Bluefish CavesAbout Bluefish Caves
Bluefish Caves is a small system of limestone caves on the Bluefish River in northern Yukon, Canada, notable for archaeological evidence of very early human activity. Radiocarbon and AMS dates from material recovered at the site have been reported as indicating human-modified animal bones as early as about 24,000 years before present in some studies.
The site contains concentrations of Pleistocene faunal remains, including large mammal bones with cut marks and other alteration indicative of human butchery and tool use. The caves themselves are modest in size and are principally of interest to researchers; there are no developed visitor facilities on site.
Fieldwork at Bluefish Caves was carried out by archaeologists beginning in the 1970s, most notably by Jacques Cinq-Mars, and subsequent dating studies have been published that argue for pre-Last Glacial Maximum human presence in the region. Interpretations and dates have been discussed in later research, but the site remains important for debates about the timing of human entry into North America.
The caves lie in the far north of Yukon, on the Bluefish River within the broader Old Crow area. The nearest permanent community is Old Crow; the site sits in a subarctic river valley environment.
- Access: Site is remote and not set up for casual tourism; most access begins from the community of Old Crow and requires local arrangements.
Best Time to Visit Bluefish Caves
Best visited in summer when access is easiest and days are longest; this is a remote archaeological site with limited public access.
Weather & Climate near Bluefish Caves
Bluefish Caves's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -29°C to 20°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -29° - -21° | -25° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 98% | 1.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -26° - -17° | -22° | 9 mm | partly cloudy | 97% | 1.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -22° - -10° | -21° | 6 mm | some cloud | 97% | 1.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -12° - 0° | -10° | 6 mm | partly cloudy | 95% | 2.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Acceptable | -3° - 9° | 1° | 24 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.2h |
| June | Good | 4° - 17° | 11° | 53 mm | overcast | 76% | 2.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 20.4h |
| July | Good | 6° - 20° | 13° | 65 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 19.3h |
| August | Good | 4° - 17° | 10° | 46 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Acceptable | -2° - 9° | 2° | 25 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -11° - -2° | -9° | 19 mm | overcast | 95% | 1.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -21° - -13° | -21° | 14 mm | partly cloudy | 98% | 1.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -27° - -20° | -23° | 13 mm | partly cloudy | 98% | 1.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
How to Get to Bluefish Caves
Bluefish Caves are in a remote area of the Yukon; access typically requires coordination with local authorities or research teams and is often by floatplane or long overland travel. Visitors should plan logistics carefully and respect site protections and archaeological restrictions.
Tips for Visiting Bluefish Caves
- Pack for cold nights even in summer - temperatures can drop sharply after dark.
- If researching early human presence, coordinate with Yukon Parks and archaeology teams; the site is sensitive and not broadly open for independent digging.
- Travel with an experienced guide familiar with local terrain and weather patterns; conditions can be remote and changeable.