Yukon Gold

Last September I had the pleasure of going up to the Yukon for the first time, and it most certainly did not disappoint. I tagged along with the crew from Offbeat Photography during their Yukon Gold workshop, which took place in the Kluane Lake area, a stunning environment that was surprisingly diverse in flora, fauna and landscape. This was my first time in the Yukon, so my stoke was high. There’s nothing quite like getting off the plane in a place you’ve yet to explore, it’s one of my favourite feelings.

Before the workshop started we spent a couple of days traveling through the surrounding area, starting with a visit to Atlin, BC, although the locals consider themselves part of the Yukon. We were hosted on a beautiful property and treated to a boat ride on Atlin Lake, an amazing home cooked meal, and tons of laughs. The next day we took off towards Alaska, stopping to marvel at the roadside beauty that seemed to magnify around every corner. From mountains, to deserts, to lakes and rivers, it was truly an overload for a car full of photographers.

The unique landscapes of Carcross, YT.

Roadside river reflections.

We took the ferry from Skagway to Haines, through teal blue waters surrounded by mountains on either side of the inlet. In Haines we were treated to watching a grizzly mother and two cubs fish in the river, something that ticked off a bucket list item for me. It was my first time seeing grizzlies in the wild, and it was spectacular. I didn’t have a long enough lens to really showcase them up close, but just watching them from the shore across the river was something that I’ll never forget.

Views from the ferry from Skagway to Haines.

Mom about to pounce on some fish.

Where’s mom?

Frequent weather changes lead to some interesting skies.

We ended the day at Kluane Lake where the workshop was to start the next day. The rustic but comfortable camp sits right on the shores of Kluane Lake, perfectly isolated, wild and free.

Views from the beach at Kluane Lake.

A double exposure of our cabin and the mountains facing the other direction.

Night time photo nerding.

Over the next three days we took a fantastic group of workshop participants to explore the area around Kluane Lake. The Fall colours seemed to intensify each day we were there, which made the scenery all the more epic. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the Yukon and found myself wanting WAY more time to explore there. I feel like I just scratched the surface, and can’t wait to go back again.

Pre sunrise at Kluane Lake.

Postcard views of the Yukon.

High winds caused sand storms, making for some interesting photos.

Sand dunes and mountains.