Yukon's Last Frontier Canoe Route
Back to Yukon
The Bonnet Plume is an exciting river for experienced paddlers, with frequent rapids up to class III and isolated stretches of class IV and V. It’s located in one of the most remote and pristine places in the world: the upper reaches of the Peel River Watershed, a roadless and almost entirely untouched region of sub-arctic mountains and rivers nearly the size of Scotland. We’ll have time to explore some of the mountains and hot springs along the way.
Yukon's Last Frontier Canoe Route, Bonnet Plume River, Guided19 nightsFrom £5488 per person based on twin shareFrom £5905 per person based on single occupancy
Price includes:
Airport shuttle service in Whitehorse, 4 nights in Whitehorse (2 on arrival and 2 on departure) on room only, canoes and camping equipment, all overland transportation, all meals on the canoe trip, expert guidance on the entire trip. Floatplane from Taco Bar to Mayo.
2024 Departures:
23 June - 12 July & 21 July - 9 August
Our program begins with a day of hands-on practice and instruction on the less remote, but equally fun, Tatshenshini River near Whitehorse, which will give the group a trial run on conditions similar to those we’ll find on the Bonnet Plume.
Get ready to be amazed on this twenty-day canoe expedition into the heart of the Yukon wilderness.
Physical Demands -
Not for novice paddlers. Your paddling skills are at an expert level, you can handle your canoe or kayak in most weather conditions and have basic whitewater skills.
Day 1 - Arrival in Whitehorse
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)
Day 2 - Tatshenshini River
This is a day to get used to your equipment and paddling partner. We’ll travel by van to Kluane National Park and spend the day on the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers. The waters of the famous Tatshenshini are similar to conditions we will encounter on the Bonnet Plume River, but more easily accessed. We will return to Whitehorse for the evening. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)
Day 3 - Whitehorse-Bonnet Plume Lake
In the morning we will drive from Whitehorse to the village of Mayo, where a floatplane will bring us to the start of our expedition at Bonnet Plume Lake. We’ll spend the night camped on its shore. (Overnight accommodation in wilderness campsites begins)
Day 4 - Bonnet Plume Lake
We’ll spend Day 4 hiking in the beautiful mountains and awesome views surrounding Bonnet Plume Lake.
Day 5 - Bonnet Plume River
After only a short stretch on the Bonnet Plume River we will encounter the first class II-III water in the Rockslide Canyon.
Day 6 - Bonnet Plume River
The river presents itself with a pleasant and steady current with the occasional chute – some to be run, some to be scouted first.
Day 7 - Bonnet Plume River
Today we continue on through some rock gardens with boulders to keep things interesting.
Day 8 - Bonnet Plume River
After the first days of excitement on the river, today offers a welcomed relaxing paddle on a substantially braided river to the next camp.
Day 9 - Bonnet Plume River
Once again, you will get the opportunity to show off your paddling skills as you paddle through another canyon calling for some demanding manoeuvres. After the canyon, the river flows with steady class 2-3 whitewater and bigger waves.
Day 10 - Optional hike
Today will provide some time to soak in all the unforgettable moments on the river over the past few days as we take a break from paddling and go on a day-hike to one of the surrounding peaks (6 hours return).
Day 11 - Optional hike
The river presents some easier currents today, so we’ll take the time to enjoy the wildlife, the scenery and possibly go on an other hike.
Day 12 - Bonnet Plume River
Today’s paddle will bring us to Fairchild Creek; a particularly beautiful part of the Bonnet Plume River.
Day 13 - Fairchild Lake
As the river continues throughout broader valleys we’ll hike to Fairchild Lake today (4 hours return) and also have the chance to visit a remote hunting outfitter’s camp.
Day 14 - Peel River Basin
Even though we are leaving the whitewater of the river behind, the current is still strong as we head towards the Peel River basin.
Day 15 - Peel Canyon
Today we will explore the Peel Canyon as we join the Peel River.
Day 16 - Peel Canyon
We will encounter the last class 2 whitewater before we leave the canyon.
Day 17 - Peel River
Our final day on the river will impress you with the shear beauty of this magical landscape as we make our way towards our last camp.
Day 18 - Whitehorse
At ”Taco” Bar, the floatplane will pick us up and we’ll fly over the vast expanse of northern Yukon back to Mayo. Once in Mayo, we’ll drive back to Whitehorse. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 19 - Whitehorse
This morning you will have time to explore the capital of the Yukon, Whitehorse. Maybe you want to do some shopping or simply enjoy the many attractions this city has to offer. In the afternoon we’ll visit Takhini Hot Springs to relax in the soothing warm water under the wide open skies of the Yukon. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 20 - Depart Whitehorse
Transfer to airport or 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.)
