An adventures canoe and hiking tour through Yukon’s high north.

The Wind River flows through the Mackenzie Mountains and the Peel River Plateau, considered to be Yukon’s wildest and most untouched wilderness. We will fly-in by float plane to the McClusky Lake. After a short portage and lining the canoe down a small creek we will reach the upper Wind River.
The Wind River is swift with sharp bends, sweepers and some class II rapids. The upper Wind River offers numerous hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. There is a good chance to see moose, caribou, bear and wolverine.
During the big Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 a group of 70 adventurers tried to reach the Klondike through the Mackenzie/Peel River system. Many of them perished due to famine and the extreme cold arctic winter, some returned and only a few eventually reached the Klondike.
The Wind River became famous again when in 1910 an ill-fated North-West Mounted Police sled dog patrol on their way to Dawson City got lost and perished.
Our canoe trip will end at the confluence of Snake River and Peel River from where we will fly-out by floatplane.

Itinerary:

Day 1
You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the River View Hotel in the heart of downtown. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2
Transfer from Whitehorse to Mayo (410 km / 255 mi) and  fly-in  from Mayo  to  McClusky  Lake, the  headwaters of  the  Wind River. Here we will set up our first wilderness camp.

Day 3 to day 13
McClusky - Lake Peel River (200 km / 125 mi). Our canoe adventure begins with a short portage to a small creek. The better part of the day will be spend to transport supplies and equipment from McClusky Lake to the Wind River.
The upper Wind is swift and clear. The hiking possibilities are great and we will take the chance to explore the mountains arising from the river shores. During our journey we will admire the breathtaking beauty of mountains and tundra attending us all the way down the river. In 1898-99 about 70 adventures tried to reach the Klondike Goldfields through the Mackenzie und Peel River systems. Enduring extreme hardship during the harsh winter some died, some returned and only a few pressed on to the Klondike.
When leaving the high mountains behind we encounter some class II rapids and white water. Shortly after the river widens and the current slows down we will enjoy floating leisurely to the confluence with the Peel River canoeing down the Peel for another day.

Day 14
Today we will be picked up by float plane to fly back to Mayo. From Mayo a van will transfer us to the River View Hotel in Whitehorse.

Day 15: Transfer to the airport and departure

General information’s:
Because of short stretches of white water and some rapids the Wind River is classified as class II.
Beside the first day portage there is at least one section where the canoe has to be lined. Under the supervision of an experienced river guide the Wind River can be well managed by participants having some canoeing experience in moving water.
All hikes are done with a day pack only. These hikes may be somewhat challenging due to lack of trails and some bushwhacking.
Since we will travel through an ecologically very sensitive area the general rule will be: "Leave nothing but footprints - take nothing but photos". We will practice no trace camping to reduce our impact as much as possible.

Participants:   min  5 / max  11

Other add on options:     see self drive tour "Fly & Drive"

Prices are subject to 5 % GST (Goods and Service Tax)

We reserve the right to change our prices due to unpredictable increases of fuel prices.