Nestled in Whitehorse, Yukon, the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre offers a fascinating window into a prehistoric world that once connected North America and Asia. For history enthusiasts, science lovers, and curious travelers alike, this centre is a must-stop destination along the Alaska Highway. It brings to life the story of Beringia—a vast, ice-free land bridge that existed during the last Ice Age—and the dramatic changes in climate, wildlife, and human history that shaped the region. Through immersive exhibits, ancient fossils, and engaging narratives, the centre provides a deep dive into the Yukon's past, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
What is Beringia?
Beringia refers to a region that stretched from eastern Siberia across the Bering Strait to the Yukon and Alaska, forming a land bridge during the Pleistocene epoch, roughly 26,500 to 19,000 years ago. Unlike much of North America, which was blanketed by glaciers during the Ice Age, Beringia remained ice-free due to its dry climate and low snowfall. This unique environment supported a diverse ecosystem of grasslands, known as the Mammoth Steppe, where megafauna like woolly mammoths, steppe bison, and scimitar cats roamed. Beringia also served as a migration route for the first humans to cross into North America, making it a critical piece of human history.
The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, located at Kilometre 1423 on the Alaska Highway, is dedicated to preserving and sharing this story. Since its opening in 1997, the centre has become a hub for education and research, offering visitors a chance to explore how climate change, geography, and biology intertwined to shape the ancient world.
What Visitors Can Expect to See
Stepping into the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre feels like stepping back in time. The centre’s exhibits are designed to immerse visitors in the Ice Age landscape, using life-sized replicas, fossils, and interactive displays to bring Beringia to life. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll encounter:
Life-Sized Megafauna Replicas
One of the centre’s highlights is its collection of life-sized replicas of Ice Age animals. A towering woolly mammoth greets visitors, its curved tusks and shaggy coat evoking the harsh, cold climate of Beringia. Nearby, a scimitar cat prowls, its elongated canines a testament to its predatory prowess. These replicas are based on fossils found in the Yukon, offering a tangible connection to the creatures that once roamed the region. Children and adults alike will marvel at the sheer size of these animals, gaining a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity of the Mammoth Steppe.
Fossil Displays and Archaeological Finds
The centre houses an impressive collection of fossils unearthed from the Yukon’s permafrost, including mammoth tusks, bison skulls, and horse bones. These well-preserved specimens provide insight into the diet, behavior, and extinction of Beringia’s megafauna. One notable exhibit features the remains of a 40,000-year-old horse, discovered near Dawson City, showcasing the Yukon’s role as a treasure trove for paleontology.
Archaeological artifacts also tell the story of early human inhabitants. Stone tools, such as the Bluefish Caves findings dating back over 24,000 years, suggest that humans crossed the Bering Land Bridge and adapted to the harsh environment. These displays highlight the resilience and ingenuity of the first North Americans, sparking curiosity about their way of life.
The Beringia Diorama
A large diorama recreates the Beringian landscape, complete with rolling grasslands, grazing animals, and a distant view of the land bridge. This exhibit illustrates the region’s unique climate—dry and cold, yet free of ice—allowing visitors to visualize a world vastly different from the Yukon’s modern boreal forest. The diorama also shows how rising sea levels at the end of the Ice Age submerged the land bridge, isolating populations and shaping the genetic diversity of both humans and animals.
Film and Interactive Exhibits
The centre’s 20-minute film, Beringia: A Land Before Time, provides a cinematic overview of the region’s history, narrated with stunning visuals of the Yukon’s modern landscape juxtaposed with animated reconstructions of the Ice Age. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to touch replica fossils, listen to the calls of extinct animals, and explore how climate change impacted Beringia. These hands-on experiences make the centre particularly engaging for families and younger visitors.
Learning About Climate and Its Impacts
One of the most compelling aspects of the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre is its focus on how climate can and does change, both past and present. The story of Beringia is, at its core, a story of environmental transformation. As the Ice Age ended around 11,700 years ago, global temperatures rose, glaciers melted, and sea levels increased by over 100 meters, flooding the Bering Land Bridge. This dramatic shift led to the extinction of many megafauna species, as the Mammoth Steppe gave way to wetlands and forests that couldn’t support their grazing needs.
The centre draws parallels between these ancient changes and today’s climate challenges, emphasizing the Yukon’s role as a frontline for studying global warming. Permafrost thawing in the region is releasing ancient fossils—and greenhouse gases—providing scientists with critical data on past climates while highlighting the urgency of addressing modern environmental issues. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of how interconnected climate, ecosystems, and human survival are, making the centre a thought-provoking stop for those interested in environmental science.
Additional Features and Visitor Information
Beyond its exhibits, the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre offers additional amenities to enhance your visit. A small outdoor trail features interpretive signs about the Yukon’s modern wildlife, such as moose and caribou, which have adapted to the post-Ice Age landscape. The gift shop sells unique souvenirs, including books on Beringia, local art, and fossil replicas, perfect for history buffs.
The centre is open year-round, with summer hours (mid-May to mid-September) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and winter hours (mid-September to mid-May) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is affordable, typically around $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for youth, with family passes available. The centre is fully accessible, with ample parking for RVs—a bonus for those traveling the Alaska Highway. Guided tours are offered during peak season, providing deeper insights from knowledgeable staff.
Why It’s a Must-Stop Destination
The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre is more than a museum—it’s a journey through time that connects visitors to the ancient world of Beringia and the forces that shaped it. For history enthusiasts, the centre offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Ice Age animals and early humans, backed by authentic fossils and archaeological evidence. For those interested in climate science, it provides a compelling narrative about how environmental changes have transformed the planet—and continue to do so today.
Located just a short drive from downtown Whitehorse, the centre is an ideal stop for travelers exploring the Yukon. Pair your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the SS Klondike National Historic Site or the Yukon Wildlife Preserve for a full day of discovery. Whether you’re fascinated by woolly mammoths, curious about human migration, or concerned about climate change, the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre offers an enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Yukon's incredible history.
A Timeless Connection
As you stand before the woolly mammoth replica or gaze at the Beringia diorama, you’ll feel a profound connection to a world long gone—a world that shaped the one we live in today. The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre brings this history to life, inviting visitors to explore the past while reflecting on the future. It’s a must-stop for anyone traveling through Whitehorse, offering a unique blend of education, wonder, and inspiration that resonates long after you’ve left.
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