The 444-mile wilderness adventure paddling race is held on the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City in Canada's Yukon Territory. Taking place during the last week of June (26-30 June, 2013), the Yukon River Quest  is the world's longest annual canoe and kayak race. It is known as the "Race to the Midnight Sun," as paddlers race round-the-clock under a sky that never gets dark. There are just two mandatory rest stops of 10 hours over the course of the entire event. There are currently 66 teams registered for the 2013 race with paddlers from nine countries: Canada, United Kingdom,  Japan, USA, Poland, Australia, Germany,  Austria, and New Zealand. www.yukonriverquest.com
 
Another major event taking place in June is the Adäka Cultural Festival (21-27 June, 2013). Celebrating and showcasing Yukon First Nations arts and culture, the Festival offers a vibrant program of events incorporating a balance of traditional and contemporary music, dance, drumming, arts and crafts, storytelling, film, artist demonstrations, workshops, cultural presentations, a community feast and more. Featuring local, national, and international artists this Festival encourages artist interaction and the sharing of knowledge, skills, and ideas. At its idyllic location on the Whitehorse waterfront the Adäka Cultural Festival is a great opportunity to learn about the traditional values and time-honored stories of Aboriginal culture.
www.adakafestival.ca

Northern festivals are times of enthusiasm and release for Yukoners. Visit the Yukon during the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Dawson Discovery Days, Klondike Outhouse Races, Yukon International Storytelling Festival, Yukon Quest Dog Sled Race, Frostbite Music Festival or Dawson City Music Festival and you will see for yourself what the fuss is all about!

Background on Yukon

Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination.  Home to Canada's highest mountain (Mount Logan) and one of the largest non-polar icefields located in Kluane National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site - breathtaking doesn't describe the vastness, or the beauty!

The Yukon is one of North America's major wilderness attractions; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. Roughly the size of France at 483,000 square kilometers, The Yukon is home to more than 160,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 6,000 grizzly bears and 220 species of birds... and only 34,000 humans!

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Lisa Chamberlain
Tel: 020 8339 6152
Email: lisa.chamberlain@btinternet.com