Founded in 1993, the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon was originally developed to provide adventure tour operators and guides an avenue in which to discuss, investigate, lobby and represent any issues that uniquely affect the wilderness tourism sector.
Today, WTAY's overall objective remains the same, however we have continued to change and adapt as we respond to our growing industry's distinct needs.
Currently, WTAY is responsible for various initiatives, such as: facilitating educational seminars to increase knowledge and training; making available relevant research and communications; developing and promoting the Yukon as a year-round travel destination; acting as a liaison with the territorial, federal and First Nations governments as well as other associations; and managing the Yukon Wild Cooperative Marketing Program.
What we are about
The Wilderness Tourism Assocation of the Yukon (WTAY) is a membership-based, non-profit society governed by the Yukon Society Act. WTAY is a volunteer industry-led organization, governed by an elected Board of Directors, who represent and support businesses and wilderness community tourism interests throughout the Yukon. We focus our efforts in three main areas: industry development, destination development and destination stewardship.
Vision
To be globally recognized leaders creating an environment of opportunity in which Yukon’s vibrant and healthy wilderness tourism industry can thrive.
Mission
WTAY provides a unified voice for our members – educating and advocating for Yukon’s natural wilderness product and the tourism operators who use it. WTAY also promotes high-quality visitor experiences through our Yukon Wild brand.
Values
We believe in sustainable tourism and we encourage our members to provide authentic and meaningful experiences - but not at the expense of Yukon’s land, culture and history.
We support our members by
• Providing responsible and respectful representation;
• Acting in a progressive and sustainable manner; and,
• Providing an operating Code of Conduct and expected standard of care.
We Value and Respect
• Providing responsible and respectful representation;
• Acting in a progressive and sustainable manner; and,
• Providing an operating Code of Conduct and expected standard of care.
Our Commitments
Guided by the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy, WTAY has made the following commitments in order to develop a successful year-round destination and industry in the Yukon:
WTAY Member Code of Conduct
WTAY is committed to eco-tourism best practices and all WTAY members must adhere to the WTAY Member Code of Conduct
Leave No Trace Canada
WTAY is a member of Leave No Trace Canada and actively supports Leave No Trace efforts. Get supportive resources and join this initiative. Learn more
Yukon Sustainable Tourism Observatory
WTAY supports the Yukon Government's membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization's International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).
Indigenous Yukon
Learn more about Walk With Us, Respectful Travel Guidelines. This educational tool builds cultural awareness and understanding of the traditional values of Share, Care, Respect and Relationship Building as they relate to travel on and engagement with the land, water, cuture and communities.
Learn more
The Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon is governed by a Board of Directors and led by the Executive Director.
Kalin’s passion for the outdoors began as a child, but things really took off in 1991, when his oldest friend introduced him to the magic of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. That first canoe trip sparked a commitment to spending as much time as possible outdoors that continues to this day.Although paddling is his primary area of expertise, Kalin enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities from mountain and gravel biking, to alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and hiking. But he doesn’t run. For any reason.Kalin actively works in Yukon’s wilderness tourism industry through his company Eddyline. He is President of the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon (WTAY), Co-Chair of the Yukon Wild Marketing Committee and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIA Yukon). Kalin is both proud of, and passionate about, his Yukon home and embraces every opportunity to share it with others.
Originally from Montreal, summer camp and time at her family cottage as a youth sparked a life-long love for river travel and wild places for Bri. Combining her Environmental Science degree with itchy travel feet Bri worked for over a decade instructing for NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), teaching leadership, and fostering wilderness appreciation on expeditions around the world. She eventually settled in the Yukon spending the next five years Managing NOLS' Yukon programs, which is what first brought her on as a board member with WTAY. Still in love with the North, she currently guides and works as the Operations Manager for Nahanni River Adventures & Canadian River Expeditions.
JP joined the WTAY Board of Directors in 2017
Manuela has been in the Tourism sector for the last 16 years as a canoe/hiking/dog sledding guide and is the owner of Muktuk Adventures - a tourism business that provides authentic and unique Yukon experiences. She has an incredible way with animals and provides care for over 100 dogs living on the property. Manuela's passion for tourism revolves around sharing experiences and educating visitors from around the world about how truly awesome the Yukon is. Manuela joined the WTAY board of directors because she enjoys discussing industry challenges with like-minded people and being involved in work that ensures the Yukon stays a prime tourism destination.
Born in Montreal, Roxanne was never a city person. At the age of 25, she decided she wanted to see the world, starting with Canada. When she arrived in the Canadian Rockies, she found where she belonged: in the mountains. Roxanne spent time learning about climbing, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, skiing and so much more! She spent her time between the Canadian Rockies, British Columbia, France and Switzerland, while she finished her studies in Adventure Tourism. In 2018, an amazing opportunity arrived and she became the owner of Mount Logan EcoLodge in the Yukon. Owning a lodge had always been a dream of hers and from one dream came another and her small adventure company, Yukon Guided Adventures, was born. Becoming a business owner showed her that when she truly believes in her dreams... they come true! She is still hoping to climb Mount Logan one day... will she? Maybe!
Bylaws
The WTAY bylaws were updated on February 15, 2023. Click below to find the full version on the bylaws.
WTAY's Industry Partners
WTAY also works closely with a number of supporters that are integral to the success of WTAY’s goals.
YFNCT
The Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT) is a non-profit organization that is committed to growing and promoting vibrant and sustainable arts/culture and tourism sectors.
Yukon Convention Bureau
The Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT) is a non-profit organization that is committed to growing and promoting vibrant and sustainable arts/culture and tourism sectors.
Yukon Outfitters Association
The Yukon Outfitters Association is committed to conservation and a sustainable outfitting heritage.
Yukon Historical & Museums Association
The Yukon Historical & Museums Association is a registered charity that works to inspire and share a passion for Yukon heritage.
Klondike Visitors Association
The Klondike Visitors Association is a not-for-profit tourism sector organization, based in Dawson City, Yukon, representing local and regional members and industry stakeholders.
TIA Yukon
The Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon is the visitor industry association forging a common voice and actions to influence, promote and assist the development of tourism in the Yukon.