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The Chilkoot Trail is probably the most enduring icon of the Klondike Gold Rush. Until the neighbouring White Pass Railway was built in 1899, it was the main route into the Yukon for those hoping to strike it rich. Making it up and over this steep and challenging climb was complicated by the North West Mounted Police: everyone coming over the pass were required to bring one ton of supplies in order to survive in this wilderness region. For some, that meant up to 30 trips - fully loaded with gear - over the frozen pass. Ironically, few of these hardy stampeders struck it rich since the best stakes had already been claimed long before the word got out.

We’ve been captivated by the Yukon and the idea of hiking the Chilkoot ever since our cross-Canada trip in 2001. So I was pretty excited today the package from Parks Canada arrived today, confirming our reservation on the trail. The trip is seven months away, but booking early is a must: only 50 people are allowed onto the trail per day, and the hiking season is very short due to the latitude and mountain climate. At least this will give us plenty of time to prepare!

The Chilkoot Trail stretches for 53km (33 miles) between Dyea (near Skagway, Alaska) Bennett in the Yukon. The total elevation gain is about 1125m (3700 feet), most of which is done in one short, steep climb to the pass (which marks the US-Canada border). Aside from being a very scenic and fabulous hike, it’s also like a window into the past: the trail winds past items left behind by would-be prospectors, too heavy to haul over the pass. I’ve heard that there’s even a cast-iron stove out there, so I’ll be on the lookout for it!