THE AGENDA

🚘️ There was a multi-vehicle crash on the Alaska Highway near Teslin and Johnsons Crossing Wednesday morning, which shut down the highway while police investigated. As of yesterday afternoon, the highway had only a single lane running near the crash.

🌊 Haines Junction was briefly under a water conservation advisory after part of the water system broke down on Tuesday. It was lifted on Wednesday evening.

🛣️ A highway washout over the weekend on the North Klondike Highway, before Dawson but just after the Dempster Highway turnoff, was partially fixed a few days later. As of Monday, the road is being worked on, and drivers should expect delays when driving through the area.

🚁 The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating a helicopter crash 10 km east of the Whitehorse airport. Two pilots were on board, and one person died. The helicopter was operated by Horizon Helicopters. [The Star]

🚚 Maybe a bad time for me to buy an RV? Two shops that service RVs in Whitehorse are shutting down, leaving only two other shops in the city. Be prepared for longer wait times for servicing. [CBC]

FOOD REVIEWS

Two new additions to the Yukon burger rankings

READER SURVEY

With the summer slowly approaching, I know many readers aren’t very interested in visiting Haines, Skagway or anywhere else in Alaska. I suspect many readers will want to spend more time exploring the Yukon this year.

I'm considering a series on different Yukon communities, exploring things to do, places to see and restaurants and meals to try. Think of it as a summer guide for anyone staying in the Yukon.

Would that be of interest? And if you have ideas of places to go, or want to be a part of the series, let me know at the end of the survey

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

😃 Summer is back and that means restaurants are opening back up in Dawson, including Klondike Cream and Candy. [CBC]

💪 If you’re struggling to book a physio appointment, Evergreen Wellness Studio has a new physiotherapist.

🍦 Frosty’s is back! The restaurant and ice cream shop in Hanies Junction is, according to their Facebook page, expected to re-open in a few weeks.

🍺 While many of our readers aren’t interested in visiting America, if you do, Skagway Brewing has a 28 per cent off deal for Canadians, so beer ends up being the same price.

🥾 As of this weekend, when I visited, there was still lots of snow on the trails on Haines Road through Kathleen Lake. North of that is much better, especially near Slim’s River and Congdon Creek.

💰️ It looks like Crestview’s community garage sale will be May 31 this year. 

🐻 Be bear aware — as of yesterday at around 12 pm, there was a bear in the Pine Lake/Trans Canada Trail area. 

🚶 Whitehorse is revisiting its North Trail Plan. You can participate in their survey here. 

🏌️ Special Olympic Yukon is looking for golf coaches. Contact gturner@specialolympicsyukon.ca if you’re interested. 

♻️ A reminder that there’s a tipping fee holiday from May 15-19 in Deep Creek, Marsh Lake, Mount Lorne, Tagish, Carcross, Champagne, Pelly Crossing and Destruction Bay, with fees waived on certain things.

NEW JOBS

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Building services manager, City of Whitehorse

• Outdoor guide, Arctic Range Adventure in Whitehorse

• Nursing home attendant, Government of Yukon in Whitehorse

• Executive director, Teslin Renewable Resources Council

• Renewable resources student, Too Tall Construction and Consulting in Mayo

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Thursdays BBQ Party | Discovery Saloon, Atlin Mountain Inn, Atlin | May 8, 5:30-8 pm | Come grab some steak, shrimp, potatoes and coleslaw

Fireweed Community Market | Shipyards Park | Thursdays starting May 8, 3 pm-7 pm | It’s baaaack. Food, music, local produce and goods, and so much more at one of the most popular events of the summer | Free

Mother's Day Brunch – Celebrate and Support | The Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre\ | May 11, 10 am & 11:30 am | Buffet brunch, live music, and door prizes | Tickets from $28

Midnight Sun Moppets Children’s Festival | Yukon Arts Centre | June 8, 10 am-4 pm | Arts activities for kids and families, all free | Activities

Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show | Takhini Arena | Jun. 13-16, 4 pm | If you love dogs, this is for you, with eight confirmation shows, and more

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

A Conversation with Mary Walsh | The Sternwheeler Hotel | May 23, 7-9 pm | A night of wit, wisdom and laughs with This Hour Has 22 Minutes alum Mary Walsh | Tickets $55

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Yukon Brewing Ball Hockey Tournament | Takhini Broomball Area | May 10, 9 am | 3×3 plus goalie games, coed tournament with many games! | $250 per team

Velonorth 2025 Spring Group Rides | Meet at Midnight Sun Coffee/Icycle | Saturdays, May 10-June 7, 10 am | Two-hour road ride with other cyclists | Free

Intro to Yukon Camping & Outdoor Adventures | Yukon University, 500 University Drive, Room C1440 | May 15, 6:00 pm | Family-friendly workshop on camping | Tickets $25

Whitehorse Trail Running Film Festival | Yukon Beringa Interpretive Centre | May 15, 6 pm | Films for running lovers, plus pizza + drinks | Tickets $23

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

2025 Indoor Community Garage Sale | Canada Games Centre | May 10, 11-4:30 | Come by and sell your goods or find some treasures

Lorne Mountain Community Association AGM | May 21, 6 pm | Come out, share ideas and get involved in shaping the future of the community

Yukon Innovation Day | Multiple locations in Whitehorse | May 22 | Events to celebrate and showcase local innovators and entrepreneurs | Learn more

Jody Wilson-Raybould in Conversation with Ivan Coyote | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | May 22, 6 pm | Come meet and hear from The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould as she discusses her new book | Free

Winterlong Turns 10 | Winterlong Brewing | May 31, 12 pm-7 pm | Live music, fun and more with their biggest anniversary celebration yet

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

THE YUKON WORDLE

Think you can guess this week’s Yukon Wordle? It has something to do with the changing weather. Play it here.

Good morning,

It’s that time of year when the largest migration in the North takes place. Birds? Bears? Bison? Bees? No, I’m talking about the elusive creature, the American RV owner.

A burly beast, steel and plastic, sometimes up to 45 feet in length, they are all similar in shape, but do have distinctive rear ends, adorned with “Georgia,” “Florida,” and “Nevada.” They pass through the Yukon on their visit to Alaska, but you can also find them camping out in parking lots and shopping at the grocery store.

Sadly, they’ve become a little territorial lately, thinking our country is their home turf. Best to approach with caution during this year’s migration!

It finally happened this week. I ran into not one, but two people at the Alpine Club of Canada Yukon AGM who read the Lookout. It’s very gratifying to know people are enjoying reading it.

I’ll be in Haines Junction this weekend. I’d love to connect with any readers, as I’m working on a few stories, especially around things to do in the summer. I’ll have details on that in the next edition of our newsletter.

Let’s get to today’s newsletter!

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

Correction: Active Commute Month in Whitehorse is in May, not in June as I said in the last newsletter (it was in June for a week but is now the whole month of May). Thank you to Lynn for spotting the error.

The Yukon Weather Report

GOVERNMENT

Everything you need to know about the Yukon federal election results

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Well that was a wild ride! One of the most significant recent elections in memory produced some surprising results. Let’s break it all down.

What happened: The Liberals managed to almost snag a majority government, winning 169 seats to the Conservatives’ 144. The Bloc won 22, the NDP seven and the Greens one. The Liberals increased their vote share from 33 per cent to 43 per cent, while the Conservatives increased theirs from 34 to 41 per cent. 

• NDP vote collapse: The story of the election was the NDP vote collapse, falling from almost 16 per cent with 3 million votes in 2021 to 6 per cent and 1.2 million votes this election.

Vote turnout way up: The other big story was the higher voter turnout. The Liberals and Conservatives both garnered more than 8 million votes each, compared to around 5 million each last time. Voter turnout was up six percentage points, from 62.3 per cent in 2021 to 68.7 per cent.

But what about the Yukon: Don’t worry, I’m getting to that!

It was a big night for the Liberals in Canada, but also in the Yukon. MP Brendan Hanley handily won the race with 50 per cent of the vote and 12,019 votes, to 38.5 per cent and 8,724 votes for Conservative candidate Ryan Leef. 

• Hanley spoke to CBC after his win, noting that even though they won, affordability was something the party didn’t “recognize… as well as we could.” 

Voter turnout up: The Yukon was actually relatively high in terms of voter turnout, with 22,256 eligible voters participating with turnout at 73.4 per cent, which was just under five percentage points higher than the rest of Canada. Well done, everyone!

Conservatives' performance improved: The Conservatives got 8,724 votes, up from 5,096 in the last election, but Hanley essentially doubled his vote total. The NDP vote likely pivoted towards him — their total votes dropped from 4,354 in 2021 to 1,439.

• The one caveat is that former Conservative candidate Jonas Jacot Smith in 2021 garnered 13.6 per cent of the vote that would’ve likely gone to Conservative candidate Barbara Dunlop.

Were there any takeaways from the election? And what does it tell us about things up in the Yukon?

America is the issue: Like the rest of Canada, the American tariffs really were the number one issue. Compared to the rest of Canada, the Yukon is quite closely connected to the United States, with Skagway and Haines being part of the fabric of the North. It may be that our proximity to the country made the issue even more resonate, and that resulted in more people turning out.

• Here at the Lookout, by almost a 2-1 margin, readers have said they plan to skip visiting the U.S. this year because of the tariff threat. It’s an emotionally charged issue for many, and rightfully so.

Territorial election impact?: There will be a territorial election at some point this year. Could these results be indicative of what might happen to the Liberals and NDP? Over in BC, the NDP premier, David Eby, was up seven points in March in the last survey. Does it mean anything? It’s very difficult to say without any polls, but the scale of the federal Liberal win certaintly seems surprising.

Smooth operation: Everything went incredibly smoothly at the polling station where I voted. I had my voter card and even with everyone arriving after work, I waited only five minutes in line to vote. The team manning the polling station at Porter Creek Secondary was professional and courteous.

• …If you had a card, that is: Unfortunately for those who didn’t have their voter card, the line was quite long and moving slowly.  

Disclosure: In the interest of transparency, please note that my partner works for the Yukon government.

YUKON NUMBERS

⛴️ 2029: The year the George Black Ferry in Dawson City will likely be replaced. The ferry has had mechanical issues in the past that have made reliability more of a challenge. [CBC]

💰️ $16.9 million: The amount the Ministry of Education says it spent on Catholic schools in the 2023-24 calendar year. There are three Catholic schools in the territory. [Yukon News]

🏥 22: The number of years that Bev has worked at the Watson Lake Community Hospital, working in the food preparation services. Congrats Bev, on all your hard work! [Yukon Hospitals]

HOME OF THE WEEK

Country residential? Wood building? Barn? Heated shop? 11 acres? An extra dry cabin?

What doesn’t this place have? With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,900 square feet, there’s a lot of space to like about this home. Located in the Robinson subdivision, it’s a little slice of nature and only 30 minutes to Whitehorse. 

The price is not a million, but it will still set you back.

THE AGENDA

🧊 The Klondike region ice breakup is currently underway. The ice has broken up in the city, but Dawson remains under an Ice Advisory, and the ice has remained intact below the open stretch to Fort Mile River. Water levels could rise further in Dawson, but flooding is not expected.

👮 The RCMP is investigating a firearm that was discharged around Selkirk Street in Riverdale on Apr. 27 at 8 pm. They are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the event to contact them. 

💉 There has been an increase in overdoses in the Whitehorse area due to unsafe drug supply. The group that runs the overdose prevention site says no one has died, but an unknown substance was discovered in the drugs. [CBC]

🏒 Whitehorse’s Dylan Cozens scored the second goal in what was a 4-0 win by the Senators against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team is still down 3-2 in the series, but has momentum behind them as they battle back from a 3-0 start. Could the Leafs choke yet again? Let’s hope so (sorry Toronto fans).

💰️ Don’t get caught without a parking permit in downtown Whitehose, because parking fines are set to increase to $40, with a $20 discount if paid by the next business day, after council voted in favour of the plan on Monday. Dropping litter will be a $250 fine and parking on a sidewalk will be $125. [CBC]

🌊 With the spring melt arriving, more water is being released from the Eagle Gold mine. They noted that some water being discharged by the mine’s receiver “may exceed regulatory levels” for sediments and metals, in order to prevent overflow at the water storage ponds. The meltwater has not come into contact with cyanide, according to the government. [Toronto Star]

Other Northern news

🗳️ While the NDP struggled in the rest of Canada, Nunavut NDP MP Lori Idlout held onto her seat, garnering 2,945 votes, only 77 more than Liberal candidate  Kilikvak Kabloona. And over in N.W.T., Liberal Rebecca Alty, the former Yellowknife mayor, won with 8,580 votes, while the Conservative candidate Kimberly Fairman got 5,284. 

⁉️ Living in the North sometimes poses challenges when it comes to things everyone else takes for granted. One of those may include voting. Residents of five communities in Nunavik were unable to vote on Monday, due to both a lack of polling stations and inaccurate hours. Now the Makivvik Corporation, which represents Inuit in the territory, is asking for Elections Canada to investigate. [APTN News]

🌋 A volcanic eruption in the North? Alaska has been put on notice that Mt. Spurr, only 125 km away from Anchorage, may be about to erupt. There was also a 4.7 magnitude earthquake off the coast. It’s the fifth quake greater than 4.1 in the last 11 days. [Daily Mail]

YUKON TREASURES

Mac’s underground

There’s a feeling that comes over me when I walk through a bookstore. It feels like a world of possibilities opens up, beckoning, hinting at something new.

Bookstores feel like stepping back in time, a period of life when algorithms didn’t decide what we consumed, and where physical space created limits on what we could explore. Without algorithms, bookstore owners shared their tastes and their interests, creating a level of curation which, in my opinion, an algorithm can never match.

I had that feeling this week at Mac’s Fireweed Books. For a city that’s defined by the outdoors, the darkly lit, claustrophobic basement has become one of my favourite areas in the city. I don’t know what brought me there this week. But by the time I checked my watch, 20 minutes had already passed.

What makes the basement space special is that it houses all their books for sale. Most are $10, and the bigger ones are around $20. Some sales have a truly awful selection. Is anyone really interested in another B-list celebrity biography? But in between clunkers, there are many good choices. I’ve picked up a spy novel, a hardcover cookbook on fish butchering and recently a 400-page monolith on everything to do with film that normally costs $100, but was priced at $20.

Summer is almost here. I, and many of you reading this, will spend most of our time outside this summer. But when that sun rises in the morning, as you’re having coffee at Pine Lake or Cogdon Creek campgrounds, there’s nothing better than pulling out a good book, especially one that you got on sale.

Yukon Treasures is a short column devoted to the wonderful, underappreciated parts about living in the Yukon. If you’d like to contribute, reach out anytime.

Last chance to enter to win two $25 gift cards

We’re giving away two $25 gift cards to any Yukon business. All you have to do is refer one person to the Lookout. It’s that simple!

But you’ll have to hurry, the contest ends at midnight tonight. We’ll announce the names in our May 7th newsletter.

Your unique URL: {{subscriber_refer_url}}

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EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Canadian Children’s Book Week | Mac’s Fireweed Books | Apr. 29-May 4 | Huge discounts on children's and youth books

Fireweed Community Market | Shipyards Pak | Thursdays starting May 8, 3 pm-7 pm | It’s baaaack. Food, music, local produce and goods, and so much more at one of the most popular events of the summer | Free

Mother's Day Brunch – Celebrate and Support | The Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre, 201 Wood St. | May 11, 10 am & 11:30 am | Buffet brunch, live music, and door prizes | Tickets from $28

Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show | Takhini Arena | Jun. 13-16, 4 pm | If you love dogs, this is for you, with eight confirmation shows, and more

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Animal Trinket Tray Sculpting | Canada Games Centre, Boardroom | May 3, 3:00 pm | Sculpt clay trays for rings or keepsakes | Tickets $23

A Conversation with Mary Walsh | The Sternwheeler Hotel | May 23, 7-9 pm | A night of wit, wisdom and laughs with This Hour Has 22 Minutes alum Mary Walsh | Tickets $55

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Mt. Sima 2nd Annual Sloppet | Mount Sima | May 3, 11 am | Skate, skin and bike event | Registration $30

Recreation Expo 2025 | Canada Games Centre | May 4, 11 am-4 pm | Learn more information from recreation and sporting clubs | Free

Introduction to Bicycle Maintenance | Icycle Sports, 21 Waterfront Place, Whitehorse | May 6, 6:30 pm | Learn bike care basics—cleaning, setup, repairs | Tickets $70

Yukon Brewing Ball Hockey Tournament | Takhini Broomball Area | May 10, 9 am | 3×3 plus goalie games, coed tournament with many games! | $250 per team

Velonorth 2025 Spring Group Rides | Meet at Midnight Sun Coffee/Icycle | Saturdays, May 10-June 7, 10 am | Two-hour road ride with other cyclists | Free

Intro to Yukon Camping & Outdoor Adventures | Yukon University, 500 University Drive, Room C1440 | May 15, 6:00 pm | Family-friendly workshop on camping | Tickets $25

Whitehorse Trail Running Film Festival | Yukon Beringa Interpretive Centre | May 15, 6 pm | Films for running lovers, plus pizza + drinks | Tickets $23

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

Winterlong Turns 10 | Winterlong Brewing | May 31, 12 pm-7 pm | Live music, fun and more with their biggest anniversary celebration yet

Kitchen Party 2.0 | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | May 3, 6 pm | Eat and dance the night away with music and a silent auction | Tickets $107

2025 Indoor Community Garage Sale | Canada Games Centre | May 10, 11-4:30 | Come by and sell your goods or find some treasures

Jody Wilson-Raybould in Conversation with Ivan Coyote | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | May 22, 6 pm | Come meet and hear from The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould as she discusses her new book | Free

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Oh tourists… You help our economy and we love sharing this amazing place with you. But the least you can do is learn how to park properly.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

🧊 Congrats to the two winners of the Dawson ice break-up raffle, both from Dawson. The time was 10:56 am on April 26. 

🏊️ The aquatic centre in Whitehorse will be closed this Friday-Sunday for a swimming competition. There are also multiple events at the Canada Games Centre this weekend, including Yukon Judo Championships, the Yukon Fish & Game Association Bird and Bat Building Day and the City’s Reaction Expo.

🔥 The Yukon government has a new newsletter that will provide alerts on wildfires as the season approaches.

👋 The Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Haines Junction is looking for volunteers for June 6-8. Learn more.

🥠 For those in Dawson needing their Chinese food fix, Gold Village Chinese Restaurant reopens May 1, from 11 am-11 pm. I plan on stopping by this summer and sharing a review!

🧒 The Yukon Hospital is hosting a Teddy Bear Clinic on Saturday from 10 am-1 pm, where kids can bring their stuffed animals for a checkup, to help make kids feel more comfortable with healthcare. 

🥧 The Pie Lady is opening up the side entrance of the CIBC Building in Dawson, the former location of Beverly’s Bakeshop. Weekday hours start May 17, but the grand opening is May 2-4.

🍾 The Grade 7 students at the Holy Family Elementary School are hosting a bottle drive for their farewell celebration. You can drop them off at the school from 5:30-8:30 pm on May 2. 

🧁 And the Grade 7 students at the Elijah Smith Elementary School are doing a yard and bake sale on May 17. You can grab a table, and the event goes from 10 am-2 pm. 

☕️ If you’re travelling through Haines Junction this weekend, North of 60 Petro is doing a 10c/L discount and free coffee and slushies on May 2, along with a free burger and dessert from 11 am-1 pm.

🥟 Food trucks are starting to return. Fast and Tasty, with their delicious perogies, is back at the Shipyards Park parking lot from 11 am-4:30 pm.

🎥 Yukon Theatre is closed until May 2, but the good news is they’re getting new seats and carpets!

🧊 The City of Dawson is reminding people to move their vehicles from the lower dyke or near the Klondike during the breakup. 

THE YUKON WORDLE

Think you can guess this week’s Yukon Wordle? It has something to do with the changing weather. Play it here.

Good morning!

I had a fun chat with a local Yukon writer this week. We’re already brainstorming a bunch of ideas on interesting stories we can explore in the territory. If you’re a writer, please reach out.

I’ll also say it’s very cool to be able to meet people in the community because of this newsletter. If you ever see me around, don’t hesitate to say hi!

There’s still time to enter to win one of two $25 gift cards to any Yukon business. All you have to do is refer one person to the newsletter. Names will be drawn on May 1, so you’ve still got time to enter! Use this URL or forward this email to a friend: {{subscriber_refer_url}}

Alright, let’s get to today’s stories!

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the Lookout? Sign-up for free.

The Yukon Weather Report

ENVIRONMENT

The Yukon inches towards linking to the energy grid. Here’s why that matters

Yukon Energy/Facebook

Background: Connecting Yukon to the BC power grid has been a long-sought-after project. Currently, the Yukon is not connected to the rest of the North American power grid, meaning we generate all our electricity here, through hydro, diesel in the winter and other forms of electricity. 

• The federal government has a goal of making the country’s electricity grid net-zero by 2035, which would mean getting the Yukon off diesel, which it uses in the winter, according to Business in Vancouver. 

Why connect the grid: Many reasons! Besides the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, connecting to the larger grid would help open up more mining of critical minerals in the North, a key priority of the federal government and the territory, especially in the context of a world that is desperately in need of these metals and minerals. 

Mining companies that spoke to Mining News North said bringing the Yukon onto the North American grid would help create more sustainable and viable mining in the region. 

• Back in September, the federal government announced $40 million for a feasibility study about connecting to the rest of the grid, the first step in the process before actually building

Current situation: 90-95 per cent of energy requirements in the summer are met, primarily through hydro. But energy needs spike 20 per cent in the winter, while production slows down, and the territory is required to rent diesel generators to help meet demand

Next steps: A feasibility study is, to be clear, not a building project, but rather a review of how to get it built. Recently, Gary Gazankas, President of the Yukon Development Corporation, told CBC they expect the project to be a First Nations-owned line, and that besides all the permitting and engineering, there will need to be ongoing consultation. 

• But don’t get too excited, it’s expected that even if it is built, it could take around 10 years to connect the grid. 

Yes, but: The project itself will cost an enormous amount of money, estimated to be at least $1.7 billion back in 2023 and would require huge commitments from different levels of government to get built.

Disclosure: In the interest of transparency, please note that my partner works for the Yukon government.

YUKON NUMBERS

🏥 3: The number of weeks that Pelly Crossing residents will have to wait while the health centre closes down, from April 29 to May 21. The next closest one is in Carmacks, which is 100 km away. [CBC]

NEW JOBS

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Airport supervisor, Old Crow

• Field technician, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada in Whitehorse

• Operations manager, Superior Propane in Whitehorse

• Manager, programs and courses, Yukon University in Dawson City

• Director, human resources, Northwestel in Whitehorse

HOME OF THE WEEK

There’s not usually a lot of homes available for sale in Carcross, so I thought this would be a good one to feature.

This 2.5-acre lot is perfect for the outdoors lover. It’s got 1,300 square feet of space, with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Fishing, hiking, the area has it all, including a detached garage to store anything you need.

This is how much a slice of nature will set you back!

THE AGENDA

🧊 We’ve moved on from snow, but now it’s all about ice. The Klondike River remains under an Ice Advisory as of yesterday. Ice is expected to move and flow down the river, with levels changing rapidly. Ice movements have begun in the Rock Creek area. Anyone living near a flood-prone area should prepare for flooding. 

🚴 The one-week format of the Active Commute Week has changed to a month in Whitehorse, all throughout June. 

It’s a challenging time of year at the Eagle Gold Mine disaster site, with the possibility of an uncontrolled release of water from the water containing cyanide as the snow and ice begin melting, especially if the melt is faster than it can be treated. Currently, the snowpack is listed as average. The government says two extra storage ponds are being built to hold cyanide water before it’s treated, with one that should be completed soon. [CTV]

🌲 If you live in Dawson, you may notice trees beginning to be cleared at the site of the new Dawson recreation centre, before migratory bird season arrives. 

🔥 If you spot some first in April, don’t be alarmed, they are most likely part of the planned burning to reduce the risk of fires near Whitehorse neighbourhoods. A full list of areas that have planned burning can be found here. 

🏘️ The Yukon government announced a plan to help first-time homebuyers purchase their first home with low-interest loans covering up to 50 per cent of the downpayment. There are requirements, including that a home’s price must not exceed the maximum average sale price in Whitehorse, and it remains their principal residence.

👮 RCMP and the Yukon Coroner’s Service are investigating the death of a 26-year-old female on April 10 in Ross River, who was involved in an incident with a motor vehicle. 

Federal election

🗳️ For those looking for a detailed breakdown of the federal election battle here in the Yukon, iPolitics has broken it all down here. While they say current Liberal MP Brendan Hanley is likely to win, that wasn’t the case back when the Liberals were on the decline under Trudeau. His competitor on the Conservative side is Ryan Leef, who is vying to return as MP after losing in 2015. Fun fact, the Yukon is the fifth largest riding in the country. 

🏠️ One of the major issues in this election? Housing. The territory is dealing with a housing crisis, both for those looking for a place to live and for rent. Each party shared part of their plan with the CBC. You can read that here. 

📆 Finally, if you’re voting on election day, you can find where to vote, the info you need and ways to vote here.

Enter to win two $25 gift cards

We’re giving away two $25 gift cards to any Yukon business over the next two weeks. All you have to do is refer one person to the Lookout. It’s that simple!

To do that, just this special referral link below, or share it by clicking any of the links below.

We’ll announce the names in our May 1 newsletter.

Your unique URL: {{subscriber_refer_url}}

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

This is a not-so happy photo, but hopefully it can be helpful. This sweet pup is Gracie. She went missing recently and as of yesterday has been spotted around the Whitehorse airport, Beringa Museum and Copper Ridge. The owner has requested not to leave food out, as it’ll be easier to get her home if she’s hungry. Hopefully, by the time you read this she’s been found, but you can follow the owner’s Facebook post updates here, and keep an eye out for her if you’re in the area.

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Mexican Themed Cooking Classes | Takhini Arena Mezzanine | Apr. 23, 5 pm | Learn how to make Mexican food, for kids 12-15 | Tickets $15

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

Moccasin Making — Awaken Festival | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | Apr. 26, 10 am-3 pm | Build Yukon-style moccasins | Tickets $265

Animal Trinket Tray Sculpting | Canada Games Centre, Boardroom | May 3, 3:00 pm | Sculpt clay trays for rings or keepsakes | Tickets $23

A Conversation with Mary Walsh - Whitehorse | Sternwheeler Hotel |

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Alpine Club of Canada Yukon AGM | Winterlong Brewing Co. | Apr. 29, 7 pm | Programming updates, financials and updates on club backcountry hut | Free

Mt. Sima 2nd Annual Sloppet | Mount Sima | May 3, 11 am | Skate, skin and bike event | Registration $30

Recreation Expo 2025 | Canada Games Centre | May 4, 11 am-4 pm | Learn more information from recreation and sporting clubs | Free

Introduction to Bicycle Maintenance | Icycle Sports, 21 Waterfront Place, Whitehorse | May 6, 6:30 pm | Learn bike care basics—cleaning, setup, repairs | Tickets $70

Yukon Brewing Ball Hockey Tournament | Takhini Broomball Area | May 10, 9 am | 3×3 plus goalie games, coed tournament with many games! | $250 for team

Intro to Yukon Camping & Outdoor Adventures | Yukon University, 500 University Drive, Room C1440 | May 15, 6:00 pm | Family-friendly workshop on camping | Tickets $25

Whitehorse Trail Running Film Festival | Yukon Beringa Interpretive Centre | May 15, 6 pm | Films for running lovers, plus pizza + drinks | Tickets $23

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

Compass 2025: TIA Yukon’s Tourism Spring Conference | Haa Shagóon Hídi, Carcross | Apr. 24-25 | Workshops and events on sustainable tourism practices | Tickets $350+

Snapshot Socials | Dawson City Museum, Dawson | Today, 5 pm | Come celebrate the break-up with previous photos of flooding in past years

Kitchen Party 2.0 | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | May 3, 6 pm | Eat and dance the night away with music and a silent auction | Tickets $107

2025 Indoor Community Garage Sale | Canada Games Centre | May 10, 11-4:30 | Come by and sell your goods or find some treasures

Jody Wilson-Raybould in Conversation with Ivan Coyote | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | May 22, 6 pm | Come meet and hear from The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould as she discusses her new book | Free

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

✈️ There’s still time to save with Air North’s sale, but you have to book by today for travel between May 20 and December 18. 

🍺 Yukon Brewing has a new pilsner out called Landbier, inspired by Swiss-German brewing. 

🐺 The Wildlife cameras are really starting to get going. They recently captured a wolverine, lynx and marten

🎻 Dawson City is looking for performers for their summer concert series. You can apply until April 27. 

♻️ Haines Junction Parent Graduation Society is doing a recycling drive on April 28 from 3 pm to 7 pm, to help pay for their Japan trip. Leave your bottles and cans outside to be collected. 

📚 Titan Tavern and Greek Shop is having a free comic book day on May 3, as well as 20 per cent of savings. 

🏓 There are still a few spots available to learn how to play pickleball, tomorrow at 1 pm at the Canada Games Centre. 

THE YUKON WORDLE

Think you can guess this week’s Yukon Wordle? It has something to do with the changing weather. Play it here.