Another Yukon summer camping season has come to a close. The territory is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful campgrounds and parks, and the Government of Yukon is committed to enhancing recreation opportunities while improving fair access to campsites.
In April 2024, the Government of Yukon launched a campground reservation pilot. Yukoners were able to reserve selected campsites at Pine Lake, Marsh Lake, Wolf Creek and Tombstone Mountain campgrounds. The two-year pilot project was designed to help campers plan ahead, ensuring they have a campsite when they arrive. As of August 31, 2024, 7,601 frontcountry campsite nights were booked since the pilot began. Early feedback shows that users of the reservation system report a high level of satisfaction with the service.
To mark the close of the camping season, the Government of Yukon is also releasing a progress report on the implementation of the Yukon Parks Strategy. The progress report summarizes progress made since the strategy’s release in 2020 as well as plans for future implementation between now and 2030.
After four years of the Yukon Parks Strategy, 10 of the 24 strategic actions are in place, 12 are in progress and two are planned for future implementation.
I want to thank Yukoners and visitors for another great camping season. Over the past four years, our government has been committed to implementing the Yukon Parks Strategy. I am proud of the progress we have accomplished in partnership with First Nations and the efforts we have made to enhance outdoor experiences, including the launch of the campsite reservation system pilot. We will continue to build on this success while protecting the Yukon’s natural landscapes for future generations.
-
Yukon territorial campgrounds and recreation sites remain open (even if they're closed with a gate) from October through April.
- Facility users may use campgrounds and recreation sites, but campgrounds and recreation sites are not serviced. People must bring their own toilet paper and firewood and must pack out their garbage.
- No camping fees are charged between October 1 and April 30. Please register all campsite use – day or night, year-round – using the permit envelopes provided in the campground.
- Campgrounds may close due to flooding, wildlife or road conditions during the winter months. Check which sites are closed, inaccessible or have other warnings.
-
Yukoners are encouraged to provide feedback on the progress made on the Yukon Parks Strategy. Comments and thoughts can be submitted to yukon.parks@yukon.ca.
-
The campground reservation pilot will run for one more summer. At that point, the Government of Yukon will review the Evaluation Plan, and the feedback collected, before deciding next steps.
- The Yukon Parks Strategy sets long-term direction for the Yukon’s territorial parks system through to 2030. It provides strategic guidance on how to sustainably deliver benefits of parks: healthy land, healthy people and healthy economy.
- More specifically, the Yukon Parks Strategy commits to 24 actions to address 10 strategic priorities and report on implementation.
- Section 5.3 of the Yukon Parks Strategy commits the Government of Yukon to report progress on the implementation of the Yukon Parks Strategy.
- Yukon’s Parks Strategy outlines a vision where protection and reconciliation are the foundation, which is why monitoring and collaboration with First Nations are key priorities.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Mara De La Rosa
Communications, Environment
867-456-5565
mara.delarosa@yukon.ca