Tombstone Territorial Park Travel Guide

Learn about the culturally significant and natural attractions in Tombstone Territorial Park, along with hiking/biking routes, food scene, accommodations, local customs, safety tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Tombstone Territorial Park

Tombstone Territorial Park is a vast protected expanse of wilderness nestled in the heart of the Yukon region of Northern Canada. The park is well-renowned for its rugged and diverse landscapes, comprising dense pine forests, towering mountains, vast valleys, and crystal-clear rivers and streams. It is named after the rugged and awe-inspiring Tombstone Mountain, a massive and undulating peak that stands as a testament to the region’s raw natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Tombstone Territorial Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The park is home to a number of culturally significant attractions, including museums and historical sites that preserve the area’s rich and storied past. A few of the must-see attractions include:

  • Stewart River Mining District: This historical site showcases the early days of mining in the Yukon and the significant role it played in the region’s development.
  • Old Territorial Administration Building: This building served as the territorial government headquarters in the early 1900s and now houses a museum that showcases Yukon’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
  • Vuntut National Park: Vuntut National Park lies adjacent to Tombstone Territorial Park and is home to various archaeological sites that offer insight into the region’s indigenous heritage.

Natural Attractions of Tombstone Territorial Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The park offers a diverse range of natural attractions that make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are a few of the top attractions:

  • Tombstone Mountain: This awe-inspiring mountain is the centerpiece of the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is also a popular spot for hiking and climbing.
  • Glissade Pass: This wild and untamed pass features towering peak views, crystal-clear rivers, alpine fields, and seemingly endless valleys.
  • Blackstone Territorial Park: This park adjacent to Tombstone Territorial Park is a hidden gem featuring sparkling mountain lakes, majestic forest trails, wildlife sightings, and unique geological features.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tombstone Territorial Park

If you are looking to explore the great outdoors, Tombstone Territorial Park’s hiking and biking routes offer a breathtaking experience. Here are a few of the popular trails:

  • Grizzly Lake Trail: This route takes you past alpine meadows and through diverse forests to arrive at the stunning Grizzly Lake, where you can camp and enjoy the views.
  • Glissade Pass Trail: This trail offers stunning views of alpine fields and towering peaks as you hike through the rugged and beautiful pass.
  • Goldensides Trail: This is a moderately challenging trail that leads to scenic viewpoints of the park and Tombstone Mountain.

Best Things to Do in Tombstone Territorial Park: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, there are several other activities and tours that you can enjoy in Tombstone Territorial Park, including:

  • Wildlife Watching: The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves. You can spot these animals on guided tours and hikes.
  • Aurora Viewing: The park’s clear night skies make it an ideal location to catch glimpses of the stunning aurora borealis.
  • River Rafting and Fishing: You can navigate the park’s rivers and streams by kayak or canoe and try your hand at fishing for grayling or trout.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tombstone Territorial Park

To make the most of your trip to Tombstone Territorial Park, we recommend following this itinerary for a week-long stay:

Day Activity
1 Arrival and registration at the visitor center
2 Hike the Goldensides Trail
Catch glimpses of wildlife on the Indian River Trail
3 Explore the vast and diverse Blackstone Territorial Park
4 Take a guided river rafting tour and try your hand at fishing
5 Enjoy the stunning views along the Grizzly Lake Trail
6 Head to the Glissade Pass Trail and visit the Old Territorial Administration Building
7 Watch the aurora borealis at night and conclude your trip with a visit to the Steward River Mining District

Food and Drink Scene of Tombstone Territorial Park

Tombstone Territorial Park has limited dining options, but you can still savor the local cuisine and fresh ingredients that the park has to offer. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bannock: This traditional native bread is a staple in the Yukon’s cuisine. It is typically served with honey, fruit, or jam.
  • Wild Berries: The park is home to an abundance of wild berries that are plucked and used in various desserts and jams.

Local Beverages

  • Yukon Beer: This local beer is brewed with several locally sourced ingredients and perfectly complements the cuisine of the area.
  • Klondike River: This gin is infused with botanicals from the Klondike River area and is the ideal drink to end a day of hiking and exploring.

Where to Stay in Tombstone Territorial Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The park has a limited number of accommodations, but they offer a cozy and comfortable stay. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Grizzly Creek Lodge: This lodge is the perfect accommodation option for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the park along with modern amenities.
  • Tombstone Backcountry Lodge: This remote and secluded lodge offers visitors the chance to experience the park’s natural beauty while enjoying the comforts of a cozy and rustic stay.
  • Camping: There are several campsites located throughout the park, offering visitors the chance to camp under the stars and enjoy the surrounding wilderness.

What to Buy in Tombstone Territorial Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Tombstone Territorial Park, you can discover some unique and handmade items crafted by local artisans and entrepreneurs that serve as must-have souvenirs to take back home. Some of the popular items include:

  • Authentic Native Decor: You can buy some handmade authentic native decor from the Stewart River Trading Post that offer unique hints of the region’s indigenous heritage.
  • Hunting and Gathering Tools: You can buy hunting and gathering tools like knives and other sharp-edged tools made by the locals at Dawson Trading Post.
  • Outdoor Gear: You can grab unique outdoor gear from Mac’s Fireweed Books, including camping chairs, bags, and other supplies that will last you for years.

Local Culture and Customs of Tombstone Territorial Park

When visiting Tombstone Territorial Park, it’s essential to understand and respect the local customs and traditions of the area. Yukon’s culture is deeply rooted in its rich past and natural heritage, and visitors can respect the same by limiting their disturbances to the environment, respecting the cultural heritage, and learning more about the local customs from the locals themselves.

Best Time to Visit Tombstone Territorial Park

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is in full bloom. The winter months of December to February offer a different kind of beauty with its snow-capped mountains and the gorgeous Northern Lights.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tombstone Territorial Park

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and culture of the area.
  • Carry your trash and litter back out from the trails.
  • Take guided tours and activities organized by authorized local agencies to enhance your safety and wilderness experience.

Don’t:

  • Disrupt the environment with loud noises or litter.
  • Remove any natural artifacts or specimens from the area.
  • Go off-trail if you don’t have significant experience in wilderness navigation.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tombstone Territorial Park

When visiting Tombstone Territorial Park, it’s essential to have proper safety gear and take necessary precautions as the wilderness can be unpredictable. Here are a few tips to ensure your safety:

  • Carry a bear spray and other necessary gear for wildlife encounters.
  • Always take guided tours by authorized agencies for a safe and better wilderness experience.
  • Know your limits and stay within your physical and mental abilities with respect for experiential wilderness navigation.

Health in Tombstone Territorial Park

The park has extremely adverse climatic conditions and challenging terrain for the first-time visitors, which can affect the health. Therefore, it’s essential to carry preventive medicines, have adequate hydration, and appropriate camping gear. In case of emergency, you can avail medical assistance from Dawson City and Whitehorse hospitals depending upon the severity.

Getting to Tombstone Territorial Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

To reach Tombstone Territorial Park, you must first travel to Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse. From there, take the following options to reach the park:

Airports Near Tombstone Territorial Park

  • Dawson City Airport: This airport is the closest to the park and is about 115 kilometers away. You can rent a car or take a taxi from the airport.
  • Whitehorse International Airport: This airport has more frequent flights and is about 551 kilometers away from the park. You can take chartered buses or rent a car from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Tombstone Territorial Park

  • Dawson City Bus Station: This station is located about 115 kilometers from the park and has frequent bus services to and from Whitehorse.
  • Whitehorse Bus Station: This station is located about 551 kilometers from the park and has bus services to Dawson City.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: You can rent a car from Whitehorse or Dawson City and drive to the park. The drive takes about 2-4 hours.

How to Get Around in Tombstone Territorial Park

Tombstone Territorial Park’s rugged terrain and diverse landscape can be best explored on foot, but there are a few other options as well:

  • Guided Tours: Guided tours offer comprehensive knowledge and a safe adventure for a better wilderness experience.
  • Biking: You can rent a bike/MTB from the few local stores to cover a longer distance in a shorter time.
  • Horseback Riding: You can rent a horse for a guided horse-riding tour through the park.

Where to Go Next from Tombstone Territorial Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Once you have explored the natural beauty of Tombstone Territorial Park, you can continue your adventure by exploring the following nearby destinations:

  • Kluane National Park and Reserve
  • Ivvavik National Park
  • Dempster Highway
  • Dawson City

Conclusion

Tombstone Territorial Park is a haven for nature lovers and wilderness enthusiasts. From its towering mountains and vast valleys to its pristine rivers and crystal-clear streams, the park offers breathtaking views and thrilling outdoor adventures. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to Tombstone Territorial Park and prepare for an unforgettable wilderness experience. Make sure to immerse yourself in Yukon’s history, enjoy its local delicacies, and explore nearby destinations to make the most of your adventure.

Tombstone TP during September 2018 Tombstone TP during September 2018 The Dempster Hwy is one of Northern Canada's most beautiful roads The Dempster Hwy is one of Northern Canada's most beautiful roads The park in 2015 The park in 2015 The park entrance. ''Ddhäl Ch’èl Cha Nän'', the park slogan, means The park entrance. ''Ddhäl Ch’èl Cha Nän'', the park slogan, means "ragged mountain land". Goldensides Mtn Goldensides Mtn