Don't miss this
3 Tips to make the most of your Yukon Rendezvous
Share
For a weekend in February, Whitehorse buzzes with energy that brings Yukon’s heritage alive and heralds the coming of spring. Enjoy family-friendly and sporting events by day like the pancake breakfast, axe throwing, dogsledding, flour packing and chainsaw chucking.
At night, the fun gets in full swing with the crowning of the festival Queen and roving performances by the world-famous Snow Shoe Shufflers and Rendezvous Can-Can dancers.
The Rendezvous Festival comes but once a year, so let's ensure you can make the most of it on your next visit. Follow these tips, and you’ll be celebrating like a local in no time!
Get your schedule
Every Rendezvous Festival runs a little different than the last, so even seasoned festival goers will be sure to have their schedule close at hand. Make sure to grab yours early! Kick-off events like the Can-Can dancers or “Call for the Cup” challenges often start happening in the weeks leading up to Heritage Day.
There are many events during the Festival that are ticketed, and some of the more popular tickets tend to go fast. Another reason to get your schedule early and plan ahead for an epic weekend.
Get in costume
Attendees of the Rendezvous Festival should be aware that there is a bit of a dress code. The Keystone Cops are a group of volunteers who will book those not sporting a beard or a garter, and may even throw you in jail (for long enough to get a picture)!
Lots of people go beyond the typical garter. It’s not unusual to be surrounded by folks in plaid, suspenders, corsets, feathers, and all sorts of 1890’s Klondike garb. You’re welcome to do the same, just make sure to prioritize staying warm while staying in the spirit!
Get to the park
Rendezvous events can be found all over Whitehorse, but the centre of the action is often at Shipyards Park and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. This is where you’ll find many of the activities that require a bit of elbow room, like the axe throw, the log toss, and a crowd favourite, the chainsaw chuck.
The park shouldn’t be difficult to find on Rendezvous weekend. Just ask a local, or listen for the sounds of a bustling outdoor party.
