Guided Wind River Expedition
The Wind River is located in the Peel watershed, a massive 67,000 km2 area encompassing the Taiga Cordillera and Taiga Plains eco-zones. This watershed is one of North America’s most pristine natural ecosystems and has many hiking and paddling opportunities. Part of the allure of visiting this region is the isolation; most rivers in the area are only accessible via float plane.
The Wind River offers exciting and friendly class I-II whitewater canoeing for intermediate paddlers. Your client’s guide will ensure that they safely maneuver the whitewater and have an exciting paddle through the rapids. During their trip they will have the opportunity to take a break from paddling to hike the vast and beautiful wilderness of the Wernecke Mountains. These hikes offer spectacular panoramic views of the Wind River and its tributaries. Their guide will stop along the river in areas well-known for viewing wildlife, such as wolves, Dall sheep and woodland caribou. If guests are a bird viewing enthusiasts, they can take time to explore the extensive wetlands.
Day 1:
Arrival in Whitehorse. Up North Adventure’s shuttle will greet you at the airport. Meet the other trip participants that night, when 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 around town on their own. Enjoy your first night in Whitehorse in a hotel (included in price) located in downtown, within walking distance to all attractions and restaurants for your first evening.
Day 2:
We are heading North. Our shuttle van brings you through the heart of the Yukon. At Mayo, we unload the canoes and get all gear ready to go into the float plane waiting to take us north into the wilderness. McClusky Lake is our destination for today. Weather permitting we will reach it’s shores in the early evening, which gives us time to set up camp, get the fire going and cook supper. Blown away by the majestic mountains surrounding us, hungry for more of it and satisfied to see it tomorrow, we will retire for our first night in the wilderness.
Day 3:
Getting up is easy – we long to explore this magnificent country. We start with a hearty breakfast, then break camp. A short portage brings us to a nearby creek. Where we will load all gear in our canoes and the adventure starts. This creek may be low and we may need to line our boats for part way. Finally we reach the Wind River itself. Opalescent blue waters and a good current awaits us. We set off.
The days are ours to enjoy. Tight corners and sweepers cannot hold us back. We navigate the upper waters of the Wind River with wild abandon, while the rugged Wernecke Mountains stand guard on both sides.
Day 4 – 11:
True wilderness wraps itself around us. We get immersed in a world beyond description: lonely and remote, but still full of life and plants. Incredible mountain scenery invites us to stop and explore their heights. Our daily chores of camping, paddling and resting quickly turn into routine. We become one in the group and are reminded of the life the voyageur people lived when exploring this whole country, more than 100 of years ago. We help, we share and we admire together. Our trip leads us through traditional territory of the Nacho N’y’ak Dun and Tetl’it Gwich’in First Nations in the most authentic way possible.
The following days are filled with fun filled paddling hours and exciting long hikes with rewarding incredible views. Mysterious evenings around the campfire follow, while we listen to the hooting of owls, the faint howling of wolves and all the other voices of the night. Just being here instills a feeling of happiness, that is truly rare in today’s world.
Day 12 – 13:
Our days on the Wind River come to an end. We have left the mountainous landscape behind and are getting delivered into the famous Peel River, after which the whole watershed area is named. The Peel ‘s broader waters will eventually show us to some fine Class II rapids. The last days we are in for a nice whitewater ride through the Lower Peel Canyon.
Day 14:
We are seasoned now and would really rather like to stay out here. However, the pick-up point comes ever closer. On the gravely shores of “Taco Bar” we set up our last camp. Looking back on two weeks of true wilderness adventure makes the arrival of the float plane somewhat easier. We can always come back!
The pilot takes us to Mayo, where Up North’s shuttle van waits for our ride back to Whitehorse. One last time we watch Yukon’s heartland glide by our window in its full glamour. In Whitehorse we settle back into civilization and a cozy night at your hotel.
Day 15:
The airport shuttle timely delivers you to your southbound flight.
Logistics
- 15 days
- Intermediate Paddling Level
- Maximum guide ratio 6:1
- Rate: $8,271 + GST per person
Included
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Certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide
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Rental and transportation of canoes and equipment
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Overland shuttle to and from the river
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Float plane ride to river and pickup after the river trip
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Safety equipment including satellite phone
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All meals while on trip
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Airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse
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1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip
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1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip
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Tents, cooking and shared camping equipment
Not Included
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Meals while staying in Whitehorse or Dawson City
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Transportation to and from Whitehorse
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Fishing license and fishing equipment
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Sleeping equipment (sleeping bags and mattress) and personal equipment
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Gratuities
There’s a land where the mountains are nameless,
And the rivers all run God knows where