Teslin River & Yukon River | Yukon Wide Adventures

The Teslin River Expedition is one of the Yukon’s most rewarding canoe routes, offering a strong current, wilderness scenery, and a direct link into the Yukon River. Starting at Johnson’s Crossing, the Teslin flows north for 185 km through quiet valleys and forested hills before merging with the mighty Yukon at Hootalinqua — once an important Hudson’s Bay trading post and a historic telegraph station. From there, paddlers follow the Yukon downstream past iconic sites like Big Salmon Village, old trapper cabins, and relics of the Gold Rush era.

For many travelers, this trip is the best alternative to the first section of the Yukon River, as it avoids the long, wind-prone crossing of Lake Laberge while still delivering rich history, wildlife encounters, and authentic river travel. The journey to Carmacks takes about 10 days (8 on the water), making it ideal for both beginners and intermediate paddlers.

For those with more time, the Teslin/Yukon route can be extended to Dawson City — a 20-day expedition with 17 paddling days — tracing the full path of the Klondike stampeders and ending in one of the most historic towns in the North.

Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Whitehorse
Arrive in Whitehorse and meet your guide and fellow paddlers. After an orientation and gear check, enjoy a welcome evening together before overnighting in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2 – Johnson’s Crossing / Launch
Shuttle to Johnson’s Crossing where the Teslin River adventure begins. Push off into moving water, learn river routines, and make your first wilderness camp along the Teslin’s banks.

Days 3–5 – The Upper Teslin
Settle into the rhythm of river life. The Teslin flows through sweeping valleys lined with spruce and birch. Days are spent paddling long meanders, stopping for riverside lunches, and keeping watch for bald eagles, moose, and beavers. Evenings bring gravel-bar camps, hearty meals, and campfires under the Yukon sky.

Day 6 – Confluence at Hootalinqua
A highlight of the expedition: the Teslin joins the Yukon River at Hootalinqua, once an important trading post and telegraph station. Explore relics of the past, including remains of the old paddlewheeler Evelyn. Camp nearby and absorb the rich history at this meeting of rivers.

Day 7 – Big Salmon River & Old Village Site
Continue down the mighty Yukon to the mouth of the Big Salmon River, where you’ll find the site of an old Indigenous village. Learn about the cultural significance of the area and imagine life here centuries ago. Camp along the broad Yukon, with its steady current and towering cutbanks.

Day 8 – Yukon River Scenery
Paddle wide, fast stretches of the Yukon. The scenery shifts to rolling hills and steep forested banks. Camps are set on open gravel bars where sunsets paint the sky deep gold and purple.

Day 9 – Arrival in Carmacks
Complete the final leg into Carmacks, a vibrant Yukon community named after prospector George Carmack of Klondike fame. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner and reflections on the river. Shuttle back to Whitehorse for an overnight hotel stay.

Day 10 – Departure
Your adventure concludes after breakfast in Whitehorse. Depart with unforgettable memories of your Teslin River journey.