Big Salmon River Expedition

The Big Salmon River is one of the Yukon’s most beautiful wilderness waterways, flowing 354 km from Quiet Lake through the Pelly Mountains and the Big Salmon Range before joining the Yukon River near Carmacks.

This trip is designed for canoeists with intermediate paddling skills. The river presents natural challenges such as sweepers, tight bends, and swift water, but under the care of your experienced Yukon Wide guide, the journey is safe, adventurous, and deeply rewarding.

With up to 8 participants per trip, this expedition is both personal and social. Expect wilderness camping, wildlife encounters, and the unforgettable sight of King Salmon migrating upstream in August. And while you’re deep in the backcountry, Yukon Wide is also known for its exceptional riverside cuisine — fresh, hearty, and creative camp meals that prove you won’t be eating instant noodles on this adventure!

Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Whitehorse
Arrive in Whitehorse and meet your guide and fellow group members. Orientation, gear check, trip preparation, and overnight stay in a Whitehorse hotel.

Day 2 – Shuttle to Quiet Lake / First Paddle
Travel by van along the South Canol Road to Quiet Lake. After a safety briefing and equipment orientation, begin paddling across the lake. Set up your first wilderness camp along the lakeshore.

Day 3 – Quiet Lake to Sandy Lake
Continue across Quiet Lake and navigate the connecting waterways toward Sandy Lake. Enjoy your first full day immersed in the Yukon wilderness before camping along the lakeshore.

Day 4 – Sandy Lake to Big Salmon Lake
Paddle from Sandy Lake into Big Salmon Lake, the largest lake in the system. Camp near the outflow and prepare to enter the Big Salmon River.

Day 5 – Entering the Big Salmon River
Leave the lakes behind and transition into the moving waters of the Big Salmon River. Learn to navigate the river's current, winding channels, and occasional sweepers. Camp on a remote gravel bar.

Days 6–8 – Upper Big Salmon River
Journey deeper into the Yukon wilderness as the river winds through forested valleys and mountain scenery. Wildlife sightings may include moose, bears, beavers, and eagles. Each evening, establish camp along the river and enjoy a hearty meal prepared in the wilderness.

Day 9 – Big Salmon Wilderness
Continue downstream through the crystal-clear waters of the Big Salmon. Depending on seasonal conditions, the river offers opportunities to observe fish and other wildlife while travelling through an increasingly remote landscape.

Days 10–11 – Middle & Lower Big Salmon River
Enjoy long stretches of wilderness paddling as the river alternates between swift current and gentle meanders. Gravel bars and forest clearings provide beautiful campsites for your final nights on the Big Salmon.

Day 12 – Big Salmon River to the Yukon River
Paddle the final section of the Big Salmon before reaching its impressive confluence with the Yukon River. The landscape opens as you join this historic waterway and continue toward Carmacks. Enjoy your final wilderness camp and a farewell dinner with the group.

Day 13 – Carmacks & Return to Whitehorse
Complete the final stretch to Carmacks, where your canoe journey comes to an end. Pack the equipment and shuttle back to Whitehorse. An overnight hotel stay in Whitehorse is included, providing a comfortable finish to an unforgettable Yukon wilderness adventure.

Professional river guide (1 guide for up to 8 guests)
All camping gear (tents, sleeping pads, kitchen equipment, cooking gear)
Canoes, paddles, and life jackets (PFDs)
Safety equipment including throw bags and first aid
Satellite communication for emergency support and safety updates
All meals on the river – Yukon Wide is known for our exceptional riverside cuisine (fresh, hearty, and creative – no instant noodles!)
Two hotel nights in Whitehorse – Day 1 on arrival and Day 15 after the expedition
Ground transportation from Whitehorse to Quiet Lake (start) and from Carmacks (end) back to Whitehorse