Pelly River Expedition

The Pelly River is one of the Yukon’s most remote and least-traveled waterways — a true hidden gem for paddlers seeking solitude and adventure. Flowing 440 km from the community of Faro to Pelly Crossing, this river winds through broad valleys, rolling hills, and the rugged Selwyn and Pelly Mountains.

With 12 days total (10 on the water), this expedition offers long stretches of calm scenic paddling balanced with sections of swift current, sweepers, and tight bends that require good river-reading skills. It’s ideal for intermediate paddlers who want to experience a wild and rarely visited corner of the Yukon.

Travel in a small group of no more than 7 participants per guide, camping on gravel bars and forest clearings. Yukon Wide’s renowned riverside cuisine adds comfort to the wilderness, with hearty breakfasts, riverside lunches, and campfire dinners that will surprise you with what’s possible in the backcountry. Wildlife is abundant — expect bald eagles, moose, and beavers, plus wide-open skies that in late summer may reveal the Northern Lights.

Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Whitehorse
Arrive in Whitehorse and meet your guide and fellow paddlers for orientation and gear check. Overnight hotel stay included.

Day 2 – Transfer to Faro / Launch
Travel to Faro and launch onto the Pelly River. Paddle downstream and camp on a gravel bar.

Days 3–5 – Upper Pelly River
Settle into river life as the Pelly winds through broad valleys framed by mountain ridges. Camps are chosen for scenery and comfort, with chances to see moose and eagles.

Days 6–7 – Middle Pelly River
The river narrows and quickens, with sweepers, tight corners, and faster current keeping paddlers engaged. Remote wilderness surrounds you.

Days 8–9 – Lower Pelly River
Enjoy a mix of swift water and calm stretches. Campsites are wide and open, perfect for evening campfires under the northern sky.

Day 10 – Toward Pelly Crossing
Final push toward the take-out at Pelly Crossing, ending your journey on one of the Yukon’s wildest rivers.

Day 11 – Return to Whitehorse
Shuttle transfer back to Whitehorse. Overnight hotel stay included.

Day 12 – Departure
Transfer to Whitehorse Airport for onward travel.

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 exceptional riverside cuisine
Two hotel nights in Whitehorse (Day 1 on arrival, Day 15 after return)
Ground transportation from Whitehorse to Ross River (start) and from Pelly Crossing (end) back to Whitehorse