Yukon River

Yukon River

(5 to 7 days)

This section of the fabled Yukon River  includes scenic Lake Labarge,  the fast flowing  Thirty Mile section, and a 3 day stretch from its confluence with the Teslin River to the village of Little Salmon.   The Yukon River has been a major waterway since the territory was first occupied by First Nations  peoples, and more recently was the route to the Klondike Goldfields. Traveled by steam-powered riverboats in the  early 20th century, the river continues to draw river lovers from around the world,  some traveling all the way from her headwaters south of Whitehorse for 2500 kms through Alaska to the Bering Sea. Relics of earlier days are in frequent evidence along our route  and will give us a  sense of traveling through time as we head northwards towards the land of the midnight sun.

Dates
 open
Duration
 5 to7 days
Price
 depends on group size and trip length ($approx $300/day)
Activity
 canoeing
Skill Level (minimum)
 Novice

THIS ITINERARY IS BASED ON A 5-DAY TRIP (more days allows more time on Lake Labarge)

Day 0:  arrive in Whitehorse….

Day 1:   This morning we will be transported to “the marge of Lake Labarge” about 45 minute drive from downtown Whitehorse, where we will meet the boat that will carry us and our river gear to the east side of the lake). We’ll have time to explore part of the lake’s scenic east shore with it’s rocky headlands,  golden grass meadows, aspen slopes, and pebble beaches.

Day 2:   Today we paddle the crystal clear waters of  the “Thirty Mile stretch of the Yukon river”  after visiting historic Lower Labarge, a long ago abandoned village at the mouth of the river.  We’ll overnight in the vicnity of Hootalinqua at the Yukon’s confluence with the Teslin River, and the site of a fascinating historical site, including a decaying but still-standing riverboat from a bygone era.

Days 3 -4:  We’ll continue down the  Yukon, a larger and somewhat siltier river now with the addition of Teslin waters, but still full of historic lore. The river moves along a steady  clip of about 8 kms/hour (5 MPH).   Our last night on the river will be in the vicinity of historic Big Salmon village at the mouth of the Big Salmon River

Day 5: Later today we’ll get picked up at the site of Little Salmon Village, still half a days travel upstream of the town of Carmacks,  and  driven back to Whitehorse (about 3 hours ) .

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All transportation from Whitehorse and return
  • the services of one or two fully qualified guides (depending on group numbers)
  • all river gear, including lifejackets and safety equipment
  • all group equipment including cooking gear, first aid supplies and satellite phone (for emergency and logistical communications only); tents can be rented for a nominal fee
  • all meals from lunch Day 1 to lunch on the final day

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • transportation to and from your home and Whitehorse
  • personal belongings and equipment as per equipment list
  • any accommodation or meals in Whitehorse