Canoe & Kayak Multi-day Experiences

• Multiple Durations Available
• June to August

Up North Adventures is a Yukon family owned and operated company which has been in business since 1991. They offer prompt, helpful, friendly, personalized service and are designed to fit a wide range of abilities, budgets and timelines. A member of the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon, they follow the current Code of Conduct in the Wilderness, operating under the best environmental practices, ensuring the Yukon stays clean and healthy for future generations of animals and humans.

As well as offering a number of guided canoe and kayak day tours, they operate multi-day tours along a variety of routes. We have provided outlines of each below:

Sam McGees Tour – Yukon River

From Whitehorse to Carmacks
Duration: 10 Days
Distance: 320 km’s
Difficulty: Suitable for all levels
Description: Experience the natural wonders and historical relics of the Klondike Gold Rush. On this 320km trip you will paddle through famous Lake Laberge and the Thirty Mile River. You will get a chance to stop and explore abandoned settlements like Lower Laberge, an old telegraph post, and Hootalinqua, an historic NWMP outpost. On this adventure there will be excellent opportunities to see moose, black bears, bald eagles, beaver and other Yukon wildlife along the banks.
Includes: Certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes and equipment, overland shuttle to and from the river, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on river, airport shuttle pick-up and drop off in Whitehorse, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip, tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.

Call of the Wild – Yukon River

From Carmacks to Dawson
Duration: 12 Days
Distance: 402 km’s
Difficulty: Suitable for all levels
Description: On this famous paddle you will follow the call of the wild and explore one of the most important rivers during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 – the Yukon River. This exciting 415km paddle from Carmacks to Dawson you will get a chance to run the famous 5 Finger Rapids and explore the first Euroamerican settlement on the upper Yukon River at Fort Selkirk. On its stretch to Dawson City the river widens and accommodates for a lot of islands which break up the river width and make for an interesting landscape. These islands make a great habitat for moose and other wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, wolves, caribous, bald eagles and beavers!
Includes: Certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes and equipment, overland shuttle to and from the river, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on river, airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip, 1 night hotel accommodation in Dawson City, 1 day and night in Dawson City, entrance fee to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Show in Dawson City, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip, Tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.

Yukon River Expedition – Yukon River

From Whitehorse to Dawson
Duration: 19 Days
Distance: 742 km’s
Difficulty: Suitable for all levels
Description: Follow the traces of the 1898 Gold Rush on the famous Yukon River and enjoy a unique paddling adventure! On this exciting trip you will be able to explore old dredges, prospector cabins, relics of sternwheelers and other remains of this influential era in the Yukon Territory. This trip is the perfect choice for everyone looking for beautiful scenery, unique experiences and a rich history with lots of amazing sites to stop at along the way. You will depart from downtown Whitehorse for your destination: Dawson City! Spend the afternoon getting to know your boat and practicing your paddling techniques before you get to enjoy your first campfire on the shore and a rich dinner in the evening. You’ll paddle down Lake Laberge which showcases beautiful scenery. Along your way to Carmacks, you will get a chance to explore Hootalinqua, an historic Northwest Mounted Police outpost. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bear, wolves, caribous and moose along the way and make sure you have your cameras ready at all times! Approximately two weeks after your departure from Whitehorse, you arrive in Dawson City. Spend the afternoon strolling through the small town that once was the center of one of the world’s largest gold rushes and enjoy the many historic sites and old buildings. After dinner, head to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall for a night of entertainment in “1898 style” to celebrate the final evening of this incredible trip.
Includes: Fully certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes, paddles and life jackets, overland shuttle to and from the river, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on river, airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse during business hours, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip, 1 night hotel accommodation in Dawson City, 1 day and night in Dawson City, entrance fee to Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Show in Dawson City, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip, tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.

Teslin River

Duration: 10 Days
Distance: 370 km’s
Difficulty: Suitable for all levels
Description: The Teslin River offers a scenic and historic paddle with excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Explore remnants of old cabins, paddle wheelers, and various buildings from the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Having passed the arduous trek over the Chilkoot Trail, stampeders could choose between the Teslin and the Yukon River to find their way to the gold fields in the North. With the challenging Whitehorse Rapids at that time the Teslin River was a welcome and less challenging route to take. You depart by van to Johnson’s Crossing – the start of your trip. Scenic mountain views surround you as you paddle down the river. There is great wildlife viewing opportunities along the way and chances are good that you get to see bears, moose, beavers, foxes and bald eagles. You’ll stop to explore some of the historic sites on our way to Carmacks and finally reach the confluence of the famous Yukon River. The last few days provide the chance to enjoy this majestic river before arriving in the Village of Carmacks at the end of your trip.
Includes: Fully certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes, paddles and life jackets, overland shuttle to and from the river, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on river, airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip. 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip, tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.

Nisutlin River

Duration: 7 Days
Distance: 130 km’s
Difficulty: Beginners
Description: The Nisutlin River is one of the few south flowing rivers in the Yukon River watershed. Nisutlin means “quiet water” in the ancient Tlingit tongue and this slow moving river has plenty of it. Along the banks of the Nisutlin you will find some of the largest trees in the Yukon and lurking amongst them may be wolf or a moose. During August and September watch for grizzly bears as they seek out the salmon that are making their way through the tributaries of this river. Large sandy shores found on many river bends provide excellent camping sites. You’ll depart by van to Nisutlin Landing, and once everyone is set up and ready to go you’ll explore this beautiful river by canoe. Watch for wildlife along the way, an incredible number of moose and waterfowl call this region their home. If you are an angler, take advantage of world class fishing opportunities on this trip. Each night you will relax on shore, listen to the sounds of a crackling campfire and, if our anglers are lucky, feast on their catch of the day. After paddling Nisutlin Bay, you’ll arrive in Teslin Village and the end of this Nisutlin River trip. A shuttle will meet you and return you to Whitehorse.
Includes: Fully certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes, paddles and life jackets, overland shuttle to and from the river, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on the river, airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after the trip, tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.

Big Salmon River

Duration: 15 Days
Distance: 355 km’s
Difficulty: Intermediate – Class II Rapids
Description: The Big Salmon River offers great challenges for intermediate paddlers as you will need to manoeuvre around tight corners and through large standing waves. The current is generally moderate as it twists and turns northwest towards the Yukon River. An exhilarating paddle if you want to experience a truly remote wilderness expedition and pristine vistas. The van departs for Quiet Lake, a scenic four-hour drive, and the start of your adventure. You’ll start with basic canoe instructions and moving water techniques. You’ll paddle across Quiet, Sandy and Big Salmon Lakes en route to the mouth of the Big Salmon River. Beautiful mountain ridges surround you while paddling pristine waters that wind through the home of moose, bear, wolves, eagles and salmon. Leaving the lakes behind, the river twists and turns until it finally reaches the Yukon River. Enjoy this unique and untouched landscape and hopefully spot some wildlife along the way. Finally, you arrive in Carmacks at the end of our Big Salmon River adventure. After the van is loaded you return to Whitehorse.
Includes: Fully certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes, paddles and life jackets, overland shuttle to and from the river, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on river, airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip. 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip, tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.

Pelly River

Duration: 10 Days
Distance: 298 km’s
Difficulty: Intermediate Paddler
Description: Experience the untouched natural splendour, Class II rapids, and wildlife of the Pelly River. Your adventure begins in the town of Faro located in the gorgeous Pelly Mountains and delivers you close to 300kms later in Pelly Crossing. The Pelly River challenges intermediate paddlers as you encounter Class II rapids, including both the Little Fish Hook and Big Fish Hook Rapids, Granite Canyon, and Needlerock Creek. The current is swift and makes for an incredible ride as it winds it’s way west towards the Yukon River. Following the gear check, you depart by van to Faro and the start of your adventure, which is about a five-hour drive past some amazing scenery. Day two introduces you to the wonderful world of white-water with a lesson or review of white-water techniques and safety. Your experienced guide will navigate you safely through these exciting waters. The Pelly River provides excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife such as bears, wolves, and caribou or a chance for anglers to experience world class fishing. Numerous Class I and II rapids make for a thrilling ride set against a backdrop of beautiful mountain landscapes. On your final day you end your adventure in Pelly Crossing and return by van to Whitehorse.
Includes: Fully certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes, paddles and life jackets, overland shuttle to and from the river, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on river, airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip, tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.

Wind River

Duration: 15 Days
Distance: 200 km’s
Difficulty: Intermediate Paddler – Whitewater Class II
Description: As one of the major waterways of the Peel Watershed and one of North America’s most intact natural ecosystems, this region of mountains, deep canyons, plateaus, wetlands and rolling hills will take your breath away! The Wind River offers exciting and friendly class I-II whitewater canoeing for intermediate paddlers. Your guide will ensure that you safely maneuver the whitewater and have an exciting paddle through the rapids. During your trip you will have the opportunity to take a break from paddling to hike the vast and beautiful wilderness of the Wernecke Mountains. These hikes offer spectacular panoramic views of the Wind River and its tributaries. Your guide will stop along the river in areas well-known for viewing wildlife, such as wolves, Dall sheep and woodland caribou. If you are a bird viewing enthusiast, then take time to explore the extensive wetlands. Keep an eye out for the soaring Peregrine falcons and other birds of prey that nest along the high ridges.
Includes: Airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse (during regular business hours), fully certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes, paddles and life jackets, overland shuttle to and from the river, float plane ride to river and pickup after the river trip, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on river, airport shuttle drop-off in Whitehorse, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip, tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.

Snake River

Duration: 15 Days
Distance: 300 km’s
Difficulty: Experienced canoeist – Whitewater Class II-III
Description: The Snake River is located in the heart of the Yukon Territory and one of the famous rivers of the Peel Watershed. It drains from the Wernecke Mountains along the Yukon/NWT border into the alluring Peel River. The Snake River offers some of the most picturesque and pristine hiking and paddling found anywhere in the Yukon. Part of the allure of the Snake River is its accessibility by float plane only and its closeness to the Arctic Circle. Experience the wonders of the Midnight Sun and use the extra daylight hours to explore and hike the surrounding mountains. Your guide will take you on hikes up mountain ridges to reach panoramic viewpoints over the vast Snake River valley and beyond. As you paddle your way down the Snake, keep an eye out for soaring Peregrine falcons. You’ll also be travelling through the habitats of woodland caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears. The Snake is rated class II-III whitewater, requires advanced paddling skills and lots of rock dodging.
Includes: Fully certified, knowledgeable and experienced river guide, rental and transportation of canoes, paddles and life jackets, overland shuttle to and from the float plane base, float plane rides to river and pickup after the river trip, safety equipment including satellite phone, all meals while on river, airport shuttle pick-up in Whitehorse, 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse prior to trip. 1 night hotel accommodation in Whitehorse after trip, tents, cooking and shared camping equipment.