Day 0

Pre arrival:(for members of the group arriving to Whitehorse by plane, or bus) Group members arriving by plane, bus or those who are either already in Whitehorse will be shuttled to the Hotel/Hostel the evening prior to commencing the trip.

Day 1

We meet early in the morning and have a group meeting with all the members of the group, introduction to the guide(s) and other participants. The guides check over all group and personal equipment and make sure all necessary preparations are in place for our trip over the next three weeks. We load up all equipment and shuttle approximately 220 km down the Alaska Highway and up the South Canol Road to our camp near Quiet Lake and the source of the Big Salmon River.

Day 2

Today we begin with our canoe training. After breakfast we put in on the lake next to our campsite. If required you will be instructed and have the opportunity to practice all necessary and required paddling skills. Your guide will instruct you on proper paddling techniques that will be require on the river over the next 8 days, with some luck we have the opportunity to see local wildlife including beavers, caribou, and wolves.

Day 3

Today marks the first day on the river. With some possible short portages through the outflow of the lake, we practice additional river techniques on faster flowing water. The first day on the Big Salmon is characterized by a small narrow river were quick maneuvering is required to keep from hitting aground.

Days 4-9

As we spend eight spectacular days on the Big Salmon we are encircled by complete isolation and tranquil beauty of the North. The Big Salmon flows through the spectacular scenery of the Salmon Mountains. We are surrounded by eagles, Wolves, Caribou and bears. The occasional Class I or II rapid keeps the flow of the river interesting with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Options include day hikes into the Salmon Mountains. The last 3 days of the trip are spent on the historic Yukon River the water way for the old legends of the gold-rush pioneering days.

Day 10

Half-day of paddling on the river. In the early afternoon we arrive at the small hamlet of Carmacks. After unpacking and reloading our equipment we drive 450 km from Carmacks to historic Dawson City site of the famous klondike gold rush. We camp in Dawson and have the opportunity for hot showers and laundry.

Day 12

We spend a leisurely morning taking in any of the sights that we missed the previous day. In the early afternoon we drive 150 km from Dawson City up the Dempster Highway through the sub tundra landscape to the towering spires of the Tombstone Ranges and Tombstone Territorial Park.

Day 13

A full day spent exploring and day hiking the dramatic Tombstone area with the Tombstone vertical towers shooting out of the surrounding rolling tundra landscape.

Day 14

Today we spend a full day driving 750 km from Dawson City to the small hamlet of Haines Junction, we camp near the shores of picturesque Kathleen Lake on the edge of Kluane National Park.

Day 15

Today we spend a full day rafting the exciting class III-IV whitewater of the Tatshenshini River. After and early start we shuttle close to the head waters of the Tatshenshini. Rafting includes, lunch, wetsuits, helmets and all the required rafting gear. In the evening we camp at Million Dollar Falls.

Day 16

We spend the day driving from Million Dollar Falls to the Town of Haines in Alaska. From Haines we take the ferry up the fiord to the small town of Skagway, staging point for the Chilkoot Trail and the Klondike Gold Rush. It was here in 1898 that thousands of Gold-seeking Pioneers landed and embarked on the 53 km long Chilkoot trail on their way to the gold fields of Dawson city. The evening is spent exploring the townsite of Skagway. We camp at the head of the Chilkoot trail in Dyea National Park and Historic site.

Day 17

Rest day, we spend the full day preparing for our four day hike on the 53 km long Chilkoot Trail. We have the chance to visit and explore the beautiful surroundings of Skagway. We pack and make sure we have the necessary preparations to follow in the footsteps of the old gold seekers.

Day 18

After an early start we begin our first day on the Chillkoot trail. The combination of splendor of the Alaskan Coast mountains and the historic remains of what was once the most travelled route on the largest gold rush in the world makes the Chilkoot a unique backcountry hiking experience. Once well established with horse pack trains, boat service and even a tram line the trail is scattered with remains of the old stampeding gold rush. The first 12 km of the trail has little elevation gain as we follow the Taiya River. After 12 km the trail begins to climb as we work ourselves up to the historic Chilkoot Pass at km 25.

Days 19-20

We take our time to fully take in the trail, passing many remnants of the old gold rush, after climbing over Chilkoot Pass, there is another 28 km to go as we pass Crater, Long and Lindeman Lake.

Day 21

Today we arrive at Bennett and Bennett Lake. Here gold rusher would have to build rafts and ferry their way across in order for them to reach the Yukon river. From Bennett we take the White Pass train rail and the short train ride to the small village of Carcross. From Carcross we drive another 150 km back to Whitehorse. We arrive and check into the hotel by early evening. Hot showers and a celebration supper await us as a reward for our efforts of the past three weeks