"The Cremation of Sam McGee" is a narrative poem written by Robert W. Service. The setting of the poem is primarily in the Yukon Territory of Canada during the Klondike Gold Rush, which took place in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a freezing winter night in the Yukon, specifically near Lake Lebarge. The poem vividly describes the harsh and unforgiving conditions of the frozen North, adding to the haunting atmosphere of the narrative.