Yukon River Expedition | Yukon Wide Adventures

The Yukon River Expedition – Part 1 covers the first 320 km of the legendary Yukon River, from Whitehorse to Carmacks. Over 11 days (9 days paddling), you’ll follow the route of the stampeders, cross the storied Lake Laberge, visit historic sites like Hootalinqua and Big Salmon Village, and experience the wilderness and history that make this stretch of the Yukon so iconic.

This trip is ideal for beginners and intermediate paddlers looking for a manageable yet immersive wilderness journey. With small group sizes (max 8 participants per guide), evenings spent in riverside camps, and Yukon Wide’s renowned riverside cuisine, you’ll enjoy comfort and quality even in the wild.

The journey ends in Carmacks, the halfway point to Dawson City, where you’ll return to Whitehorse with memories of a classic Yukon adventure.

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

Day 2 – Launch from Whitehorse
Begin paddling the Yukon River right from Whitehorse. Settle into river life and camp downstream.

Day 3 – Toward Lake Laberge
Paddle through quiet channels before reaching the inlet of Lake Laberge. Camp along the lakeshore.

Days 4–5 – Crossing Lake Laberge
Spend two days crossing the 50 km-long Lake Laberge, famous from Robert Service’s Cremation of Sam McGee. Wind can make for challenging but rewarding paddling.

Day 6 – Lower Laberge to Hootalinqua
Enter the river again and paddle to Hootalinqua, site of a historic NWMP post and the wreck of the sternwheeler SS Evelyn. Camp nearby.

Day 7 – Big Salmon Village
Continue to Big Salmon Village, once an important Indigenous settlement, and camp in the area.

Day 8 – Downstream Wilderness Paddling
Enjoy steady river current through wild country. Watch for moose, beaver, and bald eagles. Camp on gravel bars or forest clearings.

Day 9 – Toward Carmacks
The current carries you closer to Carmacks. One final night of wilderness camping.

Day 10 – Arrival in Carmacks / Return to Whitehorse
Reach Carmacks, the halfway point of the Yukon River Expedition. After gear is packed up, shuttle back to Whitehorse. Overnight hotel stay included.

Day 11 – Departure
Transfer to Whitehorse Airport for your onward journey.