DES ROUTES POUR TOUS LES GOÛTS (302 ENGLISH)

DES ROUTES POUR TOUS LES GOÛTS  (302  ENGLISH)

There were more than one route to the Klondike, but the most popular was the one that led through the Chilkoot Pass from Dyea and the one through the White Pass from Skagway in Alaska.

THE CHILKOOT PASS

The Chilkoot Pass, a break between two mountain summits, was an important commercial route for the Natives who, until 1880 were the only ones who knew the access to it. The road through the Chilkoot Pass started from Dyea (Alaska) near the Pacific Ocean and went to where the Yukon River opens ** into the Klondike gold fields.

During the 1897-98 gold rush, the Chilkoot Pass was the most popular with the prospectors. Millions of people coming from all corners of the world, opted for this route which was more direct but more difficult. The picture of a long line of gold-seekers climbing the 45 degree inclination, leading towards the Pass was the perfect symbol or the symbol “par excellence” of the Gold Rush to the Klondike.

At the end of February, a famine ravaged the Yukon; no one could pass through the customs at the Chilkoot Pass which was guarded by the Royal Mounted Police unless they had the necessary equipment and provisions to enable them to survive six months.  Since the precipitous incline did not enable draught or cart animals, the gold-seekers had to make from 30 to 40 trips, back and forth  carrying about 23 kg (50 pounds) on their back in order to transport all of their baggage up to the summit.  The porters and the investors, took advantage of this situation and  made some extra money that way.

 In the spring of 1898, there were many telegraph lines along the route.

Today the route is part of the national park administered by both Canada and the United States.  Those who are used to walking and hiking take from 3 to 5 days to cover the 53 km (33 miles) which the gold-seekers used formerly.

THE WHITE PASS

 The White Pass route was less abrupt or sharp than the route through the Chilkoot. It enabled the use of horses, but it was so muddy that the animals sunk in or were sucked in or even slid from the top of the cliff to the bottom. There was even a spot on the route christened the “Dead Horse” ravine.

THE EDMONTON ROUTE

In order to keep the gold in Canada, the government promoted the Edmonton route.  According to the advertising of the time, this route was quick and had the advantage of having fewer custom fees.  In fact there were 800 miles (about 1300 km) of portage to do between the Yukon and Edmonton going by the two rivers, the Peace and the Pelly.  Of the 2000 people who took this route, few reached their destination, and those who did took about two years to reach their destination.

REF: L'EMPREINTE P.31-32  33-34