Guided Sam McGee Tour

10 days / 9 nights 6 Guests / Guide Difficulty: Suitable for all levels of paddler 320 Kilometres (200 Miles)

Have you ever wanted to paddle the historic Yukon River, but never had the time to go all the way to Dawson City? Then join our guide on this spectacular Yukon River trip from Whitehorse to Carmacks, and experience the natural wonders and historical relics of the Klondike Gold Rush. On this 320km trip you will paddle through famous Lake Laberge and past the Thirty Mile River. There will also be time to stop and explore abandonend settlements like Hootalinqua, an historic NWMP outpost. There will be excellent opportunities to see moose, black bears, bald eagles, beaver and other Yukon wildlife along the river.
Your guide knows all the best campsites and will be pleased to share stories and the history of this beautiful land, while you are enjoying a delicious hearty meal by the campfire. With time for fishing, floating, relaxing and exploring, this 8 day trip will let you forget the stresses of civilization while safely experiencing the true Yukon wilderness.

Day 1: Arrival in Whitehorse. The Up North Adventure’s shuttle will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel (included in price). You have time to explore the Yukon’s capital before you meet your guide and fellow travelers at the info meeting in the evening. After a gear check and a briefing for the trip where your questions will be answered, you can enjoy your first night in a downtown hotel located within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants.

Day 2: In the morning, you will have time to do any last minute shopping and to repack your gear. Your guide will make sure that you have everything you might need on the river before you leave civilization. At 11 am our company van will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Up North Adventures. You will get on the water right next to our downtown location and familiarize yourself with your canoe under the professional guidance of your trip leader. Whether novice or experienced paddler, there is plenty to learn before you call it a day and make your first wilderness camp. A relaxing evening will be spent on the shore of the Yukon River.

Day 3 and 4: The following two days will be spent paddling across Lake Laberge towards the Thirty Mile River section of the Yukon River proper. The group may take advantage of some great day hiking opportunities. Enjoy excellent fishing and picturesque sunsets from the shores of the famous lake that inspired Robert Service’s classic poem ‘The Cremation of Sam McGee’.

Day 5 – 8: Upon entering the beautiful Thirty Mile River section, we will encounter the wonderful world of swift water with an extensive introduction and review of swift water techniques and safety. Ever-changing landscapes and abundant wildlife will be your companions as the canoe trip down the Yukon River continues. Highlights include world-class fishing and keeping an eye open for wildlife, with potential sightings of black or grizzly bear, wolf, moose, caribou, wolverine, mink, bald eagle and marten. All day long you will encounter beautiful mountain vistas and relics of the old Gold Rush Days as you pass through Hootalinqua, an historic NWMP outpost and Big Salmon Village at the confluence of the Big Salmon and Yukon Rivers. Camping in tents and sharing stories by the campfire under the “midnight sun”, provides the foundation for a truly unique wilderness experience.

Day 9: Today we arrive in the native village of Carmacks where civilization embraces us after 7 nights on the river. The Up North Adventures shuttle will pick you up in the early afternoon and take you back to Whitehorse. Let your memories of the past week flow on this scenic 2-3 hour drive. In Whitehorse, a comfortable hotel room (included in price) awaits you. This will allow you time to explore the city as well as meet your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Day 10: Departure day. We will provide a shuttle 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

10 days
Beginner Paddling Level
Maximum guide ratio 6:1
Rate: $2,884 + 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 the trip
Airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse
1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to the trip
1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip
Tents, cooking and shared camping equipment

Not Included

Meals while staying in Whitehorse
Transportation to and from Whitehorse
Fishing license and fishing equipment
Sleeping equipment (sleeping bags and mattress) and personal equipment
Gratuities for guides

There’s a land where the mountains are nameless,
And the rivers all run God knows where

Spell of the Yukon by Robert Service