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Yukon Travel Tips |
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Banking
Whitehorse has branches of Canada's five major banks, as well as a Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange office and Western Union. Most banks offer 24-hour automated teller services and some maintain branches in other Yukon communities. |
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Border Crossing into the U.S
Visitors from another country will require proof of citizenship and residency. Proper identification includes birth certificates, passports, citizenship cards and certificates of Indian Status. To avoid problems and delays in clearing customs please ensure you have proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you.
Visitors planning to enter Alaska should inquire about current U.S. entry requirements in advance. A waiver fee of $6.00 US will be required for overseas visitors crossing the border into the United States. You will only have to pay this fee once, US Customs will provide a form that allows for multiple entry into the States for a certain time frame. Note that Skagway and Haines are in Alaska.
Canada has strict gun control laws. Handguns are prohibited. Firearms for hunting or sport purposes must be declared at the border. Certain firearms, if declared and registered at the time of entry, may be allowed. For further information, call Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (867) 667-3943, or call the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000.
You must carry a rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian if you are bringing hunting dogs, pet dogs or cats into Canada. |
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Bear Safety
Although bears are out there, the chances of encountering one are rare. Many backcountry travelers learn how to use bear spray, and bring it with them just in case they meet a bear.
Read up on bears. Learn to identify signs of bear activity. Take a first aid course and learn as much as possible about the area in which you'll be travelling. Choose trails with good visibility if possible. Stay alert. Approach thickets from upwind if possible, make lots of noise, travel in groups and avoid travelling at dusk or night. Choose a campsite well away from wildlife trails and human travel routes. |
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Bugs
In the summer Yukon is home to mosquitoes and blackflies. Mosquitos show up in June, July and August and the blackflies generally appear in late August and September. Contrary to many stories the bugs here are not as bad as in other areas of Canada. Most Yukon cities and communities have an organic mosquito control program that keeps bugs down.
When in the backcountry and in certain tundra areas (i.e. Dempster Highway) they can be a nuisance. It's a good idea to wear mosquito repellent in these areas. Mosquito and blackfly populations can increase during good weather after it rains. |
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Cell Phone Service
Cellular phone service is only available in the Whitehorse area. The service provider has agreements with most celluar phone networks in North America including ATT, Telus and Bell Mobility. Most phones will work, but not all. To check if your phone will work call your cellular service provider prior to departure. Satellite phone networks are accessible across the Yukon and satellite phones can be rented in Whitehorse. In addition, most Yukon communities can provide access to check your email. |
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Family Travel
Make sure you have your children's birth certificates. If a child is travelling with just one parent, proof-of-custody papers or a letter of permission from the absent parent are required. Unaccompanied persons under 18 should bring a letter of permission from their parent or guardian.
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GST Refunds
Non-residents of Canada can obtain a refund on the national Goods and Services Tax (GST) for eligible goods. Receipts must show a minimum of $50 on goods and $200 on short-term accommodation and goods, before taxes. Original receipts required. There is no territorial sales tax in the Yukon.
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Guide Service
Canada's Yukon Territory proudly stands as one of the only remaining destinations on the planet with large tracts of pristine wilderness awaiting exploration.
In other words, it's wild. And if you're venturing into the wild, you want to do so with a guide. Yukon guides are skilled professionals and they know their wilderness. When you know what you want to do and where you want to do it, you're ready to begin checking into guides.
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Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is carried out by the Royal Canadian Mountied Police. When in the Whitehorse region, dial 911 for assistance. When outside of Whitehorse, in case of an emergency call collect (867) 667-5555 for assistance.
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Licences and Permits
Fishing Licenses
If you plan to fish, you need a license. They are available at most sporting goods stores and other commercial facilities. A separate National Park Fishing license is required in Kluane National Park.
Hunting Licenses
Licenses and permits are required, and you must secure the services of a licensed Yukon guide for big-game hunting. Licenses require a waiting period and can be obtained from the Department of the Environment.
Gun Control
Canada has strict gun control laws. Firearms for hunting and sport purposes must be declared at the border. Visitors may possess a rifle or a shotgun for protection against bears, except in national parks. Any bear shot must be reported, with the skull and hide turned in to a conservation officer.
Back Country Permits
Registration is required for overnight trips in all national parks in the Yukon. A few popular routes in national parks require permits or limit the number of users. These routes include the Chilkoot Trail, Alsek River in Kluane National Park and Firth River in Ivvavik National Park. |
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Medical Services
Excellent 24-hour medical facilities are available in Whitehorse and Watson Lake, while many smaller communities have day clinics with a nurse or doctor on-call after hours.
Insurance
All visitors are urged to have travel insurance. Your regular policy may cover hospital stays and doctors' visits, but likely does not cover ambulance or medical emergency evacuation flights.
Basic medical costs
Canadian residents' health costs are covered by a reciprocal agreement among the provinces and territories. Physicians may ask for payment, but patients will be reimbursed by their home province. Foreign visitors are asked to pay for services when received. US insurance policies are not accepted. |
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Tipping
Service is rarely included in billing. Tips range from 10 to 15 percent of the total bill. |
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