Beaver Creek
Canada's westernmost community situated near the Alaska border on the Alaska Highway, offering stunning mountain scenery and access to remote hiking. It's a tiny settlement with enormous charm and pristine surroundings.
Things to do
- Kluane National Park Exploration — Hike trails around Canada's highest peaks and pristine alpine wilderness, with Mount Logan visible on clear days from nearby vantage points.
- Alaska Highway Scenic Drive — Drive the historic Alaska Highway corridor through dramatic mountain passes and boreal forest, with numerous pullouts for wildlife viewing and photography.
- Beaver Creek Border Crossing Walk — Visit the northwesternmost point in Canada at the US-Canada border near Beaver Creek to experience the geographically significant location.
- Remote Backcountry Hiking — Access unmarked trails into pristine wilderness areas where grizzly bears, moose, and caribou roam freely in vast unspoiled terrain.
- Fishing in Local Streams — Cast for grayling and trout in cold northern streams and creeks that flow through the settlement and surrounding valleys.
- Aurora Borealis Viewing — Watch the northern lights dance across the sky during autumn and winter months from this far-north location with minimal light pollution.
Food to try
- Wild Game Stew — Local restaurants and lodges serve hearty stews made with moose, elk, or caribou meat slow-cooked with root vegetables and northern herbs.
- Fresh Arctic Grayling — Catch-of-the-day preparations feature delicate grayling from local streams, typically grilled simply with minimal seasoning to highlight the fish's subtle flavor.
- Sourdough Bread — A Yukon staple served at local establishments, baked fresh using traditional starter cultures that give it distinctive tangy flavor and dense texture.
- Bannock with Local Toppings — Fried dough bread served warm with wild berries, locally-made jams, or smoked fish, reflecting First Nations and frontier traditions.
- Musk Ox or Reindeer — Specialty meats unique to the Yukon region, occasionally featured in local lodge dining as steaks or in traditional preparations by knowledgeable cooks.
Local customs & good to know
- Self-Sufficiency is Essential — Stock up on supplies before arriving as Beaver Creek has minimal commercial services; the community operates on frontier principles of preparedness and mutual aid.
- Respect Wildlife and Distance — Bears and large game animals are part of daily life here; locals expect visitors to follow safety protocols and maintain respectful distance from wildlife.
- Embrace Weather Variability — Pack for extreme seasonal changes and unpredictable weather; locals dress in layers and maintain flexible plans as conditions can shift rapidly.
- Support Indigenous Heritage — The area holds significance for First Nations peoples; respectfully engage with local Indigenous culture and consider visiting with guides who can share authentic stories.