Yukon River – Laberge to Carmacks

Departures

June 5th to 12th 2025 – 6 spots left

July 13th to 20th 2025 – 6 spots left

July 31st to August 7th 2025 – 5 spots left

With this shorter version of the Yukon River paddle you will get the opportunity to follow the route taken by the stampeders during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1898. Add one of our trekking to this amazing canoeing journey and you will have your perfect Yukon adventure!

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Whitehorse, you take the free shuttle to get to your hotel (right there when you exit the terminal). Note that we always try and book hotels which offers the free shuttle but in case there is no more availability, there are always taxis available to drive you downtown (count approximately $25 for a ride from the airport to your hotel). Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to explore Whitehorse and take a stroll on the Millennium Trail or check out the MacBride Museum.

A pre-trip meeting takes place in the lobby of your hotel at 5pm today with your guides. This is the perfect opportunity to ask any last-minute questions, do a gear check and meet your fellow adventurers!

Check our FAQ to know what date day 0 corresponds to.

Night in a hotel in Whitehorse

Shortly after breakfast we drive to Lake Laberge, immortalized in Robert Service’s poem “The Cremation of Sam McGee” and begin our paddling adventure. This 50 km long lake is renowned for cold water and dangerous winds. For this reason, we cross the lake to the north end by motor boat. Once we reach the end of the lake we unload our gear and set up our first camp on the shore of the river. In the afternoon we go through all the basic canoe strokes and go on a short paddle to practice!
In the evening, we enjoy our first meal cooked over the open fire and rejoice at the prospect of our upcoming adventure!

Lunch and dinner

Night in a tent

This morning we begin our 6 days paddling adventure down the mighty Yukon River. After the discovery of placer gold on Bonanza creek by three prospectors in 1896, thousands of men and women travelled the Yukon River to try their luck “striking it rich” in the Dawson area. We paddle the wildest section of the river where we have the best chances of observing northern wildlife. There are numerous historical sites along this stretch: abandoned woodyards and telegraph stations, remains of old steamboats, etc. Every day you will enjoy delicious freshly made food cooked over the open fire.

Starting in August, in this remote land, far away from any light pollution, we have the opportunity to watch stars in the clear night skies and maybe even a memorable show of northern lights!

Throughout the trip we practice and share our knowledge of leave-no-trace travel and zero waste philosophy.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Night in a tent

Today is the last day of our canoe trip, we enjoy one last time waking up and having our campfire cooked breakfast in the wild. We get to Carmacks in the beginning afternoon where we meet our driver who takes us back to Whitehorse! Your last night in Whitehorse is free.

Breakfast and lunch

Night in a hotel

Connection to the airport or to your next adventure.

Terre Boréale respectfully acknowledges that this adventure takes place on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.

  • Ground transportation for Whitehorse/Lake Laberge and Carmacks/Whitehorse
  • Motor boat transportation across Lake Laberge
  • Meals as indicated in itinerary above
  • Accommodations as indicated in itinerary above, based on double occupancy (+ $250 for single occupancy)
  • The following equipment: tent, canoe, paddles, life jacket, dry bag, bear spray, bear proof canister, cooking gear and fishing gear
  • Bilingual guide French/English
  • Satellite phone for emergencies
  • Single occupancy supplement of $250
  • Airport transfers
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities
  • Fishing license
  • Domestic & International flights

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Tour Reviews

“We did 6 days of canoe camping on the Yukon River with our 12 year old daughter. We had chosen Terre Boréale as the company for this first experience following the viewing of a report. Without objection it was an excellent choice on all facets. Organization, food, security. All the advantages of a small business, ie the presence and direct involvement of the owners. Good knowledge of the places, the fauna and the history of the territory from the guides. Max, Mélina and Boris simply gave us a taste for adventure … THANK YOU”

Christine G

“Grâce à Max et Miléna nous avons passés des vacances en famille inoubliables! Les paysages sont magiques, l’organisation est parfaite, délicieux petits plats mijotés au coin du feu, aurores boréales et rencontres avec la faune…”

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