Frequently asked questions - Terre Boréale Yukon adventures
Planning your Yukon adventure? Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about our tours, safety, and sustainable practices. All tours are designed to provide small-group, immersive wilderness experiences with a focus on sustainability and local culture.
About our tours
Are Terre Boréale tours suitable for beginners?
When we created Terre Boréale, our goal was to make the wilderness accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or fitness level. That’s why many of our tours are suitable for beginners. Multi-day hikes and canoe trips are paced to accommodate different fitness levels, and our guides provide full support and safety guidance throughout.
On our website, the hiking and canoeing menus are organized from easiest to most challenging, helping you quickly see which trips might suit you best.
We’ve also created a comparison table for our hiking trips to make it even easier to find the adventure that matches your level.
If you’re ever unsure which tour to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you have the most memorable experience in the Yukon!
What is the maximum group size on tours?
All our tours are limited to eight participants, ensuring personalized attention, a high-quality experience, and minimal environmental impact.
Keeping groups small also lets you fully appreciate the vastness of the Yukon. There’s something magical about feeling alone and small in these wide-open landscapes, an experience we love to share with our guests.
Who are our tours best for?
Our tours are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and travelers looking for immersive small-group experiences in the Yukon wilderness.
If you join us, you’ll be sure to live one of a kind of experience!
What does it mean that Terre Boréale is B Corp certified?
Being B Corp certified means that we meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. For our tours, this translates into a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible travel.
We strive to minimize our environmental impact, support local communities, and create experiences that are not only unforgettable for our guests but also positive for the Yukon’s wilderness and people. Every decision we make, from food sourcing to camp practices, is guided by these principles.
If you want to learn more about how this shows in our everyday operations, visit our impact page.
Planning and preparation
When is the best time to visit the Yukon?
Summer is best enjoyed from mid June through early September, when trails and waterways are fully accessible, temperatures are comfortable, and wildlife is most active. Traveling around the June solstice also offers the unforgettable experience of the midnight sun.
For those hoping to catch fall colours, trips starting in the last week of August or later are ideal. By then, the tundra begins to glow with yellow and orange, and nights grow long enough to bring back the northern lights.
For winter, we recommend visiting in February or early March. Days are noticeably longer, perfect for daytime activities, while nights remain dark enough to enjoy impressive aurora displays. Temperatures are generally milder as well, making it more comfortable to stay out late and fully experience the magic of the northern night sky.
How do I sign up for a Terre Boréale adventure?
The first step to book your adventure with us is to read and fill out our waiver and registration form. We also invite you to read our terms and conditions.
Once we receive these completed documents, we will send you an electronic invoice for your deposit (30%) that you will be able to pay with a credit card.
Once we receive your deposit your booking is confirmed.
How do I get to Whitehorse?
Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, is accessible by both air and road. The easiest way for most visitors is to fly into Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY), which receives flights from major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
We recommend flying with Air North, the local airline, which offers reliable service and a great deal through their Connector Fare if you’re coming from other parts of Canada or the world.
What date does "day 0" corresponds to, when should I arrive in Whitehorse?
In our trip itineraries, each tour starts with a Day 0 which is the day you should arrive in Whitehorse at the latest. This day is the first day of the date range for the tour. For example, if a trip itinerary says “June 16th to July 6th”, June 16th is Day 0. In this example, July 6th is the day you can fly home or move on to your next adventure.
Do I need a travel insurance?
Trip cancellation and medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended while travelling with us. Due to the risks associated with wilderness travel, an evacuation may require the use of aircrafts and the cost could go up quickly and are covered by the patient. This insurance is not included in the price of the trip and you are required to ensure that you have the sufficient coverage while travelling with us.
If you would like further information and/or a quote on Cancellation and/or Medical evacuation insurance, please contact Karin at Uniglobe Specialty Travel at karin@uniglobespecialtytravel.com or +1 867-668-3300.
What should I pack for a multi-day Yukon adventure?
Essential items include layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, personal items, and any specialized equipment recommended for your specific tour.
To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, we ask all guests to arrive well prepared. For this reason, we provide detailed gear lists outlining both mandatory and recommended equipment. These lists are tailored to each tour and shared at the time of booking.
If you arrive in Whitehorse without one of the mandatory items, you will be required to purchase it before the trip departs. While this may feel strict, it is essential for maintaining safety and comfort for both you and the group.
If you need guidance on choosing the right gear or have any questions, feel free to email us, we’re always happy to help.
Is there a single supplement for solo traveler?
Most trips in the industry are priced based on double occupancy, and we follow the same pricing structure.
If you are traveling solo and prefer not to share a room and/or tent with another guest, or if the group number is uneven, a single supplement will apply. The amount of this supplement varies depending on the trip and can be found in the “Price Includes” section at the bottom of each trip page.
Do I have to tip my guide?
Tipping is not mandatory, but our guides work hard around the clock to provide the best possible experience. If, at the end of your adventure, you feel you received excellent service, you are welcome to leave a gratuity.
As a general guideline, for a 10-day trip, a common starting point is around $150 per guide, per person, per trip.
Safety and environment
Is there access to washrooms/bathrooms during Terre Boreale's trip?
The Yukon is a truly wild territory, and as a result, access to showers and washrooms is not always available.
On most of our tours, many of which take place in very remote areas, camp toilets are set up away from the main camp to ensure privacy. While the setup is simple, many guests find the experience surprisingly enjoyable, often accompanied by beautiful views.
On canoe trips and van-based tours, we carry a solar shower so guests can enjoy a warm shower in the evening when conditions allow. On hiking trips, however, bathing is done in rivers or creeks encountered along the way, offering a refreshing and authentic wilderness experience.
What is the weather like in the Yukon?
The Yukon has a rather dry weather throughout the year. During the short winter days, temperatures vary between 0°C and -40°C. In the summer, days are very long, they can have up to 20 hours of daylight in the Whitehorse area and the temperatures are generally around +15°C. However, temperatures can get below +10°C, even in July, especially if you are hiking in the mountains, and you should expect some chilly nights, with temperatures around 0°C. Please refer to our gear lists to make sure you are prepared for all type of weather.
How bad are the mosquitos in the Yukon?
The number of mosquitoes you will have to deal with will depend on where and when you go on your trip. Mosquitoes are at their peak in June or early July and then their number diminish throughout the summer. While on a tour we always do our best to find breathy camps so that we are not that bothered by them. If you are very sensitive to bugs, protection such as a bug net or bug spray is recommended.
