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Description (Page 2)
As the gold discoveries ceased, copper ore was mined near
Whitehorse, Yukon's current capital city, during World War I. In the 1920s and 1930s, silver and lead deposits were discovered and mined in the central plateau region of region of Mayo.
Trapping emerged as an important activity in the 1930s as a result of high fur prices, but the economy continued to struggle and only 4,914 people were counted in the 1941 census.
During World War II, Yukon experienced a second boom with
U.S. military projects such as the construction of the Alaska Highway, stretching from
Alaska to
Alberta and representing a new overland route through Yukon.
Coupled with the
Alaska Highway, the WWII building of the Canol pipeline facilitated access to oil at the
Whitehorse refinery bringing new people, exploration, development and tourism to Yukon.
An influx of tourism led to a permanent non-native population surpassing the indigenous population for the first time. Much of this activity occurred in
Whitehorse, which replaced
Dawson as Yukon's capital in 1953.
Over the years Yukon's economy continued to revolve around the mining industry, which proved to be unstable. In the mid-1980s, every producing mine in the territory closed as a result of poor market conditions. Despite its instability, mining, along with trapping and tourism, continues to fuel Yukon's economy.
Yukon Today
Today, Yukon remains a popular tourist destination for outdoors types with its scenic
landscapes, historic culture and adventure-inspiring wilderness.
For nature lovers, Yukon offers celestial light shows, crimson tundra, mountain ranges bursting with wildlife, four of the
Canadian Heritage Rivers and majestic national parks like the Kluane, Ivvavik, and Vuntut National Parks. Travelers can witness migrations of
North American birds as well as the Porcupine caribou herd and enjoy breathtaking views of
Mount Logan, Canada's highest peak.
History buffs can experience Yukon's past by following the trails of the gold rush miners and visiting Dawson City to relive the famous Klondike Gold Rush. With Northwest Indian peoples representing approximately 25% of the province's population of 31,000 people, tourists can interact with Yukon natives whose cultural and linguistic traditions are more than 1,000 years old.
Regardless of the season, Yukon is known for its fascinating artists, entertaining concerts and festivals. Artistic talent and creativity-provoking
Canadian landscapes combine to create Yukon's uniquely vibrant cultural scene.
From kayaking to dog-sledding, Yukon offers a myriad of activities for adults and children alike. The welcoming Yukon locals are anxious to share the territory's deep-rooted history, culture and tradition with all visitors to the area.
