vapourtrails.ca

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.
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