Anybody who has visited Whitehorse in the summer knows that there always seems to be a festival going on, but the short days of winter don't deter Yukoners from putting on a festival or celebration. In fact some of those most important events that define are town occur in the dead of winter. February brings us the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race The Quest is the hardest race of its kind and runs between Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska. It is definitely not to be missed. Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous is our winter festival and arguably one of the most popular events of the year. Enjoy a variety of traditional winter activities and be sure to take in the Can Can Dancers. The fun begins in mid February. Also popular is the Frostbite Music Festival, three days of live (and lively music) from all over the World, a sure way to get out and beat the winter blues.

The first day of summer (June 21) brings us National Aboriginal Day, a celebration of Canada's First Nations. It also kicks off the Longest Days Street Fair, which features craft sales and street performers. The month of July is packed with events. The first is the Yukon River Quest Canoe Race. This grueling race begins in Whitehorse and ends in Dawson City. Paddlers of all sorts race their vessels down the river and compete for supremacy. July first is Canada day. Be sure to catch the parade and concerts at Rotary Park. Make a week out of it and head to Skagway or Haines for Fourth of July celebrations. Midway through July Whitehorse opens its doors to over 80 Slow-pitch teams for the annual Dustball International Tournament. Summer winds down with three major events in August and September. On the 11th and 12th of August be sure to check out the Klondyke Harvest Fair . Farmers will be displaying their produce and livestock and there are fun activities for the kids. The following weekend (August 17th-19th) is the Yukon International Storytelling Festival. Dancers, singers and storytellers from around the world gather at Shipyards Park to tell stories and of course gold rush tales. The last big event of the summer is the Klondike Trail of '98 International Road Relay which is held on the 7th and 8th of September. This race from Skagway to Whitehorse is always a popular one amongst both competitors and spectators. Please click here for the full calendar.