2024 Departures: 21 July - 4 August, 28 July - 11 August, 4-18 August

The Beaver River is a hidden gem in the Yukon’s remote northeastern corner. It is a true wilderness river: a place of deep quiet, clear water, abundant fish and wildlife, and views of the rugged Nadaleen Range. This tour is a genuine canoe expedition, requiring a variety of canoe techniques that will keep things interesting — yet nowhere does the river demand advanced whitewater skills, making it perfect for adventurous beginners or intermediate paddlers. We’ll navigate a chain of lakes and narrow creeks, negotiate fast water and tight bends, portage short distances, float wide sections of easy river, and even have the chance to run a few short rapids. A relatively short float plane charter from the village of Mayo keeps costs low.

For a complete experience of Yukon’s remote and stunning northern mountains, we recommend combining this trip with our trekking tour into the nearby Tombstone Ranges, at the headwaters of the Beaver River.

Physical Demands - Best suited for those with a basic level of wilderness travel. You have been on a few camping trips before and have been canoeing or kayaking. 

Welcome to Yukon! Your guide will meet you at the Whitehorse airport and provide a transfer to your hotel. There will be time in the afternoon to discover the town and do some last-minute shopping, if necessary. In the evening, we’ll convene with the group to discuss the itinerary. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

From Whitehorse, you will be driven 400km north along the Klondike Highway to the small village of Mayo. This is one of Yukon’s oldest communities and the “heart of the Yukon”— a genuinely northern town where hunting and trapping are still part of daily life. In the afternoon we’ll take a chartered float plane with all of our gear to Clarke Lakes, where we will set up camp for the evening and enjoy our first campfire deep in the Yukon bush. (Overnight accommodation in wilderness campsite)

We’ll begin our trip by paddling down a chain of small lakes and connecting creeks toward the Beaver River itself. This is a wild and exploratory part of the river, where branching channels and occasional fallen trees require some navigating. This is also a great place to see moose and other wildlife, with pleasant camping on lake shores. Once we reach the Beaver River, the stream widens out into a true river. The water is fast here and requires some skillful paddling to avoid obstacles—all easily manageable, but enough to keep things interesting. We’re now in a broad mountain valley, with excellent fishing. (Overnight accommodation in wilderness campsites)

By about Day 7 we will join the Stewart River. The upper reaches of this river, where we will meet it, are fast flowing and rarely travelled. The river is wide enough to comfortably float and enjoy the high mountains that dominate the scenery. Our course is dotted with remote trapper’s cabins, a wilderness homestead, and traditional camps of Northern Tutchone hunters. A set of rapids and falls separates the upper and lower Stewart River. We will encounter these late in the trip, and the sound of the rushing water gives us plenty of time eddy out at a portage trail. The trail gives a good chance to look over the upper rapids and an easy route to carry our gear past this technical section. For skilled paddlers, this class 2-3 stretch of whitewater is a great piece of river to run. Shortly below, we’ll reach Fraser Falls, which we will portage (carry) our gear and boats around. (Overnight accommodation in wilderness campsites)

A last short stretch on the lower Stewart River brings us back to the town of Mayo, where a van will be waiting to take us to Whitehorse for a much deserved shower and a night on the town. For those continuing on to our recommended connecting program, Explore Remote Valleys, Ruby Range will provide a transfer to Dawson City. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

You will be transferred to the airport, or to our recommended connecting program based in Dawson City. (End of tour services) (This is an expeditionary trip, and changes to the itinerary may be necessary due to weather or other conditions. Any changes are left to the discretion of the guide.)