The journey travels 600 kilometers (373 miles) through the heart of the Yukon wilderness – internationally acclaimed for its outstanding unspoiled wilderness, rich culture, history and warm, friendly people. The trip begins in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital, which can be reached by direct flights from southern Canada, the United States and Europe.
Small groups (maximum 10 people) travel in their own riverboat with a pilot and an experienced local guide. Frequent landings are made to view wildlife, explore the wilderness, visit historical and geological sites, rest and relax. The small group size and wide variety of unique and interesting Yukon attractions permits each tour to be personalized to accommodate special interests such as wilderness and wildlife viewing, nature photography, bird watching, hiking, paddling, visiting historical sites, participating in cultural and interpretative programs and specialty tours.
Each step in the riverboat journey takes visitors further back in time and deeper into the wilderness, history and culture of the Yukon. Overnight accommodation is in small, private, remotely situated lodge facilities. Each lodge has been designed and themed to harmonize with and accentuate the unique wilderness and historical aspects of the surrounding area.
Private “tented” sleeping cabins provide guests with all the security and comfort of a first class hotel suite with the feeling and appearance of a tented cabin. Fine cuisine featuring local ingredients and traditional foods is served throughout the journey. The lodge accommodation at each overnight stop becomes more rustic, closer to nature and themed in the time period being explored.
The tour is comprised of two nights at Upper Labarge Lodge (a Yukon riverboat stop of the 1930s), two nights at Homestead Lodge (a wilderness homestead from 1901) near Fort Selkirk (an historical site preserved in the wilderness), one night at Wilderness Outpost (a trading post of the 1840s) and two nights in Dawson City (the center of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898) now a Canadian Historic Site. The riverboat trip passes through the traditional lands of four First Nations whose people will be among those hosting, guiding and caring for guests. This operation is owned and operated by the First Nations and a group of experienced tour operators.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Whitehorse to Upper Labarge Lodge. Guests are greeted by their guide at the airport or their hotel. Depending on weather and other factors, guests may cruise the scenic one-hour trip by riverboat or fly the 15-minute route by float plane to Upper Labarge Lodge.
Day 2: Upper Labarge Lodge. Guests have a full day to explore the Lake Laberge area. Choose from a leisurely walk through the Ta’an village, a more challenging hike and mountain bike ride to the ridges above, a bird scouting jaunt or fishing and kayaking. Second night at the lodge.
Day 3: Upper Labarge Lodge to Homestead Lodge. Guests travel by riverboat (or kayak part of the way) from Upper Labarge Lodge down the “Thirty Mile” section of the Yukon River. A float plane meets the group near Steamboat Island. Guests enjoy a one-hour flight over the Yukon River to Homestead Lodge near Fort Selkirk.
Day 4: Homestead Lodge. After breakfast, guests make the short trip across the river from Homestead Lodge to Fort Selkirk. After exploring this historic site for the day, the group returns to Homestead Lodge for the night.
Day 5: Homestead Lodge to Wilderness Outpost. Guests travel by riverboat from Homestead Lodge to Wilderness Outpost. Opportunities abound for wildlife viewing along this truly wild section of the journey. Guests “rough it” in comfortable tented accommodations.
Day 6: Wilderness Outpost to Dawson City. Guests travel by riverboat from Wilderness Outpost to Dawson City. Our boat trip includes a shore lunch and wildlife viewing opportunities. Upon arrival in Dawson City, guests are welcomed at their accommodation within the historic town site.
Day 7: Dawson City. Together with a guide, guests have the full day to explore the many historical, cultural and natural attractions of Dawson City and the surrounding area. Second night in the Klondike capital.
Day 8: Dawson City Departure. Guests may board Air North’s scheduled flight back to Whitehorse, or travel by plane or riverboat into Alaska to connect with a cruise.
Note: Other options include trips to the High Arctic and the Arctic Ocean. All travel costs from Dawson City are not included in this tour package.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Lodge accommodation and meals
- Transportation via river boat with pilot and local guide
- Air charter(s) as per the itinerary
- Group equipment (canoes, kayaks, fishing gear) and guide services.
Price Excludes:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Fishing license (optional)
- Transfers to and from Whitehorse
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Transportation out of Dawson City
- Trip Cancellation Insurance.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Yukon
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Cultural Journey
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