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.
