Let it snow! Let it snow!

25 Apr Let it snow! Let it snow!

Experiencing my first time to see snow FALLING! On the Dempster Highway, between Dawson City and Inuvik

Who would have thought a tropical Island Girl could survive in -30degs Celsius?!?! Well, it turns out, adapting to my surroundings wasn’t as hard as I thought! I decided to come to Canada in search of Aurora borealis – the Northern Lights. My Aunty and Uncle had success last year in March/April in seeing aurora in Yellowknife, so I thought I would give it a go this year. Here are my experiences and advice for my journey so far:

March/April is a perfect time to visit the Yukon

Cross-country skiing – so much more fun than just hiking 😉

Despite the -30degs Celsius temperatures, this is considered to be Spring time. In the dead of Winter, temperatures can drop as far as -40 to -50degs C with short days of sunlight – just several hours. During my time here, over the last 3 weeks, temperatures have started to rise, even with a couple of “hot” days above zero, like +3degs C! Days are sunny, clear blue skies and temperatures become warm enough that if you are doing a physical activity, you can remove most of your layers. Upon arrival I was wearing SO many layers: ski pants, thermals, 3 jackets, a beanie, 2 pairs of socks and mitts! I felt like the Michelin Man and just bending over to put on my shoes was hard work! But now I’ve adjusted, even I think -10degs C is a pleasant day now! And what I enjoy the most is that hours of daylight span from 7am to 9.30pm or more – meaning there are so many hours to explore and enjoy the region. It’s really a perfect time! You still see beautiful snow covered mountains and streets but you have bright sunshine and warmer temperatures. Bliss!

Aurora shines

Aurora borealis! The Northern Lights never cease to amaze me – as seen in Whitehorse, Yukon

For a traveller, this time of year with extended day light but still time when it does become dark, is perfect! I stay up most nights until 5am in attempts to capture aurora on display but if I don’t, it’s ok, I catch up on sleep by sleeping in until almost midday. Under normal circumstances I would be freaking out about sleeping half the day away, but even waking at midday, I still have over 8 hours of daylight ahead of me to hike, ski, and explore with. PERFECT! The other plus is that there is still enough darkness to see aurora well, before the season of 24-ish hours of sunlight starts come June time. AND, the temperatures are not as cold as the dead of winter, so this allows you to stay outside attempting to take aurora shots for longer! My most amazing aurora moments have all been in Whitehorse and Dawson City so far. But that will change with the solar flare activity, so plan your trip accordingly.

Ice & snow means more freedom

Dempster Highway – between Dawson City and Inuvik

I always assumed that having a river freeze over would restrict access, but reality is, it allows more access! There are some communities in the Yukon, such as Old Crow that only have access by air only. But come winter time, the river freezes and now you can drive to Old Crow via an Ice Roadfrom Eagle! This year the ice didn’t freeze well enough so the ice road could not be created so air remains the only way to visit – but it is fascinating that ice could open up another means of access. Even driving on the Dempster Highway from Dawson City to Inuvik, I though snow and ice would make road conditions more treacherous. Turns out, with the snow and ice, the roads are smooth, manageable and time efficient to drive, as opposed to the pot hole filled roads come Spring and Summer times, thus increasing drive time.

Lions & Tigers & BEARS, Oh my!

Snow shoe-ing day!

In Australia, when visitors come, they are always afraid of all the animals that can kill you – sharks, crocodiles, spiders, snakes, jellyfish, etc. Ok, so they all do have the potential to kill you, but as Aussies we are raised to know what to look for and how to avoid any dangerous encounters. So, I always tell the tourists not to worry – go for that ocean swim or walk in the rainforest. Now, the shoe is on the other foot, and me being unfamiliar with bears, wolves, coyotes, etc, now I am the one to be afraid! Every time I head out for a  cross-country skis or walk in the woods, I am terrified of meeting a newly awoken bear! But I have been assured that as long as I make a lot of noise when I’m in the outdoors, a bear will keep its’ distance! Contrary to how I would normally walk in the woods, as I’d want to be quiet so I can see wildlife, the best thing to do over here is to sing at the top of your lungs! Oh, and carry Bear Spray (like super strong pepper spray)!

How to dress

Making a snow angel 🙂

Obviously, layers are the key, water-proof gear and good mitts. I have literally lived in my ski pants and jacket since arriving to the Yukon. A lot of people look at me like I’m overdressed, but I honestly don’t care. Being warm and comfortable are more important to me than being a fashion statement. And the investment in good mitts was well worth the purchase. Mitts are highly recommended over gloves with separate fingers as having your fingers next to each other inside the mitt gives more warmth, and faster. I was given a beautiful hat, lined on the edges with fur, as my welcome gift to the Yukon. Now, before coming here, I was against fur as a fashion accessory. But, having experienced -30degs C and knowing it can drop to -40, even -50, I can totally understand now how important fur is to keep the cold out of your extremities. If you are going to be in the Yukon for an extended period of time, then fur is absolutely a saviour around your face, neck, wrists and top of your boots. I’ve even seen a house with fur lining the doorway because it truly keeps the cold out!

First ski-doo adventure! I’m hooked! I need one!!

I encourage everyone to get out of their comfort zone at some point in your life. Go to a completely different climate, new destination, try new foods and immerse yourself in a country that doesn’t speak your language. I have been hesitant for years to venture outside of the tropics fearing the cold snowy weather would be too much. Well, I have been more than pleasantly surprised with how much I am enjoying seeing, being in and learning to cope with the snow and cold weather.

Cross country skiing on the Yukon River can heat up!

If you are new to the Yukon, you are referred to as a CHEECHAKO, as opposed to a Yukon old-timer called a SOURDOUGH. I still haven’t experienced winter in the Yukon proper, so I am looking for more advice from anyone on how to get through a Yukon -40degs C winter! Please leave your cold weather coping tips in the comments section below so that I, and others, can learn how to survive and graduate from Cheechako to Sourdough!