Operation Gold Rush with Dan Snow, is a new three-part series which started Sunday 30 October, 9pm, BBC Two.

In an epic adventure, historian Dan Snow follows in the footsteps of the 19th century's last great gold rush - a journey filled with genuine danger and thrilling beauty. Leading a one month expedition he's joined by polar explorer Felicity Aston and remote environment medic Dr Kevin Fong. Their goal - to strike gold in Canada's frozen wilderness.

They attempt to retrace a gruelling six hundred mile journey through one of the worlds great wildernesses. It takes them from the coast of Alaska to the gold fields of the Klondike, a remote region on the edge of the Canadian arctic. It is a journey first undertaken by tens of thousands of gold seekers - men and women from around the globe who in the last years of the 19th century dropped everything and set off for the Klondike in the hope of striking it rich. So great were the hardships they encountered that only one in three of those who set off ever made it there. Now, Dan and his team are reliving those struggles and experiences in the hunt for their own gold.

The programmes will follow them as they make their way across the Alaskan Coastal Mountains to reach Dawson City - gateway to the Klondike, along the mighty Yukon river - stunning but unforgiving - as it runs through one of the world's last true wildernesses.

Further information on the new series of Operation Gold Rush with Dan Snow can be found at:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0824c7w 

The BBC's Gold Rush Game Maker challenges teenagers to get creative online and create their own gold rush adventures inspired by the exploits of Dan and the team: www.mixital.co.uk/channel/gold-rush-game-maker

Background on the Yukon's Klondike Gold Rush
In 1896, prospectors found gold in a creek near Dawson City, Yukon, triggering a stampede to the Klondike. Bolstered by dreams and heartened by stories of riches, thousands of miners struggled across Chilkoot Pass and floated the Yukon River to Dawson City. Soon a rollicking frontier town with some 50,000 residents, making it the largest city in Canada west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle, Dawson filled up with desperate prospectors, shrewd entrepreneurs, Mounties and dancehall girls. Today, Dawson City is a national historic site and is still a lively and colourful place bursting with heritage sites and attractions, where you can still meet placer miners, dog mushers and other Klondike characters. You'll feel the grit, heartache and golden dreams of the Klondike Gold Rush when you reach this authentic frontier town. Walk among the carefully restored buildings with costumed inter­preters and feel like you're stepping back in time. Try your hand at blackjack, sample the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail, or take in a Can-Can show at Diamond Tooth Gerties gambling hall, the oldest in Canada. First Nations (native) cultural experiences and wilderness adventures are an important part of the Klondike experience too. Dawson City is a convenient base from which to explore the Dempster Highway (Canada's only road which crosses the Arctic Circle) to Tombstone Park, the Arctic Circle and North Yukon, and across the Yukon River to the Top of the World Highway.
 
Hiking The Chilkoot today
Have you ever crossed through four eco zones in a few days? You can on the 53 kilometre Chilkoot Trail. The Trail starts near Skagway, Alaska and meanders along the Taiya River through the lush Pacific Rainforest providing magnificent glimpses of the towering Coastal Mountains. Even a couple of glaciers. Treeline is at about the 22 kilometre mark where the verdant spruce forest is beaten into submission by a rock and brush world of astonishing beauty. It's a little intimidating here because you can now see the journey ahead, onwards and upwards and upwards through the chink in the mountain battlement called the Chilkoot Pass. Here, it is Alpine pure and simple: rugged and exposed with exhilarating views of unending snow-clad peaks.

Now, drop down through the pass and its water, water everywhere … and every drop to drink: lakes, rivers and streams, braided and rushing from the snowfields that still cling to the surrounding mountain crevices well into the summer. And it's the flowers, colourful and delicate alpine jewels that will stop you in your tracks.

And then it's into the Boreal Forest of pine, spruce and poplar and the winding journey downwards to the two big lakes at the base. Sound great? It is, but try doing it while carrying a ton of provisions on your back. That's the way the Klondikers had to do it more than 100 years ago. Countless trips throughout the frigid winter to get their food and gear over the top before breakup and the mad race to get to the goldfields to stake their claims and assure their fortunes.

It didn't happen for most. Many couldn't take the Pass and turned back; many foundered on the 644 kilometre trip on Yukon River to Dawson City; some got there too late to stake; many worked hard for nothing. But that's a detail. When the cry of 'Gold' rang out, it was like a shot from a starting gun. In 1898 they were off and Yukon was born.

The Chilkoot Trail is a unique and unforgettable journey with a story that asked: Are you tough enough? Well, are you?

Canadian Sky offer a 18-day 'Glaciers & Gold Rush Bonanza' cruise and escorted coach tour through Alaska and the Yukon with prices from £3,409 per person including flights. For more information contact tel: 01342 887975 or visit: www.canadiansky.co.uk

Black Tomato offer a 10-day 'Follow the Gold Rush in the Yukon' self-drive tour with prices from £3,499 per person (land only). For more information contact tel: 0207 426 9888 or visit: www.blacktomato.com

Audley Travel offer a 17-day 'Spectacular Yukon' tour which explores the highlights of the Yukon including Dawson City, historic small gold rush towns and, of course, the breathtaking crowd-free mountain scenery. Prices from £3,565 per person including flights. For more information contact tel: 01993 838 700 or visit: www.audleytravel.com