Klondike Trail: The Complete Hiking and Paddling Guide

Peter Harmathy teaches fine arts in Victoria, B.C.

The Klondike gold strike of 1896 caused a stampede of over 100,000
people seeking adventure and gold in the Yukon. Most of them chose the
land route starting in Skagway, Alaska, climbed the “Golden Stairs”
of the Chilkoot Pass, and then built boats to paddle down the Yukon
River to Dawson City. Klondike Trail focuses on this historic 900-plus
kilometres section of travel. Though the author has traveled the full
length of the trail, the reader is given numerous points of entry and
exit between Skagway and Dawson City. It is possible to do the
50-kilometre hiking segment only, then take a train back to Skagway. It
is also possible to arrange to “put in” a canoe at any portion
thereafter. Thanks to the Alaska and Klondike Highways, travelers can
put in their own canoe at countless locations.

The book has four major sections: trip logistics and tips; a detailed
description of the entire route from Skagway to Dawson City; over 50
pages of topographic maps; and a catchall section that covers, among
other thing, human history/culture, flora/fauna, geology, and geography.
Trip segment markers (e.g., Bennett to Whitehorse) in the route
description and map sections are a handy feature, minimizing index
searches. Replete with black-and-white photographs and maps, this
detailed and thoroughly researched guide is an essential companion to
anyone planning to travel the Klondike trail.