2017 CANADA
SPRING SUMMER
YT 1893 THE KLONDIKE
TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD
BY GEATAN PIERRARD
A top-10 dog musher in the Yukon Quest, this Belgian- Canadian lives in Mendenhall, Yukon, where he has established his kennel of 16 Alaskan Huskies, which is aptly named K9. When Pierrard is not training or caring for his team, he pursues his second passion for carpentry. For more stories and stats from the trails visit kennel9. ca.
PHOTOGRAPHY: TRAVEL YUKON
They are so many beautiful locations in the Yukon, it’ s difficult to choose the top spot. The trail leading down to Takhini Lake is very challenging, but the views of the surrounding mountains are beautiful. Another top choice is Sekulmun Lake, with its vast natural vistas, which gives you the feeling of being quite remote – and, of course, you are.
The Top of the World Highway out of Dawson is aptly named. The views are endless in all directions; if the sky is clear, you can see all the way to the Ogilvie Mountains. This is a seasonal experience, as the road is not maintained in winter. The most spectacular views happen just after the first frost, creating a rolling sea of colourful foliage.
The area around Mendenhall Landing, where I train near my home, is also quite beautiful with Hushai, Taye Lake and 37 Mile Lake close by. I try to maintain as many trails as I can to enjoy these locations. The hunters often travel the main trail, so it makes it easy to train with the dogs.
I have had many unforgettable moments in the Yukon, but here’ s my most memorable. In 2015, while training for the Yukon Quest 300 with my team, I was entering the first lake of Hushai when I saw movement at the other end. I thought they were dogs at first, but it soon became clear that it was a pack of about 15 wolves.
They began running in a direct line
towards us. As they approached, I started screaming at them and took out my axe. The wolves eventually backed away but they continued to follow us from the top of the hills that surrounded the lake. For miles, they kept a close watch on us, howling while I kept a close watch on them. This is the kind of experience that’ s only possible in the Yukon.
As for the most unique locations here, I would say the hospitality stops are at the top of that list. These are cabins or log houses where travellers can take in some warm food and enjoy some great stories. They are run by adventurous people with a lot of experience in the bush. Most hospitality stops are only open during the Yukon Quest race, allowing the mushers and their teams warm refuge to refuel and rest.
Travelling by dog sleigh is the most unique way to experience the land. It’ s a slow ride and there is more time to observe and appreciate the environment. There is little noise, except for the sound of the dogs’ feet hitting the ground. And because the dogs enjoy running so much, that positive energy adds to the overall experience.
For the first-time explorer or visitor, I would recommend the Tombstone Territorial Park as a beautiful place to begin an outdoor adventure. It’ s easily accessible from the Dempster Highway and you can do a two-day hike or a longer trip there if you have more time. There’ s so much beauty in the Yukon, you can’ t really go wrong …
24 six star magazine