Trip Details:
- Dates: July 18 - 26, 2010 (custom dates available)
- Length: 12 days ( can easily be extended to 15... great hiking!)
- Group Size: max: 10 clients with 2 guides (normal size is 4-5 clients with 1 guide)
- Price:
* $4695 + 5% GST (double occupancy)
* $4745 + 5% GST (single occupancy)
- Skill Level: Advanced (significant previous river travel experience required)
- Fishing Opportunities: Excellent: (northern pike, arctic grayling, dolly varden)
The Snake River is a classic northern canoeing expedition filled with solitude, whitewater, mountains, wildlife and adventure. From the moment the float plane takes off till the moment it picks you up two weeks later, this river will not disappoint. It is the perfect choice for a canoeist with intermediate whitewater skills who wants to take their love of canoeing beyond the ordinary into the realm of remote and spectacular.
Please Note: Often our guests choose to come to the Yukon several days early, or to depart several days after their wilderness vacation. Therefore we don't include accommodation in Whitehorse in order to provide flexibility for our guests. If you prefer, we can easily arrange your hotel accommodations in Whitehorse and add these details to your itinerary.
Note: All meals included in this itinerary are listed as: (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 0: Whitehorse, Yukon
Hopefully you enjoyed your travels and have arrived safely in Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital city, nestled among the wilderness. Please arrive in Whitehorse in time for an orientation meeting at 8:30 pm the night before our departure. Guests are responsible for accommodation and meals while in Whitehorse. Whitehorse is a splendid little city and we recommend booking some additional time at either the beginning or the end of your trip to see Whitehorse. If you wish to fish on your trip but, have not had a chance to purchase a Yukon fishing license, you should do so this evening. Your guides will let you know where they can be purchased.
Day 1: Float Plane Flight
Our staff will pick you up from your hotels starting at 7:00 am. Participants need to have finished their breakfast (not included) by this time. Any final details will be dealt with and we will depart by 8:00 am for a scenic 5-hour drive north and then east to the town of Mayo. Here we will load our canoes, gear and participants into an otter aircraft. Once in the air, we will fly 217 km (135 miles) over remote and rugged Yukon wilderness landing at Duo Lakes. The scenic flight is just a taste of the beauty that will unfold over the next two weeks. We will camp that evening on the shores of Duo Lake. Includes: (L, D).
Day 2: Upper Canyons
We will start the morning with a short 500m portage out of Duo Lake and into the headwaters of the Snake. When we join the Snake River we are close to its headwaters and therefore water flow is modest and the river is very braided. Our travel will likely commence with some lining, dragging and walking along side our canoes. Don’t worry the river picks up quickly and soon we are afloat.
The internal pace of our trip slows now as we relax from the hustle of travel and begin to embrace “Yukon time” here in the land of the midnight sun: where watches are optional and worries are few. We may be starting to relax on the inside, but the river’s upper canyons are starting to kick up their heels with tight corners and swift current. We will camp in the Reptile Creek area for the next two nights. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 3: Lay-Over Day - Alpine Hiking
The area around Reptile Creek is a hiker’s paradise with numerous ridges to ascend. From these raised vantage points the views are spectacular, with vistas of red-hued peaks in the surrounding ranges. After our curiosity is satisfied we will return to our camp for another night. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 4: Bonnet Plume Mountains
When we push off from the river bank today we will experience numerous small canyons and vistas of the Bonnet Plume Range. The river will treat us to large sections of class II water and the surrounding hills will perhaps yield us a Dall sheep sighting. If we still have energy when we get to camp a short hike will give us chances to view the stunning glaciers of the Mount MacDonald area. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 5: Whitewater Canoeing. Another day of spectacular canoeing with class II rapids and canyons. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 6: More Whitewater. The Snake doesn’t disappoint as today we cut through the mountain range into another valley with lots of twists and turns! Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 7: Middle Canyon. Middle Canyon of the Snake is a short canyon of class II water except in some water levels. It can be portaged around if necessary. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 8: Alpine Hiking. Once again the surrounding terrain beckons to be explored. We will head into the hills for an exciting day-hike, or if you prefer you might rest in camp and gain your energy for the lower canyons. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 9: The “Splits”. The mountains, which have been our backdrop thus far, fade into the distance today and in their place we enter the wilderness challenge of the “Splits” and the lower canyons. The river remains fast and picking our route through the braided Snake River “Splits” will keep us alert, and the canyons will provide excitement and beauty as well. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 10: Cut Cliffs. The Snake finally comes together again and route finding becomes easier once again. The river takes on a different feel and slows a little. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 11: Confluence with the Peel River
Today we learn why the Snake River got its name as we paddle the numerous large bends before entering the swifter-flowing Peel River. The Peel has already swallowed the waters of the Blackstone, the Heart, the Wind, the Bonnet Plume and now the Snake River. Its powerful currents have cut large clay cliff banks on the outside of corners and large center islands with gravel bars abound. We will camp that night at a place called the Taco Bar on the Peel River and prepare for our shuttle flight the next morning. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 12: Scenic Flight
This morning we will hear the hum of the engine as the otter aircraft circles and then lands on the river: both happy to be heading towards a hot shower, and sad to be finishing an amazing river trip. We will be shuttled back to the town of Mayo by aircraft, giving us one final glimpse of the beauty below, and then drive the Klondike Highway south to Whitehorse. Depending on our appetite and our timing we will either stop for dinner along the way or continue on to Whitehorse. Dinner and your hotel room on this day are not included. Often the group enjoys going out to dinner together one last time in Whitehorse. Includes: (B, L).
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Custom pricing available for group of 5 or more clients who book together.
Price Includes:
- Transportation from Whitehorse to the Mayo float-plane base on Day 1
- Transportation to Whitehorse from the Mayo float-plane base on Day 12
- Scenic float-plane charter on Day 1 and Day 12
- Meals starting lunch Day 1, ending lunch Day 12
- Eating utensils, bowls, and mug, and group kitchen equipment
- Tents, canoes, paddles, personal flotation device
- Services of a our guide
- All necessary safety equipment.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Yukon
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Wildlife Viewing
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