Sunset over Wheaton River near Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

© Robert Postma/Design Pics/Shutterstoc

In icy isolation. Wheaton River, Yukon, Canada

Welcome to the Yukon, the smallest of Canada’s three territories. Out here, winters span at least five months and temperatures can plunge as low as -40°C. Its human population might be sparse, but the wildlife is thriving, with resident animals from moose and black bears to wolves, reindeer and Dall sheep.

And its natural landmarks are huge. It is home to Canada’s tallest mountain, Mount Logan, as well as the country’s largest non-polar icefields and the fierce Yukon River which runs for more than 1,800 miles. This territory’s dark and long winters also make it an ideal destination for spotting nature’s dazzling light show - the aurora borealis.