Discover the Richness of Yukon's Indigenous Culture in 2026

First Nations history runs as deep as the rivers in the Yukon. The territory has a rich and varied Indigenous culture, and visitors can experience this diversity in 2026 through vibrant events, historic attractions, and new immersive adventures. Here, travellers can step into a lifestyle dating back more than 12,000 years and learn about the 14 distinct First Nations, each with its own traditions and heritage.

Yukon's Authentic Indigenous Culture

Eleven of the 14 First Nations have signed self-government agreements and oversee their own resource management, economic development, and social programs. Visitors are always warmly welcomed by local communities and will discover exceptional First Nation artwork, craft, storytelling, and culture across the territory.

Tucked into Canada's far Northwest corner, beside Alaska, the Yukon is the country's most accessible northern destination. It's home to Canada's highest mountain, Mount Logan, and the planet's largest non-polar icefields—found in Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its scale, Yukon remains one of North America's best-kept secrets: nearly 80 percent of the territory is untouched wilderness. Picture 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, crystal-clear waters, and vast wildlife corridors. Roughly the size of Spain at just over 186,000 square miles,it's home to 220,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears, and 250 bird species… all shared by a human population of just 46,000.

Yukon's Authentic Indigenous Culture

Carcross Commons - Where Art, Culture & Community Meet A treasure trove of artisans, magnificent carved totem poles, a restaurant, a playground, and more make this historic destination a must-visit. Don't miss the Tagish First Nation Carving Centre, led by master carver Keith Wolfe Smarch. Visitors can watch junior carvers at work on everything from small pieces to large totem poles, learning about this remarkable art form.

Epic North - Journey Through Stories of the Land Whitehorse-based Epic North has launched a new 8-day / 7-night tour, The Spirit of the North – A Yukon Adventure with Indigenous Cultural Experiences. Running from May to September, it highlights Yukon First Nations cultures and explores Carcross, Kluane National Park and Reserve, and Dawson City for a memorable, meaningful journey through the region's rich heritage. epic-north.com FishHawk Charters - Where Culture Meets the Catch Experience world-class sport fishing on Teslin Lake, surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife.

Yukon's Authentic Indigenous Culture

Guided by Kayne Geddes, a local expert and Tlingit First Nation member, guests can fish for lake trout, Northern pike, Inconnu, and grayling while learning about the area's Indigenous history, culture, and stories. indigenousyukon.ca/things-to-do/operators/fishhawk-charters Long Ago Peoples Place - Step Into a Living History Village Located just off the Alaska Highway near Champagne, this recreation of a traditional First Nations village has been educating visitors since 1995. Explore traditional living structures, tools, hunting recreations, and enjoy a medicinal plant tour, bannock, and tea with hosts Harold Johnson and Meta Williams. Open year-round (winter visits by appointment).

Northern Nomad - Wellness Adventures on Ancient Lands

Founded by sustainability expert Candace Dow, Northern Nomad is an Indigenous-owned eco-tourism company offering multi-day adventures rooted in wellness, nature, and Indigenous cultural experiences. In winter, guests stay in cosy “pod cabins” and can enjoy yoga, snowshoeing with horses, or night skiing beneath the aurora. In June, the Glacier Flow experience combines yoga and skiing in the St. Elias Mountains of Kluane National Park and Reserve, based near Mount Logan, while July's Cassiar Cleanse offers a yoga and horseback adventure through the Traditional Territory of the Kaska Dena in southern Yukon and northern British Columbia.

Yukon's Authentic Indigenous Culture

Tutchone Tours - River Journeys Into First Nations History Offers a Full-Day River Boat Tour from Minto Landing to historic Fort Selkirk, plus a Two-Night Weekend Tour from Friday to Sunday. Each experience includes a one-hour boat ride with opportunities to spot mountain Dall sheep, moose, and other wildlife. Guests also learn about Northern Tutchone culture and history from local Indigenous guides.

Founded in 2024 by Nicole Nielsen, a Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Citizen, and her husband Reuben, Yukon Roots offers guided hiking, biking, fishing, and sightseeing tours around Whitehorse, Carcross, and Haines Junction. Lifelong Yukoners, Nicole and Reuben share authentic stories, deep cultural insights, and a passion for connecting visitors with the spirit and beauty of the Yukon.

Yukon's Authentic Indigenous Culture

Takhini River Ranch - Farm-to-Table on First Nations Territory Scott and Jackie Dickson, longtime Yukoners, run this working ranch on Ta'an Kwach'än territory in the Takhini River Valley near Whitehorse. Scott, a Ta'an Kwach'än Council Member and trained butcher, oversees the full farm-to-table process—from growing feed and raising animals to processing on-site. Their popular meat pies, smokies, and jerky, made with Yukon-sourced ingredients, are sold locally and online. Their event space and cabin rentals, complete with panoramic wilderness views, opened in 2025.