Indeed, its relative distance from the world’s more populous centers and its own sparse population enhance the Yukon’s appeal to the venturesome among us. But the Gold Rush of the 1890s really put the Yukon on the map and created the kind of lore that gives it a romantic appeal for individuals of all personality types. Our mental images of this northern, and golden, outpost got a boost from American author Jack London who came to the Yukon in the first winter of the rush (1897-98), drawn by the excitement and prospects of wealth. For him, that wealth came in the form of inspiration for his writing career.

The Yukon is Canadian but, in tour packages or privately planned trips, it is often combined with Alaska. The two share similar memories of a rush for gold plus ruggedly beautiful landscapes — not to mention the good roads that link them, such as the dramatic Top of the World Highway. Another nice feature is the care taken to preserve the rights and culture of Yukon’s Indians, called First Nations, who comprise a distinct minority of the sparse population. Venturers, and those who enjoy traveling by auto or RV, are most likely to appreciate the grandeur and history of the Yukon. Unless you’re very hardy and well prepared for ice and cold, May through September are the best months to visit and have access to tourism centers.

Enter the 460-mile Yukon River Quest canoe and kayak race on the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City.

Learn to mush, then drive a team of huskies. Make this a multi-day dog sledding trip, overnighting in log cabins or yurts. You also can sample the dog sled experience by spending a few hours riding on a sled.

For a real wilderness experience, choose a fly-in camp for fishing, followed by a wood-fired sauna and hot tub.

Try your luck with ice fishing.

Head to the backcountry for hiking and backpacking with pack dogs, such as on the east shore of Lake Laberge.

Sample whitewater rafting on the Tatshenshini and Tutshi rivers.

Go mountain biking. For trail maps, go to www.canadatrails.ca/mtb/mtbyk.html.

Sightsee by air. For winter, the aircraft are equipped with skis for glacier landings, in summer, you can get around by floatplane.

Go moose hunting (without a gun) by horseback. Or, take a multiday guided horsepacking trip.

Fish on the Yukon’s lakes for Arctic grayling, lake trout and northern pike.

Ride a horse for the day, with picnic lunch.

Take a multiday guided snowmobiling trip; one-day excursions are options, too.

Sign on for an interpretation tour, meaning a trip where you learn about any of a number of subjects as understood by native groups, such as fish and wildlife management, flora and fauna, history, survival and traditional medicine.

Spend the night in a Dawson City historic brothel, Bombay Peggy’s Victorian Inn & Pub.

Hike the Chilkoot Trail, and follow the footsteps of those 19th century adventurers who came to the territory for gold.

Sign on for a ranch vacation where you might sample a salmon and elk barbeque, or the ranch may offer canoeing, or trips by horseback or dog sled, depending on season.

Beginner or expert, canoe on the Alsek, Firth, Nahanni, Tatshenshini and other rivers.

See the Northern Lights. You can combine this with any of a number of Arctic itineraries.

Attend the annual First Nations Commissioners’ Potlatch in Whitehorse. A potlatch is a ceremonial feast distinguished by the host’s lavish giving of gifts.

Pan for gold in Dawson City, then try your luck elsewhere — at Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall.

Listen in at the International Storytelling Festival, held each June in Whitehorse.

Shop for traditional arts and crafts, including beadwork, baby belts, carvings, jewelry, masks, moccasins and mukluks.

Sample local foods, including Arctic char, smoked salmon and wild berry jams and jellies.

Drive one of the Yukon’s designated scenic routes. One is called the Top of the World Highway, which covers 79 miles between Dawson and the Alaska border, following the tops of a series of ridges well above the tree line. You’ll understand the name.

For more information, consult Tourism Yukon at www.travelyukon.com

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