Map of British Columbia and Yukon

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, villages, rivers, lakes, peaks, islands, Trans-Canada highway, major highways, secondary roads, and national parks in British Columbia and Yukon.

British Columbia and Yukon: Pacific Province and Northern Territory

British Columbia and Yukon are neighboring jurisdictions in western Canada, with British Columbia being a province and Yukon a federal territory. They share a border extending approximately 1,290 kilometers along the 60th parallel north and through mountainous terrain. British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, while Yukon lies directly to its north.

Border and Geography

The southern portion of the border follows the 60th parallel from the British Columbia-Alberta-Yukon tripoint westward. The western section runs through the Saint Elias Mountains and Coast Mountains, including some of North America's highest peaks. Mount Logan, Canada's tallest mountain at 5,959 meters, is located in Yukon near the border region.

Both jurisdictions feature rugged, mountainous terrain with extensive wilderness areas. British Columbia encompasses approximately 944,735 square kilometers, while Yukon covers 482,443 square kilometers. The region's geography includes glaciers, fjords, temperate rainforests in coastal British Columbia, and subarctic tundra in northern Yukon.

Population Distribution

British Columbia has a population exceeding 5.7 million people, with most residents concentrated in the southwestern Lower Mainland region around Vancouver and Victoria. Yukon's population is approximately 48,000, with roughly 70% living in Whitehorse, the territorial capital. This represents one of the most dramatic population disparities between adjacent Canadian jurisdictions.

Economic Characteristics

British Columbia's economy is diverse, encompassing forestry, mining, technology, film production, tourism, and maritime industries. Vancouver serves as Canada's largest port and a major Pacific gateway. The province's GDP exceeds 300 billion CAD annually. Yukon's economy relies heavily on mining, particularly gold, silver, lead, and zinc extraction. Tourism and government services also contribute significantly. The Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1899 historically shaped Yukon's development and continues to influence its identity.

Transportation Links

The Alaska Highway, completed in 1942, connects British Columbia and Yukon, running from Dawson Creek, BC, through Whitehorse to Alaska. This remains the primary overland route between the jurisdictions. Several smaller highways cross the border region, though vast areas remain roadless wilderness. Air transportation plays a crucial role in connecting remote communities in both regions.

Indigenous Peoples

The border region has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. First Nations in northern British Columbia include the Tahltan, Kaska, and Tlingit. Yukon First Nations include fourteen distinct groups who have negotiated modern treaties with the Canadian government. These agreements provide significant self-governance powers and land rights. Both jurisdictions have substantial Indigenous populations, with approximately 23% of Yukon's residents identifying as Indigenous.