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