Pre-arrival:

(For members of the group arriving in Edmonton by plane or bus)

Group members arriving by plane, bus, or those who are already in Edmonton will be shuttled to a local hostel the evening prior to commencing the trip.

Day 1

We meet early in the morning and have a group meeting with all members of the group. We perform introductions and the guides check over all group and personal equipment and make sure all necessary preparations are in place for our adventure over the next two weeks.

We load up all equipment and shuttle approximately 1000 km from Edmonton to Prince George, B.C. Along this stretch, we travel from the prairies of central Alberta, through the famous, scenic Rocky Mountains, and Jasper National Park.
We continue past the massive and impressive Mount Robson (highest peak in the Rocky Mountains at 4050 m) into the central British Columbian plateau.
Our goal for the evening is to camp near the city of Prince George.

Day 2

After breakfast, we continue our journey for approximately another 550km through the picturesque town of Smithers and the native settlement of Hazelton to the small hamlet of Dease Lake, BC.

Along the way, we wind our way through the isolated wilderness of the Cassier Highway - so isolated that distances between fueling possibilities must be calculated precisely.

Dease Lake is the staging point for our charter float plane flight into the Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park and the headwaters of the wild Stikine River (Tuaton Lake). After setting up camp, we check again to ensure all of our equipment is ready for the next day’s flight to Tuaton Lake, the starting point of our river adventure.

Day 3

Today we load the float planes in Dease Lake, and fly into Tuaton Lake. From the lake, the sub-alpine vegetation surrounding the lake provides us with open views of the peaks that encircle the broad, open valley of the lake.
After unloading the float planes, we set up camp on the shores of Tuaton Lake and become familiar with our equipment, guides, and the other members of the group. In the afternoon we go for a light paddle on the lake practicing and reviewing maneuvers and the necessary skills for the upcoming river.

Day 4

A full day hike is possible from our camp to either Tuaton Peek or Bowsprit mountain.
Wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful in this sub-alpine environment: mountain goats, stone sheep, caribou, and bears all frequent this area. Although there are hardly any established hiking trails, meaning that bushwhacking is required, at the peak of either mountain we are rewarded by awe-inspiring views of Tuaton Lake, the surrounding Skenna mountain ranges, and the numerous unnamed mountain tops of the area. For those wishing to take a more relaxed approach to our first day in the area, Tuaton Lake also provides ample fishing opportunities.

Day 5

This is the first day we spend on the river. After eating breakfast and breaking camp, we have an easy paddle across Tuaton Lake and an additional five to six kilometers of easy river paddling before we reach Laslui Lake.
Another 8 kilometers brings us to end of Laslui lake. We camp on the shores near the end of the Lake.

Day 6

After breaking camp, we travel about three kilometers downstream to the so called “Fountain Rapids”. We take out before the rapids and portage our boats and equipment around the shelf and falls of this set of rapids. The 23 kilometer section after Fountain Rapids and between the next set of rapids “Chapea Rapids” represents the steepest section of the upper Stikine River. Abundant class I and II rapids require precise maneuvering and concentration as you follow your guide; dodging the rocks and riffles that scatter the river.

Day 7

Chapea Rapids marks the second portage of this river trip. It is an easy but slightly longer portage. Below the Chapea rapids the river still remains lively with continued class I and II rapids. We have now passed the sub-alpine areas and find ourselves in the northern Boreal forests. We paddle through a beautiful steep sided canyon called “Pink Granite Canyon”, as we head toward the confluence with Moyez creek. Camping on both sides of the river is plentiful, as we search for the most scenic spots.

Day 8

At the confluence with Myez creek is the site of an old Indian Village called Caribou Hide, sadly there is little evidence left of the original site as it burned down in previous years. From here the river widens and starts to braid as the valley opens up. At the confluence with Aboogacho creek there is the possibility for a short hike up to Aboogacho Falls with its microclimate and an important site for the Caribou Hide people. From here we follow the river until the confluence with the Chuckachida River. Here the Stikine is scattered with good camp sites.

Day 9

The last 43 kilometers of the Stikine River from the confluence with the Chukachida to the Spatsizi River are quite spectacular with the jagged peaks of the Omineca Mountains continually in the background. In this last section the Stikine runs fast and deep. Here the water is clear and blue, as we push on to try and camp as close to the confluence with the Spatsizi as possible.

Day 10

From the confluence with the Spatisizi onwards the character of the Stikine changes considerably. The Spatisizi brings with it large amounts of glacier silt flooding the clear Stikine waters and increasing its volume noticeably. Just below the Spatsizi confluence is also our first encounter with the signs of civilization (in this remote area) since the past week. As we float by there is the optional possibility to make a quick stop at the Upper Stikine Lodge. From here we continue on another 20 km until we reach the Jewel Rapids. Here precise maneuvering and lining are again the key as we dodge around the scattered boulders in this 2 km long stretch of river. Below the rapids campsites are abundant as we paddle into the sunset.

Day 11

The Stikine continually grows in volume as we continue downstream. On this stretch of river we pass two major rivers that contribute to the increase in size of the Stikine. The Kehlechoa River and the McBride River. Time permitting options include a short stop at Shrieber Canyon which rises around Shreiber Creek shortly after the Jewel rapids. Along this stretch of river we are also reward with amazing views, of slopes filled with the radiant pink of fireweed flowers that cover the hillsides of old forest fire burns. We take our time on this stretch of river. Islands and gravel and sand banks provide us with many opportunities for rustic and comfortable campsites. There is the possibility of fishing in the evening or enjoying the wilderness atmosphere by campfire light as we near the end of our trip.

Day 12

Today is the last day on the river. As we break camp the Stikine does not let us out of her clutch easily. Today we encounter the final tricky sections of the river including Beggerlay Canyon and Rapids. This short section of the river presents a considerable challenge and exciting white water. No worries a well developed portage trail provides the option of avoiding the rapids. Below the rapids there is only about 26 km of paddling left. As we mentally take in our last day on the Stikine we prepare to separate ourselves and say goodbye to the vastness of this area, and the imminent feeling of wild remoteness that the Stikine posses.

Day 13

After unloading and repacking all our gear, a relaxing breakfast and a hot shower we slowly make our return journey back to Edmonton. We take our time making plenty of stops and taking in the sights and view points along the 1555 km trip. Optional stops include, Dunster, Mount Robson, and the town of Jasper.

Day 14

We aim to arrive in Edmonton by early evening. For those staying at either a hotel/hostel, after checking in and having a hot shower, we meet all the members of the group for supper and drinks to celebrate and commemorate the adventure of the last two weeks.