Yukon River Canoe Trip
Explore Yukon’s untouched realms and historic landmarks by canoe
Guided
Yukon River Canoe Trip Overview
Is there a better way to get away from it all then on a canoe, exploring the beauty of Canada’s Northern Yukon Territory? This guided canoe tour is the trip if you want to discover the wild Canadian North.
Discover the Yukon’s rugged outdoors from the water as you canoe far from city life into the depths of the wild on this 20-day tour. Retrace the spots gold seekers travelled as you paddle 730 km along the Yukon River.
This intrepid tandem canoe adventure suits beginners and experts alike. As long as you’re ready for a collection of nights wild camping along the banks of the river, you’ll be okay. Amid the natural escapades, expect to spend some time strolling through the charming towns of Whitehorse, Carmacks, and the gold rush capital, Dawson City. Stamp the beginning, middle, and end of your canoe trip along the Yukon River with relaxing hotel stays.
Browse all canoe and kayak tours on 10Adventures to find more river and wilderness canoe expeditions, or see the wider water tours collection.
Trip highlights
Paddle 730 km of the famed Yukon River in a tandem canoe, passing by views exploding with old stories.
Cap each day in the canoe off with evenings sitting around campfires and sharing hot meals with your tour mates.
Stroll through Whitehorse, Carmacks, and Dawson City and get to know the quirks and tales spanning each town.
Visit the gold fields dotting the Gold Bottom Mine, learn how the process works, and give panning for gold a go.
Day By Day Itinerary
Meet up with your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Whitehorse. Go over the upcoming journey in detail, check your gear, and have the chance to pick up other necessities.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Whitehorse
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Travel to Takhini Bridge, just outside of Whitehorse, for the start of your canoe expedition. Paddle 50 km through Lake Laberge. Try fishing for Northern Pike during breaks. Spend the next few days canoeing along the rocky banks, the narrow “Thirty Mile” channel, by the Hootalinqua trading post, until the Yukon River meets with the Teslin River. Paddle past groves of black spruce forests and by vibrant, magenta fireweeds jetting out of the ground. Spend each night wild camping, letting the hum of nature lull you to sleep.
- Overnight Location:
- Tenting at wilderness campsites
- Distance:
- 6-8 hours of canoeing
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Once you reach Carmacks, be sure to top up on any personal necessities, take a hot shower, wash your clothes, and relax in the hotel before embarking on the second part of your canoe and camping adventure.
- Overnight Location:
- Campsite in Carmacks
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the second portion of your canoe exploration with a bang: padding the Five Finger and Rink Rapids. Take a moment to admire the breathtaking scenery as you canoe through this area. Keep in mind that these will be the only rapids on this tour, and with the help of your guide, they won’t be too tough to navigate. Admire how the bluffs stitched across the river only add to the calming hush blanketing the surroundings. Continue to make your way down the remote, off-the-beaten river channel before encountering Fort Selkirk, a long lost trading post that will have you feeling like a magical whirlpool has sent you back in time. Archaeological proof unveils that Fort Selkirk has been around for around 8,000 years. It now acts as a retreat spot for people of the Selkirk First Nation. Spend each night tenting out at wilderness campsites.
- Overnight Location:
- Tenting at wilderness campsites
- Distance:
- 6-8 hours of canoeing
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Step out of the unspoiled nature painting Canada’s backyard to the vibrant Dawson City. Stroll among history and notice the restored buildings that once housed and served numerous people during the Klondike Gold Rush. Reward yourself with a relaxing night in a hotel.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dawson City
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Wake up after a comfortable sleep in a cozy room and get ready for a day of exploring Dawson City and the surrounding area. One of the highlights includes visiting the Gold Bottom Mine, which will unveil the prized gold fields spanning Dawson City. Try panning for some gold. Enjoy a drive up to the Midnight Dome for a breathtaking view of the gold fields, river, the quaint town below while the Ogilvie mountains provide a faded backdrop. Finish the day with a fun evening spent at Diamond Tooth Gerties Dancing Hall.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dawson City
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Travel back to Whitehorse by van. Stop at the Five Finger Rapids and view them from an alternate vantage point. Arrive in Whitehorse, check into your hotel, and enjoy a group dinner, reminiscing about the adventures over the last 19 days.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Whitehorse
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Say your goodbyes and get dropped off at the airport or with a connecting program.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners. Meals in the hotels are not included.
- Accommodations for 19 nights are included.
- Transport for you and your gear is included from pick-up at the airport in Whitehorse to drop-off at the airport in Whitehorse or at your next tour connection.
- An expert guide throughout the entire trip
- Camping and canoe equipment (except the sleeping bag and mat)
- Tour through Dawson City
- All taxes
Not included
- Flights to and from Whitehorse
- Meals in hotels
- Personal necessities
- Optional tour guide gratuity
- GST (Goods and Services Tax) - 5%
- Fishing license
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Dawson City before or after the tour
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
This tour is rated as 2 / 5. It’s not necessary to have canoe experience to take part on this tour along the Yukon River. However, it’s important to be prepared to camp in the wild for 15 nights. You should also be comfortable in the water, and a competent swimmer.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners. Meals in the hotels are not included.
The groups for this tour consist of maximum of 12 participants.
Yes! However, the number of sleeping bags and mats for rent is very limited, therefore make sure to contact us a long time in advance.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can take a flight to the international airport in Whitehorse, Canada.
Yes, the tour is in English and German.
The tour ends in Whitehorse.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Tipping in Canada is customary, but much appreciated. Ideally, you should tip each guide 5-10 CAD per day (from one person) for an excellent service.
The best time to travel to Yukon for this canoeing tour is during the summer.
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