Of our three tour offerings in the remote Peel River Watershed, the Wind River is the one most suited for the intermediate canoeist. It is a class II river, suitable for intermediate paddlers, which cuts through pristine reaches of the Wernecke Mountains. Stunning broad valleys and craggy mountains along the way make for excellent hiking trips, depending on the group’s interests.

The Wind River is accessible only by floatplane from the hamlet of Mayo, self-described “heart of the Yukon.” The river lies at the heart of the Peel River Watershed, a region of over 43,000 square kilometres pristine and roadless subarctic cordillera that is home to healthy populations of caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzlies, wolves, and peregrine falcons.

We will be paddling through the traditional hunting and trapping territories of the Tetlit Gwich’in and Na’cho Nyak Dun First Nations, whose ancestors ran the same rapids in moose skin boats sealed with spruce pitch.

The Wind River is an extraordinary adventure, not to be missed.

Physical Demands- Best suited for those with an intermediate 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, the group will convene to discuss the itinerary. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

In the morning we will travel in a comfortable multi-passenger van northbound along the Klondike Highway. After passing through both Pelly and Stewart Crossing, we’ll turn west on the Silver Trail to Mayo, one of Yukon’s oldest communities. Here we’ll transfer our equipment to a floatplane for the flight over rugged red rock of the Wernecke Mountains to McClusky Lake, the headwaters of the Wind River. We’ll make camp here at the start of the Wind River. (Overnight accommodation at wilderness campsite)

Our first campsite will be in the vicinity of Bond Creek, which offers several excellent hikes to sub-alpine valleys offering dramatic views of the valley. Over the coming days, heavily wooded shorelines give way to open mountainsides up to 5000-6000 feet (1850m – 2000m). Wildlife sightings are common, including frequent sightings of moose, as well as caribou, black and grizzly bears, and possibly even wolves. 

Time on the river settles into a familiar daily routine. Daytimes spend navigating swift water and meanders through mountain scenery, and evenings camped along shores or gravel bars. Following a hearty dinner your guide may lead the group on an easy hike to a scenic location above the river, or spend an evening by a campfire sharing stories. The land is full of adventurous history, from the First Nations who call it home, to the traders and prospectors who explored, and even starved, in these valleys. The Wind River is also the setting of the stories of the infamous RNWMP Lost Patrol, an epic tale of survival that ended tragically just short of Fort McPherson. Near the Bear River confluence, Royal Mountain rises regally above the surrounding slopes. 

Farther downstream, at the confluence with the Little Wind River, the river flattens out as we leave the Illtyd Range and enter a broader valley. Mount Deception comes into view at Hungry Creek. We’ll soon encounter the impressive Peel River, and further along we’ll pass the junction with the Bonnet Plume and Snake Rivers. (Overnight accommodation at wilderness campsites)

Entering a short canyon, we will haul out our canoes on a small gravel island known as named Taco Bar. The waters here are deep enough to allow a float plane to land on the river. A short, but scenic float plan ride brings up back to Mayo, where a very welcome hot shower and soft hotel bed await (Overnight hotel accommodation in Mayo)

We’ll return to Whitehorse by van in the morning. There will be time for shopping and sightseeing, with one last opportunity to dine with new friends to cap off the trip together. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

You will be transferred to the airport, or to our connecting program. (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.)