The Yukon Quest is a world famous Yukon attraction! Yukon Quest is a dog sled race that happens every February. Racers travel between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon. It is often considered the most difficult sled dog race in the world, owing to Yukon and Alaskan winter conditions and the independence racers require when completing the race.
The trail takes teams over rivers, mountains, and through small villages, covering over 1000 miles. If that is not enough of a challenge, one must consider the temperatures in the Yukon and Alaska – it can get as cold as -60 degrees Fahrenheit, or -51 degrees Celsius!
The race began in February 1984 and has grown considerably since. In even numbered years, racers travel from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, and in odd numbered years, they go in the opposite direction, from Whitehorse to Fairbanks.
The Yukon Quest draws a considerable number of people to the area during the race, as it is quite an interesting event! Racers and their support people enjoy community spirit and camaraderie, and visitors to the area can easily join in the excitement.
For anyone interested in history, culture, animals, or just plain fun, this event offers something for everyone. Join in the excitement and be a part of a longstanding tradition, and come to the Yukon in February for the toughest dog sled race in the world. Once you get a breath of the clean, cold, northern air, and take in all the sights and sounds of one of the territory’s greatest traditions, you will understand why people return year after year to enjoy the Yukon Quest in Whitehorse.
If you are looking for a unique reason to visit the north, consider travelling to the Yukon during the Yukon Quest - THE 1,000 MILE INTERNATIONAL SLED DOG RACE. To learn more about this Yukon tradition, visit their website at http://www.yukonquest.com/
Discovery Yukon Lodgings is closed from October to the end of April but we would love for you to experience this Yukon experience. To learn more about Discovery Yukon Lodgings or to book a stay during our open season, (May – September) visit our website at www.discoveryyukon.com. Explore the beauty of the Yukon while visiting Discovery Yukon Lodgings.