Introducing Further to the Yukon
I recently returned from Carcross, Yukon, where we launched our newest collaboration featuring the Further collection.
My cousin Bret Ridgeway, an Executive Chef, and his wife Sarah, a restaurant manager, with 40 years of restaurant experience between them, bought the Chilkoot Sourdough Bakery in 2025 after arriving in the Yukon with the goal to bring it back to life after a number of years of dormancy. It was the opportunity they were looking for, a place of their own, with a story to share and infusing it with their energetic and authentic brand of food preparation. These are not regular sourdough items, but an elevated culinary experience that has spread throughout the tourism sector in the region.
The Chilkoot bakery has gained phenomenal following for its sourdough cinnamon rolls, sourdough breads, pastries and savoury baked goods. Their sourdough starter is a heritage starter from the Klondike days of the 1890’s - incredible! Hundreds of clients per day from Alaskan cruise ships and tourists from around the world touring the amazing and beautiful Yukon Territory by car, camper, bus and train.
After watching and supporting Bret in the kitchen and Sarah in front of house, I can see why. They bring passion, energy and a true sense of client experience to each of their 18 hour day shifts in serving those who venture to their bakery and who often stand in line for 20-30 minutes for a morsel of their offering.
This past spring Bret reached out to me, complimenting me on the work we are doing with the Further upcycled brand with the idea of adding another authentic, hand crafted collection for their clients. I saw it as a great opportunity to continue to spread the reach of the Cahill’s and Further collections to more clients from around the world. The initial offering includes Mountie Hats (the Chilkoot Bakery is located in a historic building, known as ‘The Barracks’, which was a Mountie outpost from the late 1950’s through the 1960’s), Further upcycled ladies fur hats, headbands, knits and lap blankets, and beaver tail leather products.
It was inspiring to see so many tourists interested in learning about the natural sustainability, versatility and timeless luxury of fur.
We appreciate Bret and Sarah’s enthusiasm to spread this story and offer these interesting keepsakes for tourists who travel to the Yukon. It also gave me the opportunity to return to one of my favourite places in the world—a place I love for its breathtaking beauty, unspoiled wilderness, welcoming people, and the sense of peace and perspective it always brings. Wishing Bret and Sarah every success as they begin this exciting new adventure in the Yukon.
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