The Airport Chalet? More like the Burger Chalet

Good morning,

My dad was in town last week, and it’s always a real joy to show friends and family around the Yukon. Village Bakery music, Kathleen Lake, the hot springs, we hit up all the classics.

But by far the best experience was Long Ago Peoples Place. A big thank you to Harold Johnson and Meta Williams for the experience; it was such a pleasure to learn about the history and culture of the Southern Tutchone First Nations. Besides the educational component for tourists, it’s a learning opportunity for everyone in the territory.

Speaking of the land, we lucked out on the drive back from Haines Junction, with two bears sauntering off into the forest, and a massive bison herd on the side of the road. The Yukon really knows how to put on a show.

Today it’s a bit shorter of a newsletter as I’m in between travelling. But fear not, I’ve got another burger review.

Let’s get to today’s newsletter.

– Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

THE YUKON NUMBER

20

The number of years for which the Yukon Water Board approved the Whitehorse dam’s operating license. It’s the final step in Yukon Energy’s plan to renew its license. Read more. [Yahoo News]

THE AGENDA

🌍️ A new study says that the Tintina fault line is due for up to a 7.5 magnitude quake in the future, which could cause widespread damage and landslides. Read more. [Time]

🐻 One bear, booked for being too nosy. The Millennium Trail continues to be a hot spot for bears lately. While one was captured, officers say there’s still a cinnamon-coloured black bear in the area, and the trail remains closed. Read more. [CKRW]

🏘️ The 16-unit housing facility at 5131 5th Ave. is seeing some significant changes. Management of the building is shifting from Connective Support Society to Safe at Home Society, and the facility is redefining itself as a transitional housing program. Read more. [Yukon News]

⛏️The federal government has assumed responsibility for remediating the Clinton Creek asbestos mine, 65 kilometres from Dawson. The Trʼondëk Hwëchʼ First Nation on which the mine operated is also helping, with the goal of the final closure of the site by 2036. Read more. [CBC]

⛏️ Speaking of mine remediation, Carcross/Tagish First Nation will now be overseeing the clean-up of three former mine sites, including the Arctic Gold and Silver mill site and Venus mine. Read more. [CBC]

🤝 A northern free trade zone? That’s not technically what’s happening, but as other provinces liberalize inter-provincial trade, the three territories have agreed to work together to “address barriers to trade and labour mobility” throughout the North, while respecting modern treaties and land claims. Read more. [Cabin Radio]

🦌 So, let me get this straight… if you eat meat that you let go bad, the courts won’t deem you having wasted moose meat? It’s a bit more complicated than that, but a hunting guide was found not guilty of wasting big game meat after he obtained a court order to have his spoiled moose meat returned, which he then ate with friends (hopefully after a vinegar bath and trimming). No one was sick, and the judge declared there was little legal precedent for this since the meat technically wasn’t wasted, though he still faces trial on related charges. Read more. [CBC]

🗳️ Richard Mostyn, minister for community services, who is the current MLA for Whitehorse West, won’t see re-election after 10 years as an MLA. Read more. [Yukon News]

HOME OF THE WEEK

I like this place for a few reasons. First, it’s got 1,700 square feet (which doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’ll make sense later) with three bedrooms and one bathroom. It’s also in the popular Riverdale neighbourhood. And it’s got one of the best gardens I’ve seen on any place for sale.

But better than all that, and why it’s so appealing? The price…

REVIEW

The Airport Chalet? More like the Burger Chalet

If you’re not Born-and-Raised in the Yukon, the Airport Chalet is not the first place you’d think to grab a bite to eat. Up Two Mile Road, past the massive rigs, the wooden chalet is a humble spot, where many people grab some sleep and a meal before catching a flight.

While it’s not the first place you’d think to eat, every time I’ve visited has been memorable. It’s not fancy food, but that’s not the point. Simple cooking, done well, is worth a visit. And who doesn’t love the decor?

I’m not the only one who thinks this, as Lookout readers have hounded me (in the nicest way possible), demanding I visit and review their burger.

“You really need to check out the Airport Chalet.”

“Great service and delicious food at good prices.”

“I won’t read this newsletter until you try their burger.”

The last one is a joke, but you get the idea. Yet sometimes, if you hype it up too much, there’s a worry that it won’t meet expectations. So I tried to go in with an open mind.

We visited earlier in July, and naturally I ordered the Polar Burger, which includes mushrooms, cheddar cheese and bacon. As the burger arrived, I readied myself to keep my expectations in check.

Not only did the burger meet expectations, it exceeded them. This patty was thick and seemed as fresh as any burger I’ve had. In the end, a burger is only good as the beef, and this one was full of flavour.

When you add the melted cheese, mushrooms and thick chunks of bacon, it all came together in perfect harmony. It’s not the best burger I’ve ever had in my life, but it’s a high-quality restaurant burger, enjoyable to the point that multiple visits over a month wouldn’t be out of the question.

I’ll admit this review seems short. I usually take notes, but I couldn’t find what I had written down. But it’s a testament to how much I enjoyed it that the burger is still getting an 8.8 out of 10. I put it slightly ahead of the Roadside Grill’s slam burger, purely because it felt more traditional (and easier to eat).

Any others I’ve missed? Let me know. I’m planning to stop at the Mile 1016 Pub for their burger, but please let me know if there are others I should try.

BURGER RANKINGS

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Family Fun Day at Moosehide | Moosehide, Yukon, 3 km downriver from Dawson City by Boat | Aug. 2, 1–3:30 pm | Games, inflatables, and boat rides from noon | Free

CFAY Festival | Shipyards Park | Aug. 2–3 | Rides, music and family fun all weekend | Free

A&W Cruise Night | A&W, 2222 2nd Ave., Whitehorse | Aug. 6, 9–10:30 pm | Classic car meet-up and hangout | Free

Discovery Days Parade | Peter’s Trailer Court, Watson Lake | Aug. 16, 12 pm | Floats, prizes and a ‘Life in the North’ theme | Free

Yukoners Day BBQ | Wild Adventure Yukon, Whitehorse | Aug. 18 | Pizza, hot dogs and discounted admission | Tickets $10 adults, $8.50 seniors, $7 youth

Arts + Music

The Two Gentlemen of Verona | Guild Hall, 27 14 Ave | Jul. 30-Aug. 2, 7 pm | Outdoor Shakespeare comedy by Yukon Theatre | Tickets $15

CFYT Radio-thon | The Station, Queen St. at Front St., Dawson City | July 31, 10 am to 8 pm | Food, swag, prizes, music and radio fun | Free

Midway Lake Music Festival | Midway Lake, NWT | Aug. 1–4 | Popular summer music festival in NWT | Tickets various prices

Keno Music Festival | Keno City | Aug. 1-2 | The popular music festival returns, with a massive lineup | Free, see lineup

Paradise 2025 | Kettley’s Canyon, Marsh Lake | Aug. 8–10 | Multi-day EDM music fest with 42 DJs | Tickets – various prices

Free 54•40 Concert | Shipyards Park | Aug. 30, 5 pm | Outdoor concert with legendary rock band 54•40 | Free

A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy | Yukon Arts Centre, 300 University Dr. | Oct. 21, 7 pm | Comedy with Carolyn Taylor, Pat Kelly & Peter Oldring | Tickets $50

Atlantis: A dystopian cardboard clown show | Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse | Oct. 14–16, 7 pm | Absurd clown theatre by Ramshackle Collective | Tickets $20

Outdoors and Sports

Family Golf Tournament & BBQ Lunch | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 2, 1–4 pm | Free BBQ and prizes for all players | Free

Mountain View Club Championships | Mountain View Golf Club | Aug. 2–3 | Golf tourney with multiple categories and dinner | Adults $85, Juniors $40

17th Annual Haines Fishermen’s Free Coho Salmon BBQ | Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, Haines | Aug. 3 | Free BBQ with local salmon and festivities | Free

7th Annual Takshanuk Ridge Run | 7 Mile Saddle Trailhead Parking Lot, Haines, AK | Aug. 3 from 8 am | Scenic ridge run with limited spots | Tickets $40

Honey Harvest | Wye Lake Park, Watson Lake | Aug. 7, 11 am | Learn how honey is harvested, snacks provided | Free

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Cultural Gathering of Nations | Ovintiv Events Centre, Dawson Creek, BC | Sept. 18–21 | Powwow, hand games, tea dance, culture | Free

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

WHAT’S FOR SALE

Here are some of the funniest and weirdest things available on Facebook Marketplace in the territory:

• Bonasi Jade plant - $120

• An entire shipping container - $2,990

• An old 1981 Volkswagen Westfalia - $12,500

• A newer 1990 Volkswagen Westfalia - $36,000

• A massive L-shaped couch - $1,250

• Lots of lamps - $20

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