Your Yukon adventure can include national and territorial parks, Klondike Gold Rush towns, a trip across the world’s smallest desert, or down some of the most exciting rivers in North America.
Ivvavik Area
Ivvavik National Park and neighboring Vuntut National Park are a core part of the range of the migratory Porcupine caribou herd. The park is also home to the Firth river, a 130 km stretch of river that has a number of boulder gardens ranging from class II and III+.
North of the park is the Beaufort Sea and Herschel Island Territorial Park. Here you can see up to 94 species of birds, wildlife and marine life, heritage sites and carpets of wildflowers.
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Dempster Highway
Travel Canada's most northern highway and see the Mackenzie River, migrating caribou and pristine tundra. Stop at the side of the road to do a little hike along the alpine tundra to see the fall colours or spring flowers.
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Peel Watershed
The Peel watershed is home to the Snake, Bonnet Plume and Wind rivers, among others. If you're looking for a pristine adventure far away from any civilization, think about a trip here. After a day of paddling you can hike up a mountain and scout the next day's run.
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Tombstone
You can spend a few days hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park and you're bound to see moose, caribou, grizzlies and all sort of interesting birds.
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Dawson City
Dawson City is at the end of the Klondike trail where many a southerner came looking for their fortune. Make the town your destination if you paddle the Yukon River, or as a rest top between adventure trips.
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Mayo
Arrive close to the summer solstice and you'll be able to take a break from your adventure by running the Mayo Midnight Marathon. Be sure to drive up to Keno City and explore the beautiful mountains.
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Yukon River
A trip between Whitehorse and Dawson City is a must for anyone interested in pairing a little bit of history with their adventure trips. Stop at Fort Selkirk and see all the old buildings from the Klondike Gold Rush days, or paddle further down and camp beside a little creek and fish for grayling for dinner.
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Teslin
Here you'll find the Teslin River, Nisutlin River, lots of moose, migrating birds, and some big lakes for great fishing.
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Haines Junction
This part of the Alaska Highway skirts the edge of Kluane National Park, which offers opportunities for single to multi-day hiking, fish for giant trout in Kluane lake, or in the winter snowmobile into the backcountry to spot bison.
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Whitehorse
Pretty much every adventure trip will likely involve some time in Whitehorse, either at the airport getting ready to fly out to a remote fishing spot; or at the grocery store, stocking up for the multi-day canoe trip. There are a number of activities that you can do within 5 minutes of downtown, so book an extra day and explore. Don't forget to relax in our coffee shops or check out the free concerts at Lepage Park in the summer.
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Logan
Mount Logan is Canada's tallest mountain. Talk to our adventure experts and they'll help expedite your trip and give you the inside scoop.
Kluane
Rafting, canoeing or kayaking the Alsek or Tatshenshini river is on many a water sport afficionado's bucket list. You'll see calving glaciers, wildlife and some incredible mountains.
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Chilkoot Trail
With Dawson on their minds, thousands of stampeders climbed the Chilkoot Pass in the hope they'd find their millions in gold. You can retrace their steps and still see the artifacts left behind by the early gold seekers. If you'd prefer you can drive the White Pass which is one range over.
Watson Lake
Some of the Yukon's lesser known, but equally fun, rivers are in the southeast part of the territory. Coal River and Frances River make for some good paddling. You can also relax at a lodge and get up nice and early to fish all the local spots.
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Yukon has some of the world's most spectacular rivers, from the Yukon River, which shuttled Klondike Gold Rush stampeders, to the iconic Alsek and Tatshenshini rivers. Our adventure experts can help you find the best spot to raft, canoe or kayak in Canada’s Yukon.
Click on the shaded areas to learn more about the rivers and find out which experts offer trips in the area.
Firth River
The Firth River is Yukon's most northerly river running through Ivvavik National Park and emptying in the Arctic Ocean. The Firth cuts through canyons with incredible whitewater and open terrain. You'll likely see barren-ground caribou, mountain sheep, moose, muskoxen, grizzly bears, wolves and wolverines, not to mention countless bird species. It’s a fly in and fly out rafting trip that often includes a side trip to Herschel Island on the Beaufort Sea.
Interested in rafting the Firth River, talk to Nahanni River Adventures.
Hart River
The Hart River is one of the least travelled rivers in the Peel River watershed. That's saying a fair bit, since no one could classify any of Yukon's rivers as 'busy' by southern standards. This remote trip involves some class I and II rapids, spectacular hiking and beautiful Ogilvie Mountain scenery. Most trips end on the Peel River's "Taco Bar" with a flight to Mayo.
Be one of the few people to have paddled the Hart River.
Snake River
The Snake River is considered ideal for the intermediate canoeist with consistent class I and II rapids and the occasional class III section to provide a challenge. Your canoe will likely be outfitted with a spray skirt to keep the stray wave from breaking your rhythm. The river is also known for spectacular hiking.
Paddle Yukon's Snake River with these Adventures Experts:
Peel River
The Hart, Wind, Bonnet Plume and Snake rivers all terminate at the Peel. The first three rivers include the Peel Canyon to finish off a spectacular trip through the mountains. Most trips on the Peel's tributaries end at 'Taco Bar', a large gravel bar where people exchange stories while waiting for their float plane. The longer trips include a paddle out the Peel to Fort McPherson on the Dempster Highway. Your Yukon adventure expert will point out the memorial for the Lost Patrol along the way.
In order to paddle the Peel your best bet is to start on the Hart, Wind, Bonnet Plume or Snake rivers. Hover over the those rivers to see who offers trips in the area. When booking your trip, ask your adventure expert if you'll be flying out or paddling through to Fort McPherson.
Wind River
The Wind River is welcoming for entry-level paddlers and it offers all the same wildlife and hiking opportunities of the Wind's sisters, the Snake and Bonnet Plume. The wide valley is home to grizzlies, caribou and moose. The river ends on the Peel and most trips finish at 'Taco Bar' with a float plane ride back to Mayo.
The following adventure experts all offer the trips on the Wind River:
Bonnet Plume River
Of the three popular Peel watershed rivers – the Snake, Wind and Bonnet Plume – the Bonnet Plume is the most technical. You'll want to be fairly confident with class III+ rapids (with a loaded canoe, remember!) and the occasional class IV. You'll probably be fairly tired from navigating this challenging river, but if you can find the energy, the hiking is highly recommended.
Travel with the adventure experts at Ruby Range Adventure to experience the constant thrill of the Bonnet Plume River.
Teslin River
Teslin River trips start off the Alaska Highway at Johnson's Crossing, about 130 km from Whitehorse. This river provides an alternative start point to joining the Yukon River. Your expert guide will be able to let you in on all the history of this river, including a stop at Shipyard Island to see the remains of the steamship Evelyn.
Experience the Teslin River with one of these adventure experts:
Frances River
The Frances River flows from Frances Lake, where you can relax in the luxury of a secluded lodge. Try your hand at fishing Arctic grayling, northern pike or inconnu while watching for moose. The river itself has class I to III rapids.
Do a day trip down the Frances River from the comfort of the Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge.
Coal River
The Coal River is home of the Coal River Springs Territorial Park. This river is suited to very experienced kayakers with class V and VI rapids. While the Coal River doesn't feature as a scheduled trip, talk to Yukon's adventure experts about a custom guided adventure or about renting equipment.
Visit our canoe page to find an Yukon adventure expert who can craft a custom trip. Alternatively, visit our gear and equipment page to rent the gear you need to do the trip.
Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers
The Alsek and Tatshenshini rivers are two of the Yukon’s iconic river trips. The Alsek meanders through Kluane National Park and meets with the Tatshenshini in British Columbia’s Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, flowing on through Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park. Many of our adventure experts offer trips on the Tatshenshini and/or Alsek River.
Gear up experience either of these incredible rivers with Nahanni River Adventures or Tatshenshini Expediting.
Stewart River
The Stewart River provides an alternate route to the Yukon River and Dawson City. You’ll start on the North Klondike Highway and float down the river until it reaches the majestic Yukon River. From here you can almost fall asleep and the river will push you along all the way to Dawson City.
Yukon River
The Yukon River is North America's third longest river and has quite the history. Any trip on this river should be prefaced with some reading (Pierre Berton's Klondike should keep you going). Of course, your guide will know where to find all the best spots to camp and be able to give you in-depth history of the route between Whitehorse and Dawson. 16 day trips start in Whitehorse and shorter trips start at Lake Laberge, Carmacks or Minto Landing.
Many of the Yukon's adventure experts offer trips on the Yukon River. Browse the canoe page for a listing of all the experts.
Hyland River
The Hyland River starts in the Selwyn Mountains. Just to get to the river you'll travel along some roads rarely traveled by visitors to the territory. The river itself takes about six days and travels through the rolling hills of southeast Yukon. There are sections of white water that will keep the intermediate canoeist happy and some great fishing along the way. The trip ends in northern British Columbia on the Alaska Highway.
Paddle the Hyland River with Cabin Fever Adventures.
Big Salmon River
The Big Salmon is perfect beginner level trip that starts as a cozy little river and traverses large scenic lakes connected by rivers with faster flowing sections to add a touch of excitement. The trip finishes off on the Yukon River where you'll pass various historic sites. The pull-out is in Carmacks and it's only a short 2 hour drive back to Whitehorse.
Canoe the Big Salmon River with one of these adventure experts:
Nisutlin River
The Nisutlin River is a nice introductory river for those new to canoe trips or families with children. There are no challenges along the way, other than keeping count of the moose you've seen. One bonus is that it's close enough to Whitehorse, that you can do the trip and be back within five days.
Paddle the Hess River with one of these adventure experts:
Dezadeash River
The Dezadeash (pronounced Dez-Dee-Ash) River starts at the edge of Kluane Park on the banks of Dezadeash Lake. Be sure to bring your fishing rod and license because there's a high chance you'll catch pike. Be sure to get some tips from your guide to find the spots to catch arctic greyling and lake trout. In fact, the river is so clear in the lake you can often see the fish - who needs a fish finder! The river itself is small and winding and travels through elk, beaver and moose habitat. You'll also see lots of water birds along the way. The trip ends at the First Nation community of Champagne just off the Alaska Highway.
Canoe the Dezadeash River with Yukon Wide Adventures.
Liard River
The Liard River starts with a float plane ride over southern Yukon and lands on Caribou Lakes. Keep your fishing gear packed near the top so you can quickly fish for some northern pike in the lakes, or head to the river and try for arctic greyling and dolly vardens. The river trip involves skirting sweepers, sleepers, log jams and a few gravel bars, so stay alert! Other paddlers have seen moose, grizzlies, black bears, dall sheep and the occasional beaver. The trip ends near Watson Lake on the Alaska Highway where you'll make your way by road back to Whitehorse
Explore the Liard River with one of these adventure experts:
Hyland River
The Hyland River starts in the Selwyn Mountains. Just to get to the river you'll travel along some roads rarely traveled by visitors to the territory. The river itself takes about six days and travels through the rolling hills of southeast Yukon. There are sections of white water that will keep the intermediate canoeist happy and some great fishing along the way. The trip ends in northern British Columbia on the Alaska Highway.
Paddle the Hyland River with Cabin Fever Adventures.
Blackstone River
The Blackstone River trips start off at the Dempster Highway north of Dawson City Yukon. Some trips include some hiking in the Tombstone Mountains prior to putting in the water. The Blackstone has mostly Class II water but when you get to the Peel River you can hit some Class III and IV. The chances of seeing caribou, sheep, and bears are pretty high on this little traveled river. Most trips end at Taco Bar on the Peel, but if you talk with your adventure expert you can likely arrange to continue paddling the Peel to Fort McPherson.
Canoe the Blackstone River.
McQuesten River
The McQuesten is a tight and twisty little river that is perfect for the beginner looking to improve their skills. You'll need to be on the look out for sweepers and the occasional moose. The trip is around 5 days long and ends on the Klondike Highway about an hour and half from Dawson City.
Canoe the McQuesten River with Ruby Range Adventure Ltd.
Hess River
For two weeks you'll be in the middle of the Yukon wilderness east of Mayo. The Hess has some of the most consistent white water in the Yukon with at least one set of class III+ everyday. Bring some good water shoes and neoprene socks because the first day involves a fair bit of lining. The trip ends in the town of Mayo.
Paddle the Hess River with one of these adventure experts:
