Travel Tuesday - North to Alaska - Skagway and the Yukon - Part One

While every day of this trip was wonderful, a lot happened on our full day bus trip from Skagway to the Yukon, so I have decided to break this into two posts. This was probably my favourite day. 

A little Canadian knowledge before we go on. Canada is made of 10 provinces and 3 territories. It is a bit complicated, but here are some differences between the two. Provinces come into existence under Constitutional law and territories by Federal law. Provinces and territories have different governmental structures and places in Canadian politics.  The territories are all in the northern part of the country. They make up 40% of Canada's land but only contain 3% of the population.  Fun fact, about 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles (160 km) from the US boarder. 

Now back to our travels.

The trip started with us boarding the White Pass and Yukon route train. Here we took the 27.7 miles/44.5 km from Skagway to Fraser B.C. 

Our starting part Skagway was the place were over 100 000 people set off for the gold rush. Many of the individuals who made it this far North, thought this was the gateway to gold, not realizing they have another 400+ miles to Dawson City and the Klondike river, where gold was found.

In the train

It is estimated of the 100 000 stampeders only 30 000 completed the journey. The rest turned back or died. It is also estimated that less than 200 of those who made it, struck it rich.  In todays dollars about one billion dollars worth of gold was found. Those who found gold were often victims of theft or just blew it! We heard a story that in one town, the barber would 'nick' those bragging about finding gold, as a mark to thugs to know who to rob later. 

I think history has shown us that many of the businesses that set up to provide supplies to the stampeders were the real winners. (Oh capitalism, how you always find a way to win!)

The Steel Bridge - built in 1901 and used until 1967 was the tallest cantilever bridge in the world.

With so many people pouring into the north, the Canadian government stated to enter Canada you needed to show you could support yourself for a year. You were required to procure 1 ton of goods.  As these goods were purchased in the United States and transported to Canada, they were subject to duty.  Between February and June 1898 the RCMP collected the equivalent of 4.9 million today US dollars  (6.6 million Canadian) in duty alone.

This diet does not seem healthy!

People had to make multiple trips to get their goods. It is estimated a stampeder could carry 50-80lb at a time.  This meant multiple trips, as well as the concerns about other steeling your goods.  It is no wonder so many people gave up. 

It is estimated 3000 animals lost their lives being used by the stampeders. One of the tricks was to sell sick or injured horses for top dollar to individuals looking to find their treasure. These animals had no hope of making it hundreds of miles and would die. 

Looking at the trail people walked

In Fraser BC, we rejoined our bus driver and headed further north. 

Me and our bus driver about to enter my first territory!

The little bit of the Yukon we say was stunning. I understand why it is one of my uncle's favourite places on earth, and why he named his dog Dawson.

The haze is smoke from the wild fires that were raging this summer

Our real stop in the Yukon was a Caribou Crossing, now known as Carcross. To demonstrate how big Canada is, Carcross is over 5400 km/3355 miles from Canada's capital Ottawa. It would take you 57 hours to drive there. Carcross is about 57 miles/91 km north of Skagway.

 

For over 4500 years this was home to the Tlingit and Tagnish peoples. During the gold rush it was a popular stopping place for prospectors. Now it is home to just over 300 people. Tourism is the major industry. 

What was really special to me is that Carcross had an Iditorod (and other sled dog race) training place, that is open to the public. I got to play with puppies!!!

The pups above were about 9 months old. Come back next week to join me on a true life highlight, going on an Iditarod training run!