October Glow & Cabin Comforts: Your Ultimate Yukon Autumn Guide

Well hello there, friends! Pull your favourite chair right up to the wood stove, throw on a cozy pair of wool socks, and wrap your hands around a steaming mug of cocoa or mulled cider. October has arrived in full force up here North of 60, and if there's one thing we Yukoners know how to do right, it’s embracing the crisp, glowing magic of subarctic autumn!

Outside, the tamaracks are turning to pure liquid gold, a dusting of fresh snow—what we affectionately call "termination dust"—is capping the mountain peaks around Whitehorse, and the night skies are coming alive with shimmering northern lights. Inside, it’s all about hygge: lighting pure beeswax candles, working on hands-on craft projects, slipping into soft beaver-trimmed moccasins, and surrounding ourselves with artwork that captures the peace of the northern wilderness.

At North End Gallery, we’ve put together a warm, cozy showcase of local landscape art, artisan pottery, heirloom Qiviut garments, and the Yukon’s largest selection of handmade Indigenous slippers. So settle in and let’s take a heartwarming tour through everything making our autumn so bright!

1. Capturing Nature's Peace: The Luminous World of Erinn Komschlies

There’s a special kind of stillness that settles over the Yukon wilderness in mid-autumn. The low-slung sun casts long, golden shadows across mountain ridges, and the calm glacial lakes reflect the fiery foliage along their banks. It’s this exact emotional resonance that Whitehorse landscape artist Erinn Komschlies captures so magnificently in her feature piece, October Glow (available as an 8x10 Print or Art Card).

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Erinn grew up surrounding herself with outdoor adventures—camping in lush green woodlands, listening to the haunting calls of loons across northern lakes, and exploring the dramatic, rocky shores of Lake Superior. Since making the Yukon her home in 2019, she has found endless inspiration in our untouched mountain valleys, alpine wildflowers, and stunning turquoise lakes.

Realistic Elegance & Personal Memories

Erinn can frequently be spotted hiking the trail networks around Whitehorse with her camera in hand, taking reference photos to bring back to her studio. Painting with a vibrant, colourful realistic style, her deep ambition is to bring the tranquility, reverence, and beauty of nature straight into your home. Each brushstroke captures the personal memories and deep feelings associated with a wild place, sharing the glory of the North with art collectors across Canada and the United States.

Home Decor Tip: Displaying an October Glow art card framed on your mantel or bookshelf is a simple, budget-friendly way to infuse autumn warmth and northern tranquility into your living space year-round!

2. Cozy Time: Cups, Candles & Crafts for Autumn Nights

When the sun dips early behind the ridges and the autumn air turns frosty, there is nothing more satisfying than creating a warm, ambient sanctuary indoors. We call it "Cozy Time"—that sweet rhythm of lighting candles, sipping hot drinks, and losing yourself in a rewarding craft project.

a) Artisan Mugs & Canadian Pottery

Your morning brew or evening herbal tea just tastes better when held in a piece of functional art. We take huge pride in housing one of the largest handcrafted pottery and ceramic mug collections in the Yukon! Whether you prefer heavy stoneware crafted by Canadian potters or mugs showcasing striking Indigenous formline art, we have your new favorite cup waiting:

• Bear Mug – Cranberry: A cozy, deep red stoneware mug featuring a rustic bear motif that feels sturdy and comforting in your hands.

• Indigenous Collection Mug – Hummingbird Feathers: Elegant ceramic art depicting delicate hummingbird feather symbolism, perfect for quiet morning reflection.

• Friends Mug – Blue Stone: A gorgeous, hand-thrown ceramic piece finished in soothing blue stone glazes, ideal for sharing coffee with visiting neighbors.

b) Pure Beeswax & Sculpted Candles

Nothing sets an inviting mood quite like the soft, golden flicker and subtle honey aroma of real beeswax candles. Transform your living room with ambient candlelight:

• 10 Pack of Tealite Beeswax Candles: 100% pure beeswax tealights that burn clean, casting a warm glow inside hand-painted votive holders.

• Cat Candle: A whimsical, sculpted standalone candle that adds playful charm to any cabin windowsill.

• Christmas Tree Tealight Holder: A festive, decorative holder that illuminates your table as the holiday season approaches.

c) Hands-On Traditional & Modern Craft Kits

Autumn evenings are tailor-made for unplugging from screens and making something beautiful with your hands. We offer an array of creative kits for all age groups and skill levels:

• DIY Cocoa & Cookies Sewing Kit: A delightful, beginner-friendly felting and sewing kit that’s perfect for cozy family craft afternoons.

• DIY Mr. Fox Sewing & Felting Kit: Create a cute, textured wool felt fox ornament to keep or gift to a loved one.

• Moose Hair Tufting DIY Kit by Nancy Hager: Explore an authentic, traditional Dene handcraft! This complete kit by Yukon First Nations elder Nancy Hager provides all materials and instructions to learn the rare art of moose hair tufting.

3. The Golden Fleece of the Arctic: Luxury Qiviut (Qiviuq) Wearables

If you have never felt Qiviut (pronounced kiv-ee-ute), prepare to fall head-over-heels in love! Qiviut is the soft, insulating underwool harvested from the Arctic muskox (Ovibos moschatus). It is widely regarded as one of the rarest, most luxurious natural heirloom fibres on planet Earth—a true investment piece that actually increases in value over time.

What makes Qiviut so extraordinary? Consider these remarkable natural properties:

• Eight Times Warmer Than Wool: Ounce for ounce, Qiviut provides unmatched thermal insulation against harsh subarctic winds.

• Softer Than Cashmere: The ultra-fine fibre diameter feels cloud-soft against delicate skin.

• Non-Shrinking & Non-Felting: Unlike standard sheep’s wool, pure Qiviut will not shrink or felt when washed properly.

• Hypoallergenic & Non-Itching: Qiviut contains no lanolin, making it completely itch-free and safe for anyone with sheep's wool allergies!

Exquisite Qiviut Wearables in Stock

Our Qiviut accessories combine traditional arctic warmth with elegant modern design. Our cozy toques and headbands feature adorable muskox and polar bear motifs knitted from a premium blend of 50% qiviut, 40% superfine merino, and 10% silk. For formal occasions or chilly gallery walks, our intricate lace scarves and shawls feature an ultra-luxurious blend of 50% qiviut and 50% silk. They make unforgettable, heirloom gifts that will be passed down for generations!

4. Step into Warmth: The Largest Moccasin & Slipper Selection in the Yukon

When the cold floorboards call on an autumn morning, there is no greater luxury than slipping your feet into a pair of authentic, hand-stitched moccasins. North End Gallery is proud to carry the largest selection of locally-made and Indigenous-made moccasins and slippers in the entire Yukon Territory!

Every pair tells a story of cultural pride, ancestral skill, and meticulous craftsmanship. Most of our adult slippers are hand-sewn using supple moose hide, lined with cozy fleece or shearling, trimmed with plush natural beaver fur, and finished with a uniquely hand-beaded or embroidered vamp (toe piece).

Style & Design	Materials & Craftsmanship	Sizing & Features
Salmon Design Beaded Slippers (Size 12)	Moose hide with plush beaver fur trim and hand-beaded salmon motifs.	Men's Size 12. Ideal for fishermen and river lovers!
Floral Design Beaded Slippers (Size 8)	Classic First Nations floral beadwork on soft moose hide with beaver trim.	Ladies Size 8. Vibrant colors and traditional floral styling.
Bear Paw Design Beaded Slippers (Size 8)	Hand-beaded bear paw motif representing strength and protection.	Ladies Size 8. Built with durable hide and soft lining.
Floral Design Beaded Slippers (Size 12)	Traditional large-format floral beadwork stitched on moose hide.	Men's / Large Size 12. Generous fit and ultra-warm.
Cow Hide / Seal Skin / Beaver Slippers (Size 5)	Unique combination of durable hide, authentic seal skin, and beaver fur.	Ladies Size 5. Exceptional texture and traditional Arctic materials.
Slippers by Elisapie Imak	Handcrafted Inuit artisan slippers featuring authentic northern craftsmanship.	Available in select sizes. Rare collector's wearable art.
Ladies Embroidered Floral Slippers (Size 8)	Detailed textile embroidery on soft hide with cozy plush cuff.	Ladies Size 8. Lightweight, elegant indoor slipper.
Blue Flower Beaded Moosehide Slippers	Supple moosehide with vivid blue floral beadwork and fur lining.	Various sizes available. Striking color combination.

In-Store Exclusive: Looking for something sweet for a new arrival? We carry locally-made beaded moose hide baby slippers available exclusively at our Whitehorse storefront! We also stock a complete line of high-quality Canadian-made slippers by Eugene Cloutier, offering accessible options for all budget levels from baby to adult sizes. Explore our full Moccasins & Slippers Collection online!

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Yukon Autumn Living & Craft

Q1: What is Qiviut and why is it superior to sheep's wool or cashmere?

Answer: Qiviut is the soft underwool of the Arctic muskox. It is 8 times warmer than sheep's wool, softer than cashmere, non-shrinking, non-itching, and hypoallergenic because it contains no lanolin.

Q2: Are all the moccasins at North End Gallery made in the Yukon?

Answer: We carry the largest selection of locally-made and First Nations-made moccasins in the Yukon, hand-stitched by local artisans. We also offer a range of Canadian-crafted slippers by Eugene Cloutier as a budget-friendly option.

Q3: Who is artist Erinn Komschlies?

Answer: Erinn Komschlies is a Whitehorse-based landscape artist who relocated to the Yukon in 2019. She paints colorful, realistic landscapes depicting untouched mountains, lakes, and wildflowers inspired by her outdoor hiking adventures.

Q4: How do I care for handmade moose hide slippers with beaver fur?

Answer: Keep your moccasins indoors on dry surfaces. Spot clean hide gently with a damp cloth if necessary, and brush the fur lightly. Avoid direct high heat sources (like woodstoves) when drying, as heat can dry out natural hide leather.

Warm Your Heart & Home with Us This Autumn!

As the long northern nights draw near, we hope you take time to slow down, light a candle, treat your feet to warm slippers, and appreciate the creative spirit that thrives across the North. Whether you’re stopping into our Whitehorse gallery or shopping online from afar, we are here to help you bring genuine northern magic and cozy cabin comfort into your life.

Stop by North End Gallery today or explore our website to browse Erinn Komschlies prints, Qiviut knitwear, Canadian pottery, and handmade moccasins. Stay warm, stay creative, and enjoy every moment of this beautiful autumn season!