Apply for a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence

Anyone entering the Yukon for research purposes must obtain a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence (S&E).

COVID-19 update for the Scientists and Explorers licensing program

While we're continuing to accept applications, there may be delays in the review and comments process. There may be limited capacity at reviewing agencies and Yukon First Nations due to COVID-19 impacts.

We will issue licences provided that applicants follow the direction of Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health in regards to self-isolation when entering Yukon.

We encourage applicants to include a self-isolation plan in their applications. Please note that an S&E licence is not a licence to enter Yukon free from self-isolation requirements.

Find information for people entering Yukon.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss please email scientists.explorers@yukon.ca.

Before you apply

Allow for processing time

We recommend that you apply 3 months before research is scheduled to begin. This is in case your project needs additional licensing or permitting.

Research in national parks

Research in national parks only

If your research is only taking place within a national park in Yukon, you don't need a Scientist and Explorers licence. Instead, you need to apply for a Parks Canada Research and Collection permit.

Visit the Parks Canada website to learn more. 

Research in national parks and elsewhere

If your research takes place in the national park and other locations in Yukon, you need to apply for both the: 

• Scientists and Explorers Licence; and 
• Parks Canada Research and Collection permit. 

Contact the First Nations governments in your research area ahead of time. You may need other permits or permissions depending on where the research is taking place. See the section on Additional permits, licences and special requirements.

Archaeological research

If you are doing archaeological research, you will need an Archaeological Sites Regulation Permit, not a Scientists and Explorers Act Licence.

Apply

1. Be aware of the licence requirements for the geographical area in which you'll be working. These will vary depending on your project. 
    
2. Contact the First Nation in whose traditional territory you'll be working. For research on the Yukon North Slope, contact the Inuvialuit. All areas of Yukon are in the traditional territories of Yukon and transboundary First Nations, or the in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
   • Provide confirmation of who you contacted at which First Nation and when.
   • Include any letters of approval or support in your application.
   • For projects within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, you must contact (as appropriate):
     • the Environmental Impact Screening Committee (EISC), to review your proposed project;
     • the Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee (AHTC);
     • the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope) (WMAC[NS]);
     • the Inuvialuit Game Council (IGC); and
     • the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC).
        
3. Complete the application form and attach any related documents.
    
4. Submit your application. Email is preferred.
   Email: scientists.explorers@yukon.ca
   Mail:
   Government of Yukon
   Manager, Museums and Heritage (L-1)
   Box 2703
   Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
    

We will review your application and refer it for comment to appropriate:

• territorial and federal agencies;
• committees, councils and/or corporations; and
• Yukon First Nation governments.