Confusion at the U.S./Canada border

My original plan was to see the Arctic Ocean, visit Tuktoyaktuk, and return through Dawson City to Whitehorse. After that, I wasn’t sure. Only when I reached Skagway, I decided to exit by B.C. ferry through the tail end of the Inside Passage and head south towards home. But first, I had to return the rental car to Whitehorse and get back to Skagway.

Tutshi Lake’s stunning colour

I headed north out of U.S.A. At the border, there were only two cars ahead to enter into British Columbia, Canada before crossing over into the Yukon. The first driver left his car, went into the tiny office, came out gripping paperwork with more discussion going on before he finally drove into Canada. Next, the driver ahead of me followed the same procedure and I was wondering what was the issue, until he opened the back of his van and pulled out a huge rifle while his child sat centimetres away.

That’s when everything became clear. Canada wanted to make sure United States tourists took their guns back into the U.S. when they left Canada. When it was my turn, the customs officer took one look at me, my passport, my number plate and I was on my way.

By the South Klondike Highway, B.C.

Entering British Columbia’s far northern border, stones were piled one on top of the other as if welcoming me back—like miniature inuksuks. (stone sign posts built by the Inuit so they could find their way home in the featureless winter Arctic). Along the Klondike Highway, I stopped by Tutshi Lake in B.C. (featured photo) and remembered how I’d once thought the colours of lakes in postcards from Canada were fake until I arrived here. 

Emerald Lake, Yukon Territory

Emerald Lake was my last stop before I reached Whitehorse. Called Rainbow Lake by the Tagish First Nation, the lake had a white calcium carbonate bottom. With the sun reflecting off the lake’s surface, the result was stunning.