Voyageur's Northwest Routh

Back to Yukon

The Voyageurs Northwest Route, Pelly River- Guided
9 nights
From £1598 per person based on twin share
From £1865 per person based on single occupancy


Price includes: Shuttle service to and from your hotel in Whitehorse, 1 night in Whitehorse on arrival and one night prior to departure on room only, canoes and camping equipment, transfers to and from the canoeing input, all overland transportation, all meals on the canoe trip, historic tour through Dawson City, expert guidance on the entire trip.

2024 Departures: 16-25 June, 30 June - 9 July & 14-23 July

This guided canoe journey will take you back to the uncharted Northwest of the 1840’s where the fur-trade was driven to reach the outer-most corners of Canada. One of the most famous pioneers of that time, Robert Campbell, was the first to explore the Pelly River. He and his voyageurs travelled the Pelly River in search of new outposts to trade with local natives. a half-century before the Klondike Gold Rush would change the face of the Yukon it was the pioneer spirit of Hudson Bay and Northwest Company explorers like Robert Campbell who first connected the North to the rest of the world.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced river paddler, you will truly enjoy this 10 day canoe-camping adventure which leads along the breathtaking tintina trench into the heart of the Yukon Plateau. the trench is a major pathway for migratory birds and many species can be seen later in the summer along with other wildlife such as dall and fanin sheep, muskrat, beaver, fox, wolf, bear, eagle and trumpeter swan can be easily spotted along the riverside. The Pelly is a relatively wide river with good current, quite often we can stow away the paddles, raft up and relax for a while. Every so often we will encounter sections of the river which require a bit of manoeuvring on three easily negotiable rapids (class I-III).

Physical Demands - A background in camping and paddling is an asset but not necessary. These programmes are open to expert and novice paddlers alike.

Day 1 - Arrival in Whitehorse
This evening meet your fellow group members and you’ll have the opportunity to discover the famous capital of the Yukon. Your stops should include the SS Klondike, one of the last Yukon sternwheelers still in existence, and a national historic site; and a visit to the McBride Museum. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2 - Whitehorse to Faro
In the morning we will drive from Whitehorse to Faro where we put-in on the Pelly River with our canoes. We’ll paddle a short distance and setup camp at the foot of the magnificent Rose Mountain.

Day 3 - Paddling the Pelly River
Today we’ll navigate through Little Fishhook Rapid, a real joy, even for beginners!

Day 4 - Paddling the Pelly River
Our journey begins with a trip through Big Fishhook Canyon. As we paddle along, you’ll begin to feel as though you’re travelling back in time to the days of Robert Campbell and his Hudson Bay voyageurs.

Day 5 - Paddling the Pelly River
Our paddle today brings us to Mount Hodder; the predominant geographical feature of the region.

Day 6 - Paddling the Pelly River
We will be on the river a bit longer today until we pass “Safety Pin Bend”.

Day 7 - Paddling the Pelly River
Another scenic campsite awaits us at the confluence of the Pelly and South MacMillan Rivers.

Day 8 - Paddling the Pelly River
For most of the day you will enjoy views of the unique rock formations along Granite Canyon. We’ll choose the route depending on the group’s skills and liking.

Day 9 - Return to Whitehorse
Arrival in Pelly Crossing, where the Klondike Hwy crosses the Pelly River. Transfer back to Whitehorse. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 10 - Departure Whitehorse
On the last day of the program, you will be transferred to the airport or to a connecting program. (End of tour services) (This is an expeditionary trip, and changes to the itinerary may be necessary due to weather or other conditions. Any changes are left to the discretion of the guide.)
Share by: