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Overview
This classic canoe trip down the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City is specially tailored for visitors who like to travel far away from tourist routes, following an historic trail. Special canoeing skills are not required.
The expedition travels over 700 kms on the mighty Yukon river, passing many relics of the historic gold rush of 1898 and exploring several abandoned settlements. Camps are set up on the gravel and sand banks of the river where one can enjoy a refreshing bath in the Yukon. Black bears are often seen in the Yukon valley, as are moose, bald eagles, beavers and grizzly bears. The only major interruption to the river’s smooth journey is the Five Finger Rapids, once a problem for the large paddle wheelers. At the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike rivers you find the settlement of Dawson City, the famous gold rush town of the Yukon. You stay two days in Dawson, relax in a fine hotel and relive the history of the gold rush.
NB: This trip can be split in half if you do not have time for the whole thing.
Departures are from beginning of June to end of August. Ask us for dates and a quotation.
Trip Information
Maximum 12 participants per date
Included for 19 day trip:
- Canoes and camping equipment
- Overland transportation
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Dawson City
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Whitehorse
- 2 person tent for 15 nights
- All meals on canoe trip
- Airport shuttle in Whitehorse
- Historic tour in Dawson City
- Expert guidance on the entire trip
Girls Only!
Ask us for details of the 12-day canoe trip on the Yukon River which is for women only, led by an expert female guide.
Sue Garner - Travelled to Atlantic Canada"The excursions were also perfect"
I would like to thank whoever put together the itinerary, chose the hotels and wrote the information for us to use en route. Everything was excellent! Each hotel was very good quality, but very different from the others. We saw such a variety of things. Our information led us to places we would never have found without it. The excursions were also perfect (canoeing, whale watching, sea kayaking), each of them very small businesses but with very friendly staff. Everything was very remote, which is what we expected, but we were so glad that we found it and were able to enjoy the essence of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Overall, we couldn't fault anything and we would be very keen to use your services again in the future.
Itinerary (19 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Whitehorse, via Vancouver (where a stopover is recommended), and on...
Day 1
Whitehorse
Fly from the UK to Whitehorse, via Vancouver (where a stopover is recommended), and on arrival in Whitehorse, you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel where there will be a meeting of group members.
1 night in Whitehorse.
Days 2-8
Whitehorse to Yukon River
Today start this exciting canoe tour in Whitehorse and head down the Yukon River. You will...
Days 2-8
Whitehorse
to Yukon River
Today start this exciting canoe tour in Whitehorse and head down the Yukon River. You will begin at the Takhini Bridge on the outskirts of Whitehorse. This first day you will paddle 50km along Lake Laberge. Over the next few days paddle along the rocky eastern shore and then the river will pick up again through the narrow banks and clear water of the “Thirty Mile” section, designated a Canadian Heritage River, taking you to the former trading post of Hootalinqua at the confluence with the Teslin River. Then head along Big Salmon and Little Salmon River, past towering cut banks, bright fields of fireweed, and miles of wild black spruce forest to the town of Carmacks.
6 nights camping by the Yukon River.
Day 8
Yukon River to Carmacks
Carmack is a modern town and this will be last time your route will contact the highway...
Day 8
Yukon River
to Carmacks
Carmack is a modern town and this will be last time your route will contact the highway before reaching Dawson City. This rest day is a chance to shop for any forgotten or lost items, grab a hot shower, and do laundry.
1 night Carmacks
Days 9-17
Carmacks to Yukon River
Head through the Five Finger and Rink Rapids. These are the only real rapids on the...
Days 9-17
Carmacks
to Yukon River
Head through the Five Finger and Rink Rapids. These are the only real rapids on the river, and with the help of your guide you’ll have little trouble navigating the standing waves. High bluffs begin to dominate the scenery beyond as you enter the even quieter, less-travelled northern portion of the river. One
Paddle back in time as you head into Fort Selkirk (one of the highlights of the trip). This is a former trading post is the oldest in the Territory, and is now a retreat and wilderness camp for citizens of the Selkirk First Nation.
8 nights at wilderness campsites
Days 17-18
Yukon River to Dawson City
Arrive in Dawson City, the historic gold town and home of many old legends. A...
Days 17-18
Yukon River
to
Dawson City
Arrive in Dawson City, the historic gold town and home of many old legends. A visit to the Jack London and Robert Service cabins, the theatre and the Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall are on the programme. A highlight is the drive into Bonanza and Eldorado Creeks where you will visit an active gold mine.
2 nights in Dawson City.
Day 19
The van will take you back to Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway. 1 night in...
Day 19
Dawson City
to
Whitehorse
The van will take you back to Whitehorse via the Klondike Highway.
1 night in Whitehorse.
Day 20
to Whitehorse
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK or to explore more...
Day 20
to
Whitehorse
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK or to explore more of Canada.
