Yukon Wilderness Adventure

Dates: July 30 - August 6, 2026

Price: $3,000 per participant

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Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

Youth ages 14-17* with a keen interest in outdoor adventure are invited to join this 8-day program with The Howl Experience in the Yukon’s magnificent landscapes to build and develop outdoor skills. This program has been designed for youth who have previously taken an outdoor education/pursuits course or who have experience in the outdoors (e.g., hiking, camping, etc.).

Youth will develop a deeper understanding of the cultures, peoples, places, and environment found in the territory. They will also take a closer look at systemic climate and social issues faced in the Yukon, and understand how they differ or relate to challenges that exist back home and across Turtle Island. This experiential opportunity will encourage high school youth to develop a deeper appreciation for new places, peoples and ecosystems.

This program encourages deep learning and creates space for youth to connect this back to their understanding of their home communities.

*Please note that youth must be 14-17 at the time of the program start date (July 30, 2026).

Core Teachings

  1. Arctic and Climate Science Literacy: Developed through a focus on learning about Arctic and climate science, participants will leave with an increased awareness of Yukon ecology and climate issues impacting the north. Students will develop their scientific literacy through participation in labs and research projects and through interactions with scientists living and working in the area. 

  2. Truth and Reconciliation: Youth will take steps toward reconciliation by connecting with local Indigenous community members and learning traditional practices, stories, art forms, language and more. Additionally, youth will learn about Indigenous governance in the north.

  3. Outdoor Adventure: Youth will increase their resiliency and feel accomplishment by testing their personal capabilities and challenging themselves to participate in new activities, overcome adversity, and experience physical challenge.Time spent outdoors will help youth to develop their relationship to the land and build connections to the landscapes and people of the Yukon. 

  4. Community Connection and Volunteerism: Through volunteerism and service learning opportunities and connecting with local community members, youth will experience the reward of reciprocal relationships, empowering them to seek out similar opportunities in their home communities and affirming the understanding that you can learn something new from everyone that you meet. 

Core program activities

  • 2 hours

    Visit the Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction in the traditional territory of the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations Peoples. Meet with a Champagne & Aishihik Knowledge Holder, and be introduced to this new place and the land through incredible stories. Following time with the Knowledge Holder, students will have time to explore the Cultural Centre and the neighbouring Parks Canada Visitor Centre and interact with traditional artwork, artifacts, study a 3-D topographic model of the icefields of the St. Elias Mountains and learn about the ecology of this new and exciting place!

  • 3 hours

    Students will walk from Kluane Lake Research Station along Kluane Lake to Silver City with Kluane First Nation Knowledge Holder, Pauly Sias and Jady Hurlburt. Students will experience a “walk and talk” with Pauly and Jady, focused on reconnecting to nature and learning about the culture and history of the Kluane Lake Region. Upon arrival to Silver City, students will learn about the history of this once bustling town, and the implications of development on landscapes and people of the North.

  • 2 hours

    Students will meet the incredible leaders behind the First Nations Initiative (FNI) at Yukon University. They will all gather at Roddy’s Camp around a fire, learn how to introduce themselves in the circle tradition, learn about Indigenous governance in the North and what role Yukon University is playing in Truth and Reconciliation.

  • 5 hours

    Level of hike: Moderate
    Distance: 5.8 km
    Elevation gain: 430 m

    Located in Kluane National Park, this hike provides students with an incredible view of Slims River Valley as it opens up into the sub alpine. This mountain is also home to the Dall sheep, and depending on season, can be viewed on the hike. Throughout this hike, students will learn about the unique geology of this area, and discuss the implications of climate change and changing geology on northern landscapes.

  • 1.5 hours

    This presentation is a great introduction to the geology of Kluane National Park! Students will meet with Kluane Lake Research Station’s very own Station Manager and Geologist - Kim. They will learn about the basic geology of the area they are in, the important role of glaciers of the St. Elias Mountain Range in Yukon’s environment and the many different scientific and community studies happening out of the station. Kim does a wonderful job incorporating the concept of two-eyed seeing and will help students expand their knowledge of this important topic. 

  • 2 hours

    Meet with Parks Canada staff from Kluane National Park and discuss the history of the park, learn about the Parks Canada’s role in Truth and Reconciliation and discuss how it may be different from what you see at home. Dive deeper into the ecology of Kluane Lake National Park, and listen to stories of the many creatures that call this park home. Talk about eco-anxiety and the pressures of climate change on our youth. Students will leave this workshop feeling inspired!

  • Situated in traditional territory of the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, about an hour drive from Whitehorse, you will find Kwäday Dän Kenji/Long Ago People’s Place. At this beautiful camp, students will have the opportunity to explore Southern Tutchone First Nations culture and connect to the land through various workshops. 

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