canoe trips yukon

Up North Adventures

Self-Guided and Guided Canoe Tours

Canoeing is one of the best ways to explore the Yukon. Unique wilderness, great adventures and wonderful memories await.

What could possibly be a more Canadian adventure than a canoeing trip on one of the Yukon's many rivers? Camping in tents and eating by the campfire while under the midnight sun provides the foundation for a truly unique wilderness experience. Explore the Yukon's rich history along the way and learn about the famous Klondike Gold Rush. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and enjoy the trip of a lifetime. There are many rivers to choose from and we will make sure to find the right fit for you!

• Self-guided and guided options available
• Options vary from one-day to 16-day trips
• Beginner-friendly trips available
• Knowledgeable staff will help with your planning
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Operator testimonials, great communication before and during our trip.

My boyfriend and I went on a eight-day canoe trip from Carmacks to Dawson. This is the company I would recommend again and again. They were friendly, answered questions quickly via email. We were transported to Carmacks by them. I feel awful I forget the woman's name who drove us but she was extremely friendly and informative of the area and potential wildlife we may see. The experience itself was grand. I stand by that this is the best way to see the Yukon. The company has all the supplies to rent or bring your own.

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY CANADIAN TRIP

Cannot recommend enough. I had the pleasure of going on a half day snowmobile tour with Kieran as my guide. I'd never ridden anything like a snowmobile before, but Kieran's instruction got me confident really quickly. Snowmobiles are actually pretty simple to ride, and they're lots of fun. Warm gear is provided, and the machines have heated grips so the cold isn't a problem at all. The tour took us through backcountry, across a frozen lake, and up a mountain, with much more variety than I expected. Kieran is passionate about the outdoors and it shows, sometimes he would stop to point out animal tracks, or explain landmarks along the way. We were lucky to come across four wild moose on the one trip, which I understand is really rare. The area is beautiful, and we stopped to have lunch halfway through the tour. This was one of the highlights of my Canadian trip, and something I won't forget!

SO MANY OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

A great place to start your adventure. Whether you are inexperienced and need a guide or you are experienced and want to go alone, Up North has the package for you. I often do the canoe rental from downtown to Takhini River. A great paddle at a great rate. Bring a lunch and some snacks as you relax winding your way down the famous Yukon River. Then have one of Up North's friendly staff members pick you up and bring you back.

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• In the Coast Mountains
• Exploring the Ruby Range
• Across the Ogilvie Mountains
• Hess Mountains
• Donjek Glacier
• Kluane Colours
• Along the Dempster Highway
• Day-Hiking in Southern Yukon
• Yukon River – Laberge to Dawson City
• Yukon River – Laberge to Carmacks

Upper Liard River

• Beyond the Arctic Circle
• Winter Escape
• Into the White

Begin your river story

We offer several guided canoe trips departing from Whitehorse, that will lead you into the heart of the Yukon wilderness. Our intimate group size of a maximum of six participants will give you the opportunity to fully immerse in the serenity of the Yukon landscapes.

Our experienced guides will share with you their love for this territory, telling you stories, teaching you about natural and historical facts and showing you all the natural beauty around you. Each evening, they will make sure you are well fed creating gourmet meals , that you would never expect on a paddling adventure. Lasagnas, morels risotto, coq au vin are only a few of the delicacies you will have the chance to taste.

All while adventuring, you will learn easy simple steps that will help us reduce our impact on the land we travel. On all of its offerings, Terre Boréale always keeps respect for the land and preservation in mind so that every one of you and the future generations can enjoy these unique places with the same views and pristine feeling.

With our expert river guides leading the way, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

Sample our day-by-day itineraries below and reach out to us if you need more information.

A hidden gem in the remote wilderness of eastern Yukon, the Upper Liard River is a perfect adventure for the experienced paddlers looking for truly wild canoeing expedition.

Yukon River – Laberge to Dawson City

Both historical and wild, the 13 day Yukon River paddle is a classic Yukon adventure. Float through the boreal landscapes and witness remnants of the Klondike Gold Rush along the shores.

July 29th to August 13th – 4 spots left

Sept 1st to 16th 2024 – full

Yukon River – Laberge to Carmacks

With this shorter version of the Yukon River paddle you will get the opportunity to follow the route taken by the stampeders during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1898. Add one of our trekking to this amazing canoeing journey and you will have your perfect Yukon adventure!

July 15th to 22nd 2024 – 1 spot left

August 13th to 20th 2024 – 1 spot left

Other dates – contact us

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Yukan Canoe

Yukan Canoe Yukon's Paddlesport Instruction Experts

Yukan Canoes’ focus is to provide our students with high quality paddlesport instruction so that they  can enjoy the potential, fun and adventure that paddling can offer.  Yukan Canoe is well known for our emphasis on safety, and skill progressions. The Yukon has thousands of miles of pristine Rivers and Lakes ready for you to explore. Taking a Yukan Canoe paddling course will help you safely prepare for your next paddling Adventure.

We offer a wide range of programs including Tandem & Solo Canoes, Whitewater & Sea Kayaks, Packrafting and Rescue Courses from Flatwater to Moving Water to Whitewater.

We are a small Yukon based company with an intimate knowledge of the Yukon’s waterways. Yukan Canoe began in 1999 as Jane & Trevor’s Adventure Network.  We have taught 1000’s of students over the past 23 seasons. We have grown to become one of Canada’s top PaddleSport Instruction businesses.

Our instructors hold certification from Paddle Canada, American Canoe Association or similar agency and have extensive first aid and Swift Water rescue training.

Canada was built with the canoe and is an integral part of our land. We take pride in watching our students succeed and connect with the water, opening new doors of potential expression.

Popular Courses

Intro to Moving Water Level 1

Whitewater Fundamentals- Level 2

Lapie River Extravaganza

Intro to Solo Tripping Moving Water

Swift Water Rescue

Packraft 101

Our focus is to provide students with high quality instruction.

Our passion is paddling and sharing that passion with you. Our courses are run in a safe, supportive and fun environment that optimizes your learning.  We focus on helping you learn good technique so you are confident in your skills and ready for your own paddling Adventure.

We also rent canoes, kayaks and voyageur canoes as well as drysuits.

We can provide custom courses for your group or community in your community.

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2024 Canoe Courses

Yukon River Trips

To build on your skills in the small canoe, visit our friends at ridge wilderness adventures in the lower mainland, yukon river guided canoe trips.

This trip truly captures the adventure, beauty and spirit of Yukon wilderness travel. The rivers are all grade 1 (no rapids) and there are no portages!

Meet at Whitehorse Airport at 9:00 A.M., and travel to Pelly Crossing for the official launch of the trip. We camp on the Pelly River.

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE GREAT CANADIAN ADVENTURE!

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Selbst geführte Yukon River Kanutour

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Experience the Yukon River on your own !

Take a half or full day canoe trip on the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Takhini Bridge or to Burma Road on your own. Feel like a pioneer on the way to the Klondike Goldfields and enjoy the wilderness away from Whitehorse.

Start this canoe trip directly from our conveniently located site on the Yukon River, across from the Tourism Information Center in the heart of Whitehorse.

Of course, the return trip to Whitehorse at the end of the canoe tour is included.

This beautiful canoe tour is easy to master even for nature lovers with no canoeing experience.

Was ist inbegriffen:

• Selbst geführte Kanutour auf dem Yukon River von Whitehorse bis zur Takhini River oder Burma Road
• Kanu für 2 Personen inklusive 3 Paddel, 2 Schwimmwesten, Schwamm, Schöpfgefäß & Flußkarte (Doppelkayaks, Einzelkayaks oder SUP’s ebenfalls möglich)
• Rückfahrt von Takhini River oder Burma Road Austiegspunkt nach Whitehorse

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

• Für diese Kanutour empfehlen wir bequeme Kleidung und sportliches Schuhwerk. Es ist immer gut, eine leichte Windjacke bzw. Regenjacke dabei zu haben.

more information:

• The tour is offered every day through the summer.
• Daily from Whitehorse
• Tour length: approx. 3-5 hours, depending on pick-up point Takhini River or Burma Road

Price: $90 per person based on 2 people or $150 single person (approx. 3 hours to Takhini River) Price: $125 per person based on 2 people or $175 single person (approx. 5 hours to Burma Road)

All prices are in Canadian dollars plus 5% GST.

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Hiking and Canoe Adventure Trips, Canoe Rentals, Yukon Log Cabin Rentals

Adventure trips for all  skill levels  and budgets from day hikes to  several weeks  long wilderness canoe trips.

Winter Adventure

Aurora Viewing X Country Skiing Snow Shoeing Cabin Stay

Guided day trips from the log cabin, Ice fishing Takhini Hotsprings Sauna at the cabin while watching Northern Lights, Trails around the cabin to explore on your own

Log Cabin Rental

Rustic Yukon wilderness log cabins Lakefront settings Fully equipped for summer and winter vacation.

Starting point for yout fishing trip Wilderness settings or with road access Additional Tour options available Perfect base for your Northern Lights experiemce

We are happy to create your custom Yukon adventure trip. To really feel the power and magic of this vast land we believe in small groups on guided wilderness adventures in Canada.

Read Reviews of Adventure Tours

Wilderness Tours in the Yukon since 1995. Adventure Tours in small groups. Canoe Tours,  Horseback Riding, Hiking Trips, Canoe Rentals, Log cabin rentals

Adventure Tour Yukon Wild

P.O. Box 40132 Whitehorse, Yukon  Y1A 6M8 Canada

Phone:  1 867 668 5511 E-mail us  :  [email protected]

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Exploring Canada's Arctic by Canoe Since 1987

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Yukon Canoe

TBD - July is ideal

Yukon Charley National Preserve

Canoeing the Yukon is a classic Alaska wilderness experience, full of striking scenery and rich with history. A week on the river is a timeless experience suitable for novice paddlers and seasoned explorers alike.

TRIP DETAILS

The Yukon River starts small and gains size and speed in Canada’s thinly populated Yukon Territory. The river crosses the U.S. border just upriver from the village of Eagle, and this is where our canoe trip will begin. From Eagle, the Yukon flows another 1,400 miles through the heart of Alaska to the Bering Sea. At its mouth the river is nearly a mile wide!

The section of river that we will paddle from Eagle to Circle City is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire river.  Our route takes us through Yukon Charley Rivers National Preserve . Gravel bars stretch around long sinuous bends dotted by roots and trunks of trees bleached by the hot summer sun. Beyond the gravel and sand are young willows and cottonwoods which frame the river in vibrant green. Towering above the brush are the trees of the boreal forest, hosting stands of paper birch whose white trunks peel in papery sheets. Other areas support dark forests of spruce, long brown columns in a sea of green moss. The boreal forest is also home to comically small black spruce all twisted and bent, seeming to barely survive in the frozen soil.

Along much of the river in this section are steep and rocky bluffs. Some of them are several hundred feet tall. These spectacular bluffs support an ecology all their own and provide some of the best nesting habitat for peregrine falcons in Alaska. This is lean country as far as wildlife is concerned, but king and chum salmon will be working their way upriver towards their spawning grounds in Canada. These fish will draw bears and others to the river for this seasonal feast. Moose are a common sight in the ponds and sloughs near the river.

In addition to the rich natural history, the river has an interesting human history. Gwich’in Athabaskan Indians have hunted and fished this stretch of river for centuries, thriving on salmon runs and a variety of wild game. Starting in the 1800’s trappers and then prospectors inhabited nearly every side creek and valley. Cabins, old mines, fish wheels and other relics of the area’s history can be found along the river and in the woods. We may also have opportunities to visit with fishermen and homesteaders living along the river.

The pace of this trip will be leisurely. The camping along the Yukon is world class for scenery and comfort. Depending on the weather, we camp either on the beach spread-out in the warm sand with a driftwood fire at the heart of camp or if the wind is up we can camp under the spruces with the smell of wild roses thick in the summer air.

Some of our paddling days may be long, but there will always be time to pull over and investigate sights along the way, climb a bluff, or fish a clear water side stream.  Weather in the interior this time of year tends to be sunny and warm though we will be prepared for anything. Canoeing experience is not required. This trip is an ideal choice for anyone hoping to gain wilderness paddling skills on a classic wilderness trip in Alaska.

Last updated: July 22, 2023

What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.

As a Custom Trip we can set the dates to suit your schedule.

Meet your guides at 8 am at the Arctic Wild World Headquarters for a question and answer gear check before heading to the airport and flying northeast from Fairbanks to the riverside village of Eagle on our charter flight. Once we arrive and settle into our lodging, at the Falcon Inn (included) we will take some time to tour the Gold Rush Era town before we head to the river and assemble the canoes in preparation for the following day’s departure from civilization.

After a great breakfast at the Falcon Inn we’ll load the canoes, discuss river safety and let the current pull us away from the hospitality of Eagle and into the wilderness.

Will work on refining our paddling skills and settle into the routines of river life. Once we are comfortable on the river, we can stop in at fish camps and homesteads to learn about modern life along the river.

Our time is ours to do what we please. We can start our day by climbing the bluff behind camp to smell the sweet sage and watch rough-legged hawks circle above the river. Or we can head out early and watch the glassy river slip beneath the canoe. At lunch we can follow a small creek back into the woods where we find an old cabin with a garden still producing rhubarb in the wilderness. We will travel most days and will be on the water for five to six hours each day. This schedule allows plenty of time for exploring from camp or making side trips during a leisurely lunch break. We will pass many clear water side streams that offer opportunities to fish. As we near our final destination, the river bluffs disappear and we enter an area called the Yukon Flats, a fantastically productive area for waterfowl. Here, as the river slows, the sky is broad and colorful.

We leave the main river for a smaller, willow-lined side channel. After a few miles we see the log buildings of Circle, Alaska. After disassembling our canoes and packing our gear we will load into our van for a four-hour scenic drive back to Fairbanks.

The guides were uncommonly knowledgeable, competent, hardworking, and they consistently took care of the group before taking care of their own stuff. They kept our safety in mind while staying open to suggestions, and allowing folks a lot of freedom for personal wanderings.

- Jim, Alaska, USA

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Round-trip transportation from Fairbanks

One night lodging in Eagle

Food while in the wilderness, stoves, cooking & eating utensils

Boats, paddles, life jackets, safety & repair gear

Professional guide service

Select Camping  equipment is available through Arctic Wild

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Lodging except one night in Eagle

Non-camp meals

Personal clothing and gear. See full equipment list

Fishing gear, and fishing license

Gratuity for guide(s)

WEATHER & BUGS

Temperatures vary dramatically in the Far North. Temperatures will range from 90 to 40. We will get some good hot weather and some windy cool weather, but generally it should be warm (by Alaska standards) This is mosquito season, and they will be a factor we plan to mollify by choosing open, breezy camps. Bring a mosquito head net and a small bottle DEET repellent for forays into the woods.

RECOMMENDED READING

Coming into the Country , John McPhee

Land Gone Lonesome , Dan O’Neil

Furs and Frontiers in the Far North , John Bockstoce

Interior Alaska – A Journey Through Time , Alaska Geographic Society

Ordinary Wolves , Seth Kantner

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve’s video preview of the river

More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore

Ready for your adventure? Find out what's next.

• Fill out the Reservation Request form
• We will contact you to discuss your trip
• Secure your trip with a deposit
• We will send you a detailed packing list
• Book your flights and accommodations

1. Fill out the Reservation Request form

2. We will contact you to discuss your trip

3. Secure your trip with a deposit

4. We will send you a detailed packing list

5. Book your flights and accommodations

Journeys of discovery

Under the midnight sun, spectacular river journeys on the most iconic rivers in the north. expertly guided by raft or canoe. wildlife, hiking & stories..

Since 1972, we’ve been guiding adventure vacations on the top rivers in northern Canada and Alaska. Our trips are 5 to 21 day premium-class raft and canoe based expeditions.  The rivers we travel are conduits for exploring some of the last wild places in North America.

River Journeys

Our river journeys are a continued exploration of the finest wilderness regions on the planet. Using the river as a conduit to travel through the land, we take time to hike, explore, learn and savour the beauty of these wild places.

Raft & Hike

Canoe & Hike

Private Expeditions

Almost anyone can enjoy one of our river journeys.

Our guests come alone, in couples, as a family or in groups. They range in age from 8 to 80 years. There is literally nothing like floating through canyons, camping out in the wilderness, and totally disconnecting from the modern world.

Destinations

We lead canoe and raft based expeditions on the best rivers in Northern Canada and Alaska. Every river we travel is stunningly beautiful, with world class features, great hiking and richly colourful histories.

Nahanni River

Tatshenshini River

Alsek River

Firth River

The rivers we paddle are wilderness icons

Many of the rivers we travel are Canadian Heritage Rivers, several are part of  the largest areas of protected land in the world, and all of them are perfect for a wilderness experience you’ll never forget – we guarantee you’ll return home with a great story to tell .

Why Choose Us?

We understand our guests are looking for a once in a lifetime experience , with a treasure trove of great stories to take home.  Our job to make that happen, and we take that responsibility seriously – without cutting corners. Words like average and good enough just aren’t in our vocabulary. All of our efforts add up to the best experience and greatest value.

Our reputation speaks for itself

More than 40% of our guests each year are repeat guests or were referred by a past traveler.

What you can expect from us

What sets us apart from other adventure companies? Passion, expertise and – most importantly – attention to the special details. We’ve been perfecting our trips since 1972 and it shows – our guest return rate of over 40% speaks for itself.

Low ratio of guides to guest

Experience has taught us that one of the most important factors for a high-quality and safe adventure is the ratio of staff to guests – we operate with one guide per four guests maximum.

The north is not a mass-market destination ­– thank goodness! It’s not the cheapest region to visit, but the experiences found here are like nothing else in the world.

It’s our goal to have the most consistently knowledgeable staff in areas of local interpretation, such as: Flora and fauna, Geology and geomorphology, Human history, Unique details, stories, features of each region.

Safe travels

We maintain the highest standards for river safety and we are proud to have a reputation for excellence in this area. We employ comprehensive and well-rehearsed emergency procedures and trip contingency planning in line with wilderness camping experiences.

Your Experience

Imagine the “land of the midnight sun” , a country of diverse land forms, wild flowers and new delights to the eye, every day. Imagine rivers that flow through these lands in a sinuous manner, serving as a conveyor to move you from one delightful experience to the next. Imagine rewarding hikes, with a range of distances to choose, to pick the one that’s right for you.

Your adventure begins before you even make it to the river

After meeting your guides and fellow travellers at the rendezvous point, you will make your way to the river. This usually requires a charter aircraft to fly in, out or both. The flights take you over truly spectacular wilderness. Have your camera handy for the flight!

Relax, You’re in Great Hands

Our talented wilderness guides deliver our trips with an authenticity that mirrors the unspoiled wilderness we travel through. Their passion for living, learning and teaching regional geology, wildlife and history is matched only by their sense of adventure, paddling skills, and leadership acumen.

Each day of your river journey will be memorable and will inspire stories to tell your friends for years to come.

Your time on the river each day will vary, leaving plenty of time for other pursuits such as hiking, fishing, and photography. Many trips have one or more “lay-over” days when we stay put and enjoy camping two nights in a particular spot.

You’ll be fed meal after meal of impossibly fresh food, all prepared with a portable camp kitchen and open fire.

The crowning touch of our river journeys are the meals. Forget those old images of freeze dried backpackers fare. At the end of an active day in the fresh mountain air, you deserve to be rewarded by the aroma and taste of a great meal with fresh ingredients, perhaps with a wine you selected. You’ll be continually amazed at the variety and quality of the meals.

Learn More >

You'll have opportunities to view northern wildlife and plants

The North is rich with some of the most abundant and diverse plant and wildlife anywhere in the world. Each of our river adventures is scheduled to allow for maximum opportunities to see the plants & wildlife of that particular area.

Give us a call at 1-800-297-6927

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