All about "Klondike Kate"

The McQuesten River offers a canoe experience for guests with little or no canoeing and wilderness experience. Join us for this tour through a beautiful area of Central Yukon and enjoy an introduction into this unspoiled wilderness. Our tour starts north of Mayo. We'll put in at a bridge crossing this small and seldom traveled river. During our trip we'll stop to watch wildlife, fish and take in the breathtaking scenery. The McQuesten River has no rapids, but we'll have to keep our eyes open for fallen trees (Sweepers) and other obstacles in the water. Old cabins en route give us a good impression on how trappers and traders used to live here in times past.

Itinerary:

Day 1
We'll greet you at the airport and transfer you to the River View Hotel in downtown Whitehorse. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2
After breakfast we'll drive via Carmacks, Stewart Crossing and Mayo to the McQuesten River (460 km, 285 miles) where we'll start our canoe trip. Here we'll load our canoes and begin our paddling adventure. After a short paddle we'll select a good spot for our first camp on the shore of the McQuesten River.

Day 3 to 5
The river is fairly easy to paddle and the current helps us along. We have ample time to fish and hopefully we'll complement our larder with fresh Northern Pike, Arctic Grayling or even a Lake Trout. The many twists and turns of the river offer us many vistas. We have to be on the lookout for floating trees and other obstacles in the water. In summer bears come to the McQuesten River to fish the salmon migrating upriver to their spawning grounds. Chances of seeing fishing bears are excellent. With some luck, we may also observe other wildlife such as moose and beaver. Most certainly we'll see a wide variety of birds, such as golden and bald eagle, mergansers, geese, loons and many varieties of ducks. We'll cover about 130 km / 80 miles on the McQuesten River and we'll have plenty of time to enjoy our camp life and take short hikes on the hills flanking the river to appreciate the many natural wonders. They offer beautiful views and opportunities to study the local flora and fauna.

Day 6
Today we'll arrive at the bridge on the Klondike Highway. This marks the end of our canoe experience and we'll load everything into the waiting van for our drive to Dawson City (140 km / 90 miles). On arrival we'll drop off our stuff at the Bunkhouse Motel and spend some time visiting the town. In the evening we'll enjoy a typical Gold Rush Show at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. You may also challenge your luck with Poker, Black Jack or Roulette.

Day 7
After breakfast we'll visit the impressive Dredge #4 and then pan for gold at an active mining claim. You may keep all the gold you find! We then return to Whitehorse (540km / 340 miles) by van. Arrival in Whitehorse will be in late afternoon where you'll spend the last night at the River View Hotel. A hot shower and comfortable beds will be most welcome.

Day 8
Today we'll bring you to the airport for your flight home, or you'll take off on your own for your next adventure.

Participants:    4 - 12 person

Other add on options:     see self drive tour "Fly & Drive" and "Hiking Roundtrip Yukon Territory"

All prices are subject to 5 % GST (Goods & Service Tax)