Good morning, Yukon.
Last year, Yukoners spent $1.44 million less on alcohol and $1.44 million more on legal cannabis. We also now lead the entire country in cannabis spending per person. Draw your own conclusions.
In this issue
Let's get into it.
Graph of the Week
Yukon is buying less booze and more bud
For years, a drink was the default Yukon way to unwind. A beer after work. Wine with dinner. Something stronger at the cabin. Something questionable at a bush party in 2003.
Legal cannabis gave that routine another option, and the latest numbers show the two heading in different directions.
In 2024/25, Yukon alcohol sales came to $42.9 million, down 3.2% from the year before. Legal cannabis hit a record $14.4 million, up 11.1%.
Now look at the size of those changes. Alcohol sales fell by $1.44 million. Cannabis sales rose by $1.44 million. Coincidence? Almost certainly. Suspicious? Absolutely.
Fiscal year | Alcohol sales | Cannabis sales |
|---|---|---|
2021/22 | $41.87 million | $10.02 million |
2022/23 | $42.55 million | $10.96 million |
2023/24 | $44.33 million | $12.96 million |
2024/25 | $42.89 million | $14.40 million |
Booze is still three times bigger. But since 2021/22, cannabis sales are up 44%, and alcohol is up just 2%.
Welcome to Canada's cannabis capital
If there were a podium for legal weed, Yukon would be on top of it.
We spent $384 per person of legal age on legal cannabis last year. That's the most in Canada, and about $100 ahead of whoever came second. The national average was $167. Quebec came last at $105.
So the average adult Yukoner outspends the average Canadian more than two to one, and the average Quebecer nearly four to one. Make of that what you will.
So are we trading a drink for an edible?
Some of us, probably. The numbers can't say how many. Part of cannabis's growth is people switching from their old dealer to a legal store rather than smoking more, and these are dollars, not drinks.
It's not just us
The whole country is putting the glass down. Canadians of legal age averaged 8.0 standard drinks a week in 2024/25, down from 8.7 the year before, so nearly one drink fewer every week.
Governments noticed. Their earnings from alcohol fell further than in any year since Statistics Canada started tracking them in 2004/05. Tighter budgets, alcohol-free options and changing habits are all likely in the mix.
The after-work shopping basket is changing. Whether that's a swap or just a shift, it's worth watching.
Sources: Statistics Canada, alcohol sales, legal cannabis sales and Control and sale of alcoholic beverages and cannabis, 2024/25; CBC North, Yukon leads the country in cannabis sales per capita. Alcohol figures are sales by liquor authorities and outlets before taxes, including sales to bars and restaurants. Cannabis figures are legal, non-medical sales only. Per-person figures are per person of legal age. The series starts in 2021/22, the first year of comparable cannabis data.
From the Almanac
Jack London found gold in a story
Jack London went to the Klondike looking for gold. His richest discovery was a set of stories about the Yukon, including one about a very compelling sled dog.
In The Call of the Wild, Buck is stolen from a comfortable California home and sold into the northern sled-dog trade. The Yukon strips away his old life. He learns the harness, the cold, and the rules of survival, until something older begins to call from the forest.
Published in 1903, the book helped turn London into an international celebrity. The gold rush had supplied him with something he could keep mining long after he left the creeks.
Stories.
Other prospectors searched gravel for a flash of yellow. London paid attention to the people doing the searching: their ambitions, boasts, loyalties and terrible decisions. He listened to the stories that traveled between cabins and watched a landscape capable of making almost anyone feel small. Then, he carried that material to the page.
In White Fang, the journey runs in the other direction, following a wolf-dog towards human companionship. In To Build a Fire, an ordinary mistake becomes a desperate struggle with the Yukon cold. London could make a wet boot or a dwindling supply of matches carry the weight of an entire life.
For readers far from the North, these stories made the Yukon feel close enough to touch. This made him extremely famous.
His fame is easier to understand if you think of the kind of name recognition enjoyed by Stephen King or J.K. Rowling: a writer whose identity becomes almost as familiar as the books.
The money he made from writing was extraordinary. Some reports claim that London was earning US$20,000 a month from books, articles, reporting and speaking engagements. Using 1913 as an early-1900s inflation benchmark, that is roughly US$650,000 a month in 2026 purchasing power.
It was considerable income, although his spending and ambitious projects kept him under financial pressure.
There was an irony in the book that helped make his fortune. London sold the book rights to The Call of the Wild for US$2,000, rather than collecting continuing royalties. He had found a remarkably productive claim and sold that particular stake early. That would have been his highest-earning book, but thankfully he was prolific, and the gold mine that was Yukon Stories kept producing.
He produced more than 50 books, and some of his work has been translated into as many as 70 languages.
For Yukon, the return has lasted longer than any royalty cheque. Generations of readers have encountered the territory through his dogs, rivers, cabins and winter trails. His fiction is not a complete account of this place, but it has made people curious enough to turn another page, and sometimes to come north themselves.
The gold rush scattered fortunes around the world. London sent out stories.
More than a century later, people are still finding something valuable in them.
Sources: Jack London State Historic Park, biography, Smithsonian, Jack London’s northern adventures and literary success, Jack London Museum and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator. The inflation estimate uses 1913 as a stated benchmark because the reported monthly income is not tied to one precise year.
Yukon Wins
A new chapter for École Whitehorse Elementary
Yukon’s oldest operating school is a step closer to a new home.
The government has selected the Valleyview site across from the Canada Games Centre for the replacement École Whitehorse Elementary School. The new building is being planned for up to 600 students and approximately 55 staff.
Municipal planning and rezoning approvals are still required, and students will remain at the current school while the replacement is built. But choosing a site moves the project beyond the question that has held everyone’s attention: where will it go?
Source: Government of Yukon, September 28.
Whitehorse gets a romantic comedy of its own
A writer falls for his mail carrier and begins sending himself letters so she will visit more often.
That is the premise of From Me to You, a romantic comedy set in Whitehorse, directed by Daniel Little, co-written with Peter Jickling and produced by Marty O’Brien.
The film’s industry listing describes the $650,000 feature as fully financed and in post-production. A public release date has not been confirmed.
Whitehorse has supplied plenty of dramatic scenery over the years. This time, it also gets the love story.
Gavin McKenna takes his first NHL shift
Whitehorse-born Gavin McKenna made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 29, becoming the fourth Yukon-born player to appear in an NHL game.
He played 15 minutes and 19 seconds, beginning his NHL career on a line with William Nylander and John Tavares.
Being selected first overall was one milestone. Taking that first shift was another. Somewhere in Yukon, a young hockey player has another reason to believe the distance south is manageable.
Yukon Find
Speaking of drinking, get yourself a bottle of Yukon-grown wine
The Yukon might not be the first place you picture when someone mentions wine country. Solstice Wines gives us a reason to reconsider.
Behind the brand is Yukon Berry Farms, which grows haskap berries just north of Whitehorse. These dark-blue berries thrive in cold climates and have a tart flavour often compared to blueberries and raspberries. They also make an interesting starting point for wine.
Founder Kyle Marchuk’s experiment in northern farming grew into Yukon’s first commercial winery and cidery. Today, the Solstice range includes haskap wines and a lightly sparkling Haskap Frizzante, which blends the berries with Sauvignon Blanc.
For your next dinner invitation, here’s a bottle with a local story to bring along.
Sources: Solstice’s story, Yukon Berry Farms and Haskap Frizzante.
Quote of the Week
The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.
Upcoming Events
Last call for Yukon Fringe
Sunday, October 4 | Downtown Whitehorse
The inaugural Yukon Fringe wraps up Sunday, so there is still time to trade the sofa for something less predictable.
Catch Justin Shaw’s Islandography at the Old Log Church Museum from 4:45–5:45 p.m., or try Mixed Bag: A Draguesque Variety Show at the Gold Rush Inn Games Room from 5:15–6:15 p.m.
Comedy in a historic church or drag and burlesque in a games room. Either should give you more to talk about than another evening of scrolling.
Check individual listings for ticket prices and age guidance.
Dinner, music and dancing at Onde de choc
Tuesday, October 6 | Doors 7 p.m.; show 7:30 p.m.
Old Fire Hall | $25 general; $20 AFY members
This is a Tuesday with considerably more ambition than most.
Onde de choc brings together artwork, a Klonbite buffet, live music, burlesque and a dance floor. The line-up includes Maya Chartier, Centreville, Chérie Coquette and DJ Off-grid.
Come for the food and performances. Stay until Tuesday starts feeling like Friday.
A movie soundtrack by candlelight
Friday, October 9 | 6:30 p.m.
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | From $42.50
A string quartet takes on the music of Hans Zimmer in a candlelit setting. It is a chance to hear familiar film scores without anyone talking through the good parts.
Prefer pop to film music? A Michael Jackson tribute follows at 8:45 p.m., from $46.
Both performances run approximately one hour and welcome ages eight and older.
Petty Boy Osley takes over Lefty’s Well
Friday, October 9 | Doors 9 p.m.; music from 10 p.m.
Lefty’s Well, 102 Wood Street | $10 advance; $15 door | 19+
For anyone whose Friday night should get louder as it gets later, Petty Boy Osley brings his Halfway Home tour to Whitehorse.
Expect alternative hip-hop, melodic rap and guest performances in a venue where you will not need binoculars to see the stage.
Dance without learning the steps
Saturday, October 10 | 7–9 p.m.; doors 6:45 p.m.
L’AFY, 302 Strickland Street | Tickets from $11.98
Ecstatic Dance is a sober, all-ages evening of free-form movement. There is no choreography to remember and no partner required.
If your preferred dance instruction is “put some music on and let me figure it out,” this may be your evening.
Book Ahead
Letterkenny’s Coach is coming to Whitehorse
October 16 at 9:30 p.m. or October 17 at 7 p.m.
Boiler Room Bar, 4220 Fourth Avenue · $32, including fees and taxes
Mark Forward, better known to Letterkenny fans as Coach, is bringing his stand-up to the Boiler Room alongside Newfoundland comedian Mike Lynch. Two comedians, an intimate venue and a good excuse to get a few friends together. The Friday early show is already listed as unavailable, so this is one to book sooner.
Down With Webster, downtown and free
Saturday, October 24 · 5 p.m.
Downtown Whitehorse · Free · All ages
Down With Webster is coming downtown for a free community concert, courtesy of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce. Bring your friends, bring the kids and dig out a warmer jacket. The ticket budget can go towards dinner.
Pirates, aliens and a Halloween dance floor
Saturday, October 31 · 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tony’s Seafood and Pasta, 201 Wood Street · 19+
Yo Ho Ho & a UFO brings pirates and aliens together for a Halloween party with DJs Blown Breaka and AndyWho. Recruit a crew, pick a planet and give your costume a proper night out.
The first 50 tickets are advertised at $25, followed by $30 tickets, with higher cash-only admission at the door. Check the booking page for available prices and fees.
The Yukon Market Board
Market snapshot: October 2, 2026.
It was a red week across our Yukon company watchlist. All ten tracked shares finished below their September 25 prices, although several remain ahead for the year.
Banyan offers the clearest example: down 2% for the week, but still more than double its year-end price.
Broad markets
As of October 2, 2026. Changes show price movements over the past week, month and year to date.
Market | Latest price | Week | Month | YTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold | US$4,139.49/oz | −3.4% | −5.6% | −4.3% |
Silver | US$60.32/oz | −6.1% | −7.7% | −15.6% |
Copper | US$14,355/tonne | −2.6% | 0.0% | +14.8% |
WTI oil* | US$99.77/barrel | +4.1% | +9.1% | +74.2% |
S&P/TSX Composite | 35,502.65 | −0.8% | −1.6% | +12.0% |
S&P 500 | 7,722.72 | −0.3% | +0.7% | +12.8% |
Canadian dollar | US$0.7016 | −0.8% | −2.9% | −3.7% |
Sources: Gold, silver and Canadian dollar via ChartExchange; LME cash copper via Westmetall; WTI spot oil via EIA; S&P/TSX and S&P 500 via Investing.com. Calculations by Almanac of the Yukon. Oil is through October 1, the latest available spot observation. Its weekly comparison begins September 24 and monthly comparison September 1. Other rows are through October 2.
Yukon-linked companies
Company | Share price | Week | Month | YTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$16.62 | −5.0% | −5.9% | −4.3% | |
$1.94 | −2.0% | +2.6% | +113.2% | |
$2.85 | −7.2% | −17.2% | +5.2% | |
$3.08 | −6.1% | −7.8% | −16.1% | |
$0.99 | ≈−6.6% | −2.0% | +2.1% | |
$1.80 | −13.0% | −16.3% | +47.5% | |
$2.11 | −12.1% | −24.1% | +112.4% | |
$0.200 | −4.8% | −16.7% | −41.2% | |
$0.355 | −19.3% | −17.4% | −22.8% | |
US$17.20 | −5.4% | −17.2% | −10.4% |
Prices are Canadian dollars except Hecla. Weekly changes compare September 25 with October 2; monthly changes compare September 2 with October 2. YTD begins at the December 31, 2025 close. Figures are price changes, excluding dividends and other distributions. Sitka’s weekly change is approximate because the retrieved historical price is rounded.
Sources: Linked company price histories and historical year-end quotes. Calculations by Almanac of the Yukon.
Market Spotlight: Another reason to watch Minto
Minto is a familiar name in Yukon mining. The latest drilling offers another reason to follow its next chapter.
On September 29, Selkirk Copper reported a 5.4-metre interval containing 9.27% copper, 7.43 grams of gold per tonne and 54.9 grams of silver per tonne at Minto North. The company described it as one of the highest-grade intersections drilled on the property.
Selkirk First Nation indirectly holds a controlling stake in the company, which is working on a restart and redevelopment plan for the former mine.
A strong drill hole does not guarantee a successful restart. It does provide more information about what remains underground, helping the company refine the resource and assess how it might be mined.
For Yukon readers, the larger story is the possibility of a familiar mine returning under a different ownership structure. That will depend on much more than one promising hole.
Source: Selkirk Copper, September 29 drilling update. Reported intervals are drilled lengths; the company estimates true widths at approximately 80–90% of those lengths.
If you discover something worth sharing, reply and tell me about it. A good meal, a local business, an overlooked story or an event that deserves a crowd could become next week’s Yukon Find.
Thanks for reading, and for passing the Almanac along.
Michael