This is our most popular tour, and for good reason. Part one of the classic Yukon River tour covers 320km of this iconic river, beginning near the territorial capital and ending at the town of Carmacks. Whitehorse is serviced by transatlantic charters and has regular connections with international airports in the south, making it the ideal starting point for the tour.

You’ll share our well-equipped camps with a small group of fellow travellers an experienced guide. We’ll camp on gravel bars and former wood camps that have returned to a wilderness that the first prospectors would have recognized, and explore the ghost towns of Hootalinqua and Big Salmon Village. Tent accommodation, paddling equipment, and meals on the river are all included. 

Physical Demands - A background in camping and paddling is an asset but not necessary. These programmes are open to expert and novice paddlers alike.

Welcome to Whitehorse! Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your downtown hotel. In the afternoon, there will be time for an orientation, gear check, and a chance to pick up any last-minute supplies. (Overnight accommodation in Whitehorse)

Our trip begins at the Takhini Bridge on the outskirts of Whitehorse. This first day of paddling brings us to Lake Laberge, where the shoreline offers excellent fishing for fishing northern pike. Over the next two days we will paddle along the rocky eastern shore, camping near scenic promontories. The river picks up again through the narrow banks and clear water of the “Thirty Mile” section, designated a Canadian Heritage River, taking us to the former trading post of Hootalinqua at the confluence with the Teslin River. This is a great section of the river to fish for arctic grayling. We’ll paddle on past the confluences with the 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. (Overnight accommodation at wilderness campsites)

After more than a week on the river, we arrive at the village of Carmacks. Carmacks has most modern conveniences, and we will spend the night at the Coal Mine Campground on the edge of town, where we have the luxury of hot water for a shower and laundry. This is our last evening as a group, and a chance for one last great dinner together. (Overnight accommodation in Carmacks)

We return to whitehorse by road in the morning, a journey of just under three hours. You will be transfered to your hotel, the airport, or to your next tour. (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.)