Episode 2

Traveling from Ottawa to Whitehorse by Greyhound on his very first journey north, then needing to hitchhike to Dawson; Jesse Cooke thought 'why doesn't a person just start a little van service or something?' Years later, The Klondike Experience offers not only rides, but an authentic glimpse on what it means to love the place you live and to want to share it with whoever wants to jump in for the journey.

For our second episode of Klondike Cornerstones, Jesse Cooke takes us ‘behind the wheel’ of Klondike Experience and give us his story of how his initial bus business Husky Bus, a small transportation services between Whitehorse and Dawson, has grown into a full-blown tourism and educational business. 

His story is anything but a straight business plan. From his early days as a teacher, to a ‘guy with a van and dream,’ all the way to becoming an owner of a thriving adventure tour company. Having found the experience ‘holes’ of the local tourism industry, Jesse does not only provide sightseeing tours but has expanded to airport operations, rent-able shuttles and now branching into educational programming. He’s built an adaptable business by keeping curious, listening to what people need, and sharing his own beloved perspective on the Klondike region. 

He opens up about the realities of running his style of business in the North, from supply-chain and mechanical issues, the headache of seasonal staffing, and being the one who ultimately makes the decisions. But he is also appreciative about what makes Dawson so special; from the tight-knit community & collaboration, loyal employees, and advice on how a good idea and motivation can carry you a long way if you just keep going.

Wanting to start your own small business in the Klondike?

Jesse’s advice is: