Down the Mackenzie and up the Yukon in 1906

A young explorer sets out in 1906 to navigate the mighty Mackenzie River and then turn northward up the legendary Yukon. From the deck of steamers he watches the endless twilight that cloaks the sub‑arctic, hears the lone call of loons, and sketches the stark beauty of a land where “it is always afternoon.” The narrative blends crisp, first‑hand observations with a sense of wonder at a wilderness still largely unknown to the wider world.

Guided by his experience as a former forestry superintendent, the author records the soil and timber prospects of the region, noting where the forest could feed a growing nation. He also paints vivid portraits of the people he meets—Hudson’s Bay Company officials, independent traders, missionaries, and Indigenous communities—while sharing a collection of his own photographs and a detailed map. The result is a richly textured travelogue that captures both the adventure of the journey and the practical insights of a seasoned naturalist.