25 Most Dangerous Cities in Yukon

Yukon, with its breathtaking beauty and rich history, often clashes with its darker reputation. Behind the stunning landscapes, 25 cities face significant challenges related to safety. This blog offers a closer look at these communities, illustrating their realities through powerful images that tell more than just a visual story.

Understanding the Landscape of Danger

While Yukon’s name evokes thoughts of pristine wilderness, some places are grappling with safety issues. Danger can come from various sources: crime rates, economic challenges, and geographic isolation. This post sheds light on some of the most hazardous cities, showcasing their narratives through compelling photographs.

Aerial view of a small Yukon town with limited streetlights — Aerial view showing a Yukon town with limited streetlights at dusk.

1. Whitehorse

Whitehorse, the capital city, has a diverse community but faces significant concerns with crime rates and substance abuse. In fact, statistics show that crime rates can fluctuate by as much as 30% during certain periods, creating a volatile environment for residents.

Overlooking view of downtown Whitehorse with a focus on street activity — Overlooking view of bustling downtown Whitehorse showing a mix of activity.

2. Dawson City

Dawson City, famous for its Gold Rush history, blends charm with concern. The city battles homelessness and alcohol abuse, with nearly 15% of the population reported to experience addiction issues. Communities are actively working on support services and rehabilitation programs.

Bird's eye view of Dawson City's historic waterfront — Bird’s eye view of Dawson City’s waterfront showcasing historic buildings.

3. Faro

A small community, Faro, has seen a steady decline in population, leading to increased crime incidents due to economic stagnation. The city’s isolation further exacerbates these challenges, with crime rates increasing by approximately 20% in recent years.

Close-up view of deserted streets in Faro illustrating the town’s quiet atmosphere — Close-up view showing deserted streets in Faro at sunset.

4. Mayo

Mayo’s small size means limited resources for its residents, contributing to various social issues. The town struggles with fewer law enforcement officers per capita, leading to an increase in crime that has risen by 25% over the last decade.

Wide angle view of Mayo's landscape with mountains in the background — Wide angle view capturing Mayo’s landscape with the backdrop of mountains.

5. Watson Lake

Known for its iconic signpost forest, Watson Lake faces unique safety challenges due to its transient population. With about 10% of residents frequently moving, community stability is affected, leading to crime fluctuations.

Eye-level view of the iconic signpost forest in Watson Lake — Eye-level view of Watson Lake’s signpost forest showcasing various international signs.

6. Haines Junction

Despite being a gateway to Kluane National Park, Haines Junction is experiencing rising crime rates. The influx of seasonal workers can cause crime to spike by nearly 15% during busy tourist seasons, straining local resources.

Panoramic view of the small town of Haines Junction surrounded by mountainous terrain — Panoramic view of Haines Junction showing small town nestled in mountains.

7. Old Crow

As the northernmost community in Yukon, Old Crow grapples with isolation. This geographical challenge results in substance abuse and related crimes, with reports indicating a 20% increase in incidents over recent years.

Close-up shot of a bright sunset over Old Crow's minimal landscape — Close-up shot illustrating Old Crow’s unique landscape at sunset.

8. Carcross

Carcross combines Indigenous culture with ongoing social issues. With a small population, the impact of crime can feel amplified, with community concerns rising about a 10% increase in local thefts.

High angle view of a serene Carcross landscape with trees and mountains — High angle view showcasing the natural landscape of Carcross with a focus on greenery.

9. Teslin

Economic opportunities in Teslin are limited, affecting community well-being. Residents report frustrations that can lead to crime, with a noted 15% increase in related incidents tied to economic downturns.

Wide angle view showing an expansive Teslin landscape and beautiful lake — Wide angle view of the expansive Teslin landscape featuring calm waters.

10. Pelly Crossing

Pelly Crossing, though small, faces persistent alcohol-related issues. Local authorities note that around 25% of police calls involve alcohol, underscoring the need for improved community support systems.

Eye-level view of Pelly Crossing's local community center surrounded by trees — Eye-level view of the community center in Pelly Crossing highlighting its surroundings.

11. Ross River

With a declining population, Ross River has become a site for increased petty crimes. Reports indicate a rise of about 20% in such offenses as a result of economic hardship affecting residents.

Aerial view of Ross River showcasing a few buildings with the river nearby — Aerial view of Ross River showing buildings alongside the river’s edge.

12. Beaver Creek

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Beaver Creek faces safety challenges due to transient populations. This results in about a 15% increase in crimes affecting local residents.

Wide angle view of rugged wilderness surrounding the outskirts of Beaver Creek — Wide angle view capturing the rugged wilderness around Beaver Creek.

13. Carmacks

Carmacks suffers from many of the same issues as its neighbors, particularly substance abuse. Approximately 30% of residents report being affected by the community’s drug problems, leading to heightened safety concerns.

Close-up view of a quiet road leading into Carmacks during autumn — Close-up view of a serene road leading to Carmacks during fall.

14. Elkwater

Elkwater is a small community without enough amenities to support its residents. Limited policing resources leave many concerns unaddressed, increasing the risk of crime by about 20% in recent years.

Wide shot of Elkwater's remote location surrounded by nature — Wide shot showing Elkwater’s remote setting amid untouched nature.

15. Keno City

With its historic silver mining background, Keno City struggles with abandonment issues. These remnants of the past can contribute to the feeling of isolation, causing a notable rise in crime rates by approximately 15%.

Aerial view of the historical remnants of Keno City surrounded by hills — Aerial view showcasing the remnants of Keno City’s mining past.

16. Tagish

Tagish is known for its tranquility, yet it faces challenges related to its transient population. Crime rates can spike by as much as 10% during periods of high turnover in residents, affecting the overall safety of the area.

Eye-level view of Tagish Bay with boats anchored in the calm water — Eye-level view of Tagish Bay highlighting tranquility with anchored boats.

17. Atlin

While Atlin offers stunning views, limited access to health and safety services can leave residents vulnerable. Reports of social issues have increased by approximately 15% in recent years, affecting daily life.

Wide angle view showcasing Atlin's scenic waters and distant mountains — Wide angle view revealing Atlin’s stunning waterscape and mountains.

18. Burwash Landing

Isolation in Burwash Landing impacts community dynamics, making proactive measures crucial. Local efforts to address safety concerns have shown an uptick in support requests, reflecting challenges faced by residents.

High angle view of Burwash Landing's waterfront community — High angle view capturing Burwash Landing’s community alongside the waterfront.

19. Champagne

Although Champagne is a quiet area, its remoteness can lead to unnoticed safety issues. Reports indicate crime in such areas can rise unpredictably, making awareness crucial for residents.

Close-up view of Champagne’s serene community with natural surroundings — Close-up view of Champagne’s community nestled in natural surroundings.

20. Destruction Bay

Harsh weather in Destruction Bay often leads to feelings of isolation. Community leaders note a correlation between extreme conditions and increased reports of domestic conflicts, often rising by 20% during winter months.

Wide angle view showcasing the extreme landscape of Destruction Bay — Wide angle view of Destruction Bay illustrating its wild and remote terrain.

21. Good Hope Lake

Good Hope Lake deals with the challenges of isolation, leading to vulnerabilities in community safety. Residents report that safety concerns have grown significantly in recent years, reflecting broader social issues.

Eye-level view of Good Hope Lake with distant mountains under clear skies — Eye-level view of Good Hope Lake’s serene waters and mountains in the background.

22. Lapierre House

While not a traditional city, Lapierre House grapples with issues of social integration that impact safety. Surrounding communities are often affected, leading to broader discussions about community safety.

Close-up view of Lapierre House's quaint exterior set amid the trees — Close-up view of Lapierre House highlighting its quaint architecture.

23. Tagish

Though Tagish holds a unique position within the region, challenges tied to limited services often affect its residents. The impact of these issues can lead to safety becoming a focal point of local debate.

Wide angle view of Tagish with mountains and trees surrounding it — Wide angle view illustrating Tagish’s beautiful mountainous terrain.

24. Silver Trail

As part of historical mining routes, Silver Trail highlights how past economic downturns influence current safety challenges. Communities here are working to overcome crime rates that have not improved in recent years.

Aerial view of Silver Trail showcasing remnants of old mining structures — Aerial view illustrating the remnants of mining routes along Silver Trail.

25. Carcross

Carcross faces the dual challenge of tourism and local living. Social issues can be exacerbated during peak tourist seasons, leading to increased tensions and safety concerns within the community.

Eye-level view of Carcross featuring the railway tracks and vast landscape — Eye-level view of Carcross showing historic railway tracks and expansive views.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Yukon’s cities reveals the complex challenges these communities face. The images capture more than beauty; they tell stories intertwined with risk and resilience.

Whether it’s the isolation many endure or the rising crime rates that affect daily lives, each city has a narrative worth sharing. As communities strive for solutions, it’s vital for both visitors and locals to play a role in fostering a safer Yukon.

In every hidden corner, stories and opportunities await, reminding us that even those labeled dangerous have potential waiting to be appreciated.

KWAL Adventure and Travel Magazine