Yukon Art, Indigenous Crafts & Klondike Heritage

Well, hello there, friends! Pull up a camp chair, pour yourself a piping hot mug of cowboy coffee (or a chilled northern craft brew), and get comfy. If you’ve ever stepped foot in the Yukon during the summer, you know there is something undeniably electric in the air. The Midnight Sun is doing its round-the-clock dance across the horizon, the fireweed is beginning to splash brilliant magenta across the valley floors, and the rivers are roaring with fresh glacial runoff. Up here north of 60°, summer isn’t just a season—it’s an absolute celebration of light, life, creativity, and wilderness spirit!

Whether you’re a long-time local heading out to the cabin, a family looking to keep creative little hands busy during the school break, or a wide-eyed visitor exploring Whitehorse and the historic Klondike loop for the very first time, we’ve got a treasure trove of northern art, rich storytelling, and hands-on crafts to inspire your summer journey. From sly red foxes trotting through urban alleys to authentic Indigenous craft traditions and nostalgic watercolour historic scenes, let’s take a deep dive into what makes Northern Canadian art so soul-stirring.

1. The Bold, Textured World of Kari Lehr

If you've ever spent quiet time in the boreal forest or taken an early morning stroll along the Yukon River, you know the thrilling feeling of catching a sudden flash of rusty red amidst the green spruce needles. The red fox is one of the North’s most remarkable acrobats. Highly adaptable, extraordinarily resourceful, and undeniably charming, red foxes are just as likely to be found scavenging playfully near city limits as they are hunting stealthily in deep wilderness thickets or hiding out in cozy, unexpected rocky nooks.

It’s precisely this spirited, captivating nature that artist Kari Lehr captures so brilliantly in her visual work. Kari’s bold, expressive, and deeply colourful style brings the untamed beauty of Northern wildlife straight into our living spaces. She doesn’t just paint an animal; she captures its inner personality, presence, and connection to the surrounding ecosystem.

Texture, Collage, and Northern Landscapes

What sets Kari Lehr’s portfolio apart is her masterful layering of texture and technique. Many of her pieces blend vibrant acrylic paint with intricate collage elements—incorporating text, paper patterns, and tactile surfaces that give each canvas a rich, dimensional feel. Her artistic universe features majestic northern critters—including red foxes, proud bears, mysterious wolves, and gentle birds—nestled among towering evergreens, delicate wildflowers, and sweeping northern skies.

Beyond her iconic animal portraits, Kari’s work extends into serene landscape studies and emotive portraiture. Each piece serves as a visual love letter to the rugged terrain of the Canadian West and North. Bringing one of Kari Lehr’s prints, art cards, or magnets into your home is like keeping a tiny piece of wild northern sunshine on display year-round.

Northern Insider Tip: Are you decorating a cozy cabin or looking for a meaningful gift? Kari Lehr’s art cards can be framed in simple 5x7 mats for an instant, budget-friendly gallery wall that highlights northern Canadian wildlife in all its textured glory!

2. Hands-On Indigenous Crafts & Northern Storybooks

School’s out, the sun never sets, and every parent or caregiver in the Yukon knows the ultimate summer question: "What are we doing today?" While outdoor hiking and canoeing are daily staples, every kid needs downtime to recharge their imagination. If you want to keep young minds engaged while fostering a deep respect for local culture and artistry, our expanded collection of Indigenous craft kits and Northern children’s books is ready for action.

a) Indigenous Colouring Books: Artistry Meets Storytelling

Forget standard store-bought activity sheets! Our range of colouring books features authentic, striking artwork created by renowned First Nations and Canada-wide Indigenous artists. These books offer children (and adults!) an immersive way to engage with traditional formline art, sacred animal symbolism, and cultural storytelling.

• Carla Joseph: Celebrated for her fluid, highly emotional lines and deep connection to nature, Carla’s designs invite artists of all ages to explore vibrant colour palettes.

• Mark Preston: Known for his clean, contemporary interpretation of Northwest Coast formline motifs, Mark’s work teaches spatial balance and geometric harmony.

• Richard Shorty: A Yukon favorite born in Kwanlin (Whitehorse), Richard Shorty’s iconic animal depictions merge traditional First Nations art forms with playful, accessible energy.

b) Soapstone Carving Kits: Tactile Yukon Crafting

Looking for a memorable hands-on activity around the campfire or out on the cabin porch? We have recently restocked and expanded our DIY Soapstone Carving Kit selection! Soapstone carving is an incredible, tactile craft that connects makers directly with natural stone materials.

Each kit comes complete with a pre-cut soft soapstone block, child-safe carving tools, sandpaper, finishing wax, and step-by-step instructions. It’s a dust-friendly activity that’s ideal for outside picnic tables or campsite benches. Kids and beginners can shape, sand, and polish their very own 3D stone sculpture to keep forever. Popular kit shapes include:

• Bear & Wolf Kit: Pay homage to two of the North’s most revered apex predators.

• Bigfoot / Sasquatch Kit: A fun, mysterious favorite for young wilderness explorers!

c) Traditional Moose Hair Tufting DIY Kits by Nancy Hager

For older kids, teenagers, and craft enthusiasts looking to explore a traditional Indigenous art form, we are honored to feature Moose Hair Tufting DIY Kits by artist Nancy Hager. Moose hair tufting is a delicate, historical Northern Dene technique where dyed or natural moose hair is sculpted into three-dimensional floral forms on hide or fabric.

Nancy Hager’s comprehensive kit includes all necessary authentic materials—ethically harvested moose hair, backing material, thread, needles, and a wooden display frame—allowing you to create a complete, stunning tufted flower piece from scratch. It’s an incredible educational gift that honors northern heritage and yields a display-worthy masterpiece.

d) Northern Children's Storybooks for Midnight Sun Bedtimes

When the clock strikes 9:00 PM and it still looks like midday outside, settling down for bed requires a cozy reading routine. Beautifully illustrated books like Arctic Song and Children of the Yukon bring northern folklore, seasonal rhythms, and Arctic wildlife to life, making bedtime a sweet, inspiring journey into northern lore.

3. Treasures for the Midnight Sun Traveler

Are you visiting Whitehorse, traveling along the Alaska Highway, or taking a scenic road trip up to Dawson City? We know the classic traveler’s dilemma all too well: your heart falls in love with Yukon art, but your luggage space is strictly limited (or your carry-on is already pushing the weight limit!).

You don't need to haul heavy, fragile items to take genuine Canadian art home with you. We have curated a diverse collection of lightweight, non-breakable, and easily packable souvenirs that carry huge cultural value without weighing down your suitcase.

Souvenir Type	Featured Artwork / Artist	Why It’s Perfect for Travelers
Art Cards & Magnets	Kluane Summer & A Taste of Summer Art Cards	Lightweight, easy to slip into a notebook or frame at home. Captures Yukon's dramatic mountain beauty.
Artistic Bookmarks	Dragonfly Dreams (Dawn Oman) & Cycle of Life (Richard Shorty)	Laminated, colorful, and highly practical gifts for book lovers. Easily fits into greeting card envelopes.
Art Keychains	Ethereal Passage (Brandon Gabriel) & Chickadee Prayers (Jackie Traverse)	Durable everyday reminders of Northern art that fit right in your pocket or attached to your daypack.
Eco-Tote Bags	Eternity & Revelation (Tracey Metallic)	Foldable, heavy-duty canvas totes featuring striking Mi'gmaq art. Replaces plastic bags while traveling!

These compact treasures mean you can spread Northern hospitality and share meaningful Indigenous art with friends and family back home, all while keeping your travel bags light and stress-free.

4. Canadian Historic Places Days: Preserving Yukon Memory in Watercolour & Film

Every summer from July 11 to 20, communities across the nation celebrate Canadian Historic Places Days. Up here in the Yukon, history isn't tucked away quietly behind velvet ropes in museum corridors—it's alive, breathing, and etched into the very timber of our sourdough cabins, Gold Rush saloons, vintage aircraft, and river valleys.

Art plays a vital role in documenting this historical tapestry. As landscapes shift, pioneer buildings age, and towns evolve, artists provide visual anchor points that preserve our shared memories.

Jim Robb & Fredrick Lemke: The Heritage Watercolour Masters

Local Yukon art icons Jim Robb and Fredrick Lemke have spent decades capturing the character of the North through watercolour. Jim Robb, famous for his iconic "Colourful 5 Percent" series, captures the whimsical, leaning, weathered cabins and eccentric historical personalities that give Whitehorse and Dawson City their unique charm.

Prints and card sets featuring historic landmarks—such as the famous Matthew Watson General Store (Exterior & Interior) in Carcross, the leaning Kissing Buildings of Dawson City, or the historic Engine 73 in Skagway—allow us to hold onto the authentic Klondike atmosphere. These depictions become richer and more precious as time marches on.

Peter Von Gaza: Stark Black & White Historical Photography

For a different perspective on northern heritage, photographer Peter Von Gaza works in classic black and white. His dramatic, high-contrast imagery highlights the textures of storm clouds, vintage WWII hangars, and iconic industrial relics like the legendary DC3 Weathervane at the Whitehorse Airport. Black and white photography strips away modern distractions, evoking the stark, rugged endurance of the sourdoughs who carved out lives in the subarctic landscape.

Did You Know? The Yukon's history extends far back beyond the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. For thousands of years, First Nations people have lived in harmony with this land, establishing sophisticated trade routes and cultural traditions. Modern northern art beautifully bridges ancient indigenous history with Gold Rush pioneer lore.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Q1: What are the best non-breakable souvenirs to buy in Whitehorse, Yukon?

Answer: The best packable, non-breakable souvenirs include Indigenous art cards, laminated bookmarks, keychains (featuring art by Brandon Gabriel or Jackie Traverse), and foldable canvas tote bags (featuring work by Tracey Metallic). They are lightweight, durable, and easy to fit into carry-on luggage.

Q2: Is soapstone carving safe and easy for children?

Answer: Yes! Soapstone is a very soft natural mineral. Our soapstone carving kits are designed specifically for beginners and children. They include safe, non-sharp shaping tools, sandpaper, and natural wax. It is best enjoyed outdoors or on a covered porch so dust can be easily swept away.

Q3: Who is artist Kari Lehr and what is her style?

Answer: Kari Lehr is a Canadian visual artist known for her bold, colourful, and textured paintings of wildlife (such as red foxes, bears, and birds) set against northern landscapes and floral backgrounds. She frequently uses collage techniques and acrylic layers to create tactile art prints.

Q4: When is Canadian Historic Places Days celebrated?

Answer: Canadian Historic Places Days takes place annually from July 11 to 20. It is a nationwide celebration highlighting historic sites, heritage architecture, and the cultural stories that shape Canada.

Bring the Spirit of the North Home Today!

Whether you're spending your summer nights watching the golden sun hover above the northern horizon, teaching your kids the fine art of soapstone carving at the campsite, or decorating your home with historic watercolours and wild fox prints, Yukon art connects us to something timeless and wild.

Stop by our store in Whitehorse or browse our full online collection today to discover Kari Lehr art, Indigenous craft kits, packable souvenirs, and historic Yukon prints. Happy summer, stay curious, and enjoy every single hour of that glorious Midnight Sun!