What’s your favourite piece of little-known Yukon trivia? “The entire Yukon Territory is west of the City of Vancouver: true or false? It’s true.”
What do you wish more Canadians knew about life here? “That there is more to life than commuting.”
Where is your favourite place in the territory? “The summit of any mountain, especially one in the White Pass area.”
What’s the best up-close-and-personal encounter you’ve had with the local wildlife? “I once came face to face with a lynx while riding my bike up Mountain View Drive in Whitehorse. It was on the other side of the guardrail. We both bolted.”
You’re on the phone to a friend from the Outside. No one from the government is listening. Do you say “Yukon” or “The Yukon”? “The Yukon, of course.”
When the cold and dark gets to you, where do you go to recharge? “Hawaii in the winter. (It’s the only tropical place in the world where I am routinely mistaken for a local.) The Nordic countries for design inspiration. (The Scandinavians have figured it all out.) Café Gilli in Florence for espresso.”
Dog Mushing or Snowmobiling? “I don’t do either. Yukoners are often split between motorized and non-motorized. I guess I would lean toward mushing.”
How cold is too cold? “It’s good to walk around the block regardless of temperature if only for the novelty factor and bragging rights.”
What author, musician, band, or artist from the
territory do you think should be more famous? “I’m always amazed that such a small population could produce so many people who are of a national calibre. There are too many people to mention, but I like Joseph Tisiga’s work. He pushes boundaries. Edginess is difficult to do in a small town.”
You’ve just won a huge jackpot at Diamond Tooth Gerties Casino, and you have 24 hours to spend it in the Yukon. Where are you headed? “[To] donate it.”
Finally, what does “The Spell of the Yukon” mean to you personally? “Falling in love with something you never thought was possible.” Y
