Guided Snake River Expedition
The Snake River is located in the heart of the Yukon Territory and one of the famous rivers of the Peel Watershed. It drains from the Wernecke Mountains along the Yukon/NWT border into the alluring Peel River. Both rivers offer some of the most picturesque and pristine hiking and paddling found anywhere in the Yukon.
Part of the allure of the Snake River is it’s accessibility by float plane only and it’s closeness to the Arctic Circle. We will experience the wonders of the Midnight Sun and use the extra daylight hours to explore and hike the surrounding mountains. Your guide will take you on hikes up mountain ridges to reach panoramic viewpoints over the vast Snake River valley and beyond. As we paddle our way down the Snake, keep an eye out for soaring Peregrine Falcons. We will also be traveling through the habitats of woodland caribou, dall sheep and grizzly bears.
The Snake is rated class II-III whitewater, requires advanced paddling skills, and lots of rock dodging. If your paddle skills are feeling rusty or are in need of improvement, then come take a course with our Paddle Canada certified Whitewater Canoe Instructors. They will help you tune up your paddling and rescue skills to ensure that you are ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrive in Whitehorse’s cute and petite airport. Up North Adventure’s shuttle will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. That evening you will meet all the other trip participants along with your guide and go over your gear and trip details. Participants are then invited to explore the City of Whitehorse, enjoy a good meal and take in some historic sights around town.
Day 2: We start heading north through the heart of the Yukon to the remote community of Mayo. Upon arrival we will unload the canoes and get all the gear ready to go into the float plane. On our flight to Duo Lakes, we will fly over vast wilderness and small traditional hunting camps. We will reach it’s shores in the early evening. The extended hours of daylight will allow time to set up camp, get the fire going and cook supper. Surrounded by majestic mountains we retire for our first night in the wilderness.
Day 3: Getting up is easy as we long to explore this magnificent country. We start with a hearty breakfast, then break camp. A short portage of 1 km brings us to the put-in for the Snake River. We will load all gear in our canoes and the adventure starts. Opalescent blue waters and a good current await us.
Day 4 – 11: True wilderness wraps itself around us. We get immersed in a world beyond description: lonely and remote, still full of life and animals. Incredible mountain scenery invites us to stop and explore their heights. Our daily chores of camping, paddling and exploring quickly turn into routine. We become ingrained in the striking landscape around us and fall in love with the Yukon. 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 the sound of rippling water, and exciting long hikes are rewarded with incredible views. Peaceful 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.
Day 12 – 13: Our days on the Snake River come to an end. We have left the mountainous landscape behind and are being delivered into the famous Peel River. The Peel’s wider waters will eventually take us to some fine Class II rapids and impressive Canyon walls.
Day 14: As we come to the end of our adventure, take time to reflect on the striking and pristine wildness. On the gravely shores of “Taco Bar” we set up our last camp. The memories made on this trip will help ease the transition back into the fast paced world.
The pilot takes us to Mayo, where Up North’s shuttle van awaits to drive us back to Whitehorse. One last time we watch Yukon’s heartland glide by our window in it’s full glamour. In Whitehorse, we settle back into civilization and a cozy night at a hotel.
Day 15: The airport shuttle timely delivers you to your southbound flight. We have to say our “Good-Byes”.
Notes:
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
- Advanced Paddling Level
- Maximum guide ratio 6:1
- Rate: $8,430.00 + GST per person
Included
- Certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide
- Rental and transportation of canoes and equipment
- Overland shuttle to and from the river
- Float plane ride to the river and pickup after the trip
- 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 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.
There’s a land where the mountains are nameless,
And the rivers all run God knows where