Guided Big Salmon River Tour
Step out of your busy world into the exciting waters of the Big Salmon River. Snow capped mountains surround you as your canoe glides through the pristine water. Starting at Quiet Lake in the beautiful South Canol region of the Yukon, you will admire the vast wilderness surrounding you. A favourite past time after a day of paddling is casting your hook for “the big catch” of Lake Trout, Northern Pike and Arctic Grayling.
The Big Salmon offers great challenges for the intermediate paddler in the form of log jams, sweepers, tight corners and large standing waves. The current is moderate but offers many surprises as it twists and turns Northwest towards the Yukon River. An exhilarating paddle beneath the “midnight sun”.
Day 1:
Arrival in Whitehorse. The Up North Adventures shuttle will greet you at the airport. Meet the other trip participants where your guide will verify your personal gear and go through any last minute questions. Participants are then invited to explore the City of Whitehorse, enjoy a good meal or take in some historic sights on their own. Enjoy your first night in Whitehorse in a downtown hotel (included in price) located within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants.
Day 2:
Group officially meets at 10:00am at the Up North Adventures base. After a quick gear review to ensure participants are properly equipped, we will be shuttled by van to Quiet Lake, a four hour drive, and the start of our Big Salmon adventure. The afternoon will be spent getting acquainted with our gear and boats and paddling Quiet Lake, the headwaters of the Big Salmon River.
Day 3:
Today we will be paddling through small lakes such as the Quiet, Sandy and Big Salmon and feeder creeks on route to the Big Salmon proper. We will be initiated into the wonderful world of swift water with an extensive introduction and/or review of whitewater techniques and safety.
Day 4 – 13:
As the canoe trip continues down the Big Salmon and Yukon Rivers, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of grizzly bear, wolf, moose, and bald eagle. For anglers on this trip, the river offers world class fishing opportunities for Arctic Grayling. Class I and II rapids will be encountered as well as log jams and sweepers – always surrounded by incredible mountain views. Camping in tents and eating by the campfire while under the “midnight sun”, provides the foundation for a truly unique wilderness experience. Other highlights include a visit to the ancient First Nations encampment of Big Salmon at the confluence of the Big Salmon and Yukon Rivers and from here we follow the mighty Yukon River passing many Gold Rush relics along the shoreline.
Day 14:
We arrive in Carmacks, marking the end of our Big Salmon adventure. The Up North shuttle will pick us up around 1:00pm and return us to Whitehorse. Arriving in Whitehorse by late afternoon we say our goodbyes all around after the completion of a grand adventure. Participants will spend their last night at a downtown Whitehorse hotel (included in price).
Day 15:
Departure day. We will bring you back to the airport or you can start your next adventure.
Note:
Due to the expeditionary nature of this program, changes to the itinerary are a possibility and are left up to the discretion of the guide. All attempts will be made to complete the trip within the outlined timeline.
Logistics
- 15 days
- Intermediate paddling skills required
- Maximum guide ratio 6:1
- Rate: $3,672 + GST per person
Included
- Certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide
- Rental and transportation of canoes and equipment
- Overland shuttle to and from the river
- Safety equipment including satellite phone
- All meals while on trip
- Airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip
- Tents, cooking and shared camping equipment
Not Included
- Meals while staying in Whitehorse or Carmacks
- Transportation to and from Whitehorse
- Fishing license and fishing equipment
- Sleeping equipment (Sleeping bags and mattress) and personal equipment
- Gratuities for guides
And the rivers all run God knows where