Could You Survive in Yukon?
By: Ashley Linkletter
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
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Image: David Trood/DigitalVision/GettyImages
About This Quiz
At first glance, Canada's Yukon Territory appears almost empty of human civilization (which may or may not be a good thing in your opinion.) However, as unpopulated as the Yukon might be — the population of the entire territory hovers around 36,000 — it's home to an astounding abundance of wildlife and natural splendour. Whitehorse, the territorial capital, is a living monument to the great Klondike gold rush and has become a thriving community of artists, writers and foragers (the city has a flourishing farm-to-table culinary scene.) So even though the nights are undeniably chilly, the company that is kept in the Yukon is bound to exemplary.
It's not just the cold that needs to be considered when talking about survival in Yukon; it's also the extended hours of darkness during the winter months and the endless days of light during the summertime. Transportation becomes difficult, and suddenly, small planes become your number one means of travel from a tiny community to the other. Prices are higher (although so is the pay), and when you get snowed in, you're truly stuck. Living in Yukon is an ever-shifting game of give and take, and how you handle these situations will tell us how much faith we have in your chances of survival in one of Canada's coldest, loneliest territories.
START QUIZ
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Your alarm goes off and informs you it's 6 a.m. and -25 degrees — what's the first thought that runs through your head?
I'm not getting up, it's too cold!
I'll hit snooze one more time.
I don't want to get out of bed, but I have to.
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Elva Etienne/Moment/GettyImages
What do you consider the most important piece of outdoor gear when it comes to staying warm?
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VisualCommunications/E+/GettyImages
Which of the following transportation methods do you rely on if driving isn't an option?
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Anna Kurzaeva/E+/GettyImages
You're at a restaurant, looking to try something new — what looks good?
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jmoor17/E+/GettyImages
You and your friends are on a trivia team that competes every Tuesday night — what is your team's area of expertise?
The novels of Jack London
Russian ballet from the early 1900s
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Wikicommons by Wayne Ray
Which after school activity were you involved with when you were little?
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You're trying to plan a camping trip with friends; what kind of camping are you interested in?
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wundervisuals/E+/GettyImages
Everyone has at least one secret skill no one else knows about — what's yours?
I'm an expert when it comes to glass blowing.
I have encyclopedia-like knowledge when it comes to foraging.
I know how to pan for gold.
I'm really good at building sandcastles.
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Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision/GettyImages
How do you feel about living in less-populated areas of Canada?
As long as I have a core group of friends to hang out with, I'm good!
I love solitude — and then maybe having dinner with friends.
I love the big city life.
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Wikicommons by Katiew.w
You're travelling across Canada, trying to visit some of the country's location-specific landmarks. What site is at the top of your list?
Caribou Crossing Trading Post
World's Largest Freestanding Banana
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golf was here/Moment/GettyImages
Out of the following bucket list items, which would you like to check off as soon as possible?
Seeing the Northern Lights
Spending a hot summer in Montreal
Visiting Carcross dessert
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Henrik Sorensen/DigitalVision/GettyImages
Upon closer inspection, you only have one warm coat in your front closet. What kind of coat is it?
Goose down full-length parka
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SrdjanPav/E+/GettyImages
How do you feel about 20+ hours of darkness (or lightness) for multiple, consecutive months during the year?
The light would be hard to get used to, but I would adapt.
I would be OK with the dark.
Bring on the dark (or the light!)
That sounds like a nightmare!
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fotostorm/E+/GettyImages
Some communities in Northern Canada are fairly insular — does the thought of having a small group of friends excite or worry you?
I love the idea of living in a close-knit community!
It makes me feel worried, but I know I can keep in touch using social media.
No way! I need full-access to my large friend's group.
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Blake Rogers via YouTube
You love to attend Canada's greatest food festivals; is there an event you're particularly excited about this month?
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Paulo Amorim/Moment/GettyImages
Depending on where you grew up in Canada, you might already have a disposition suited for freezing temperatures. Which province do you call home?
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Tom Werner/DigitalVision/GettyImages
What outdoor sport do you love playing — rain, shine or snow?
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JMichl/E+/GettyImages
Your friend wants to meet up for some Saturday morning exercise — what do you both have planned?
Swimming in a glacial lake
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Simon Bottomley/DigitalVision/GettyImages
Whenever you're about to embark on a long trip, you always make sure you bring along a bag full of emergency supplies. What's in your emergency kit?
A flare gun and cozy blankets
An extra winter coat and some hand warmers
Some magazines and a packet of bandaids
Mittens and two thermoses full of hot coffee
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DAJ/GettyImages
You always have a backup snack on you in case you get hungry — what kind of filling snack do you like best?
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Dougal Waters/DigitalVision/GettyImages
What is one luxury experience you'll never give up?
Eating at new restaurants
Taking aquafit classes in an outdoor pool
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MacaPav Photographie/Moment Open/GettyImages
You're in the mood for something sweet; which dessert do you reach for?
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If you're a member of the Avengers, chances are good that you can survive anywhere (including the Yukon.) Which Avenger do you identify with the most?
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MBCheatham/E+/GettyImages
It can be tough dealing with the lack of light during certain times of the year in the Yukon — what would you do to cope?
I would adjust my sleeping schedule.
I would make my favourite comfort food.
I would try to get outside whenever possible.
I would stay sad until there was more sunlight.
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Nevena1987/E+/GettyImages
Certain smells are synonymous with cold weather — which scents do you find irresistible?
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Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/DigitalVision/GettyImages
Everyone knows you have impeccable taste in clothing, so how do you feel about the prospect of dressing in layers?
I'm all for trying new fashion trends!
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Tim Hall/Cultura/GettyImages
You and your partner have gotten lost in the wilderness and you see them eating snow to hydrate. What do you do next?
I tell them to stop eating snow as it can lower core body temperature.
I give them a water flask to use instead.
I smack the snow out of their hands.
I get some of my own snow and start eating it!
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Anton Petrus/Moment/GettyImages
Many people are drawn to the Yukon for its higher-paying jobs. Is there a certain job sector you're trying to get into?
Yes, I'd like to become a tennis instructor.
Yes, I want to lead historical tours of Dawson City.
Yes, I'm interested in the energy sector.
Yes, I'd like to get into the fishing industry.
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jhorrocks/E+/GettyImages
All the power and heating just went off in your home — and it's below freezing outside. How do you keep yourself warm?
Make my living space smaller
Lay down a bunch of blankets
I go outside and run around.
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Phillip Norman Photography/E+/GettyImages
Many parts of the Yukon aren't accessible unless you take a small aircraft. Do you have a fear of flying?
No, I feel comfortable in airplanes.
Yes, but if I do breathing exercises I'm just fine.
Yes, it's my biggest fear.
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