8 Day Pelly River Canoe Trip Itinerary
Please plan to arrive in Whitehorse at least one day before trip departure.
The Pelly is a relatively wide river with good current. Quite often we can stow away the paddles and stretch our legs. However, there is never really a chance to get bored. Every once in a while, we will encounter sections which require quite a bit of maneuvering as there are 3 rapids that are easily negotiated.
Recall the era of goldrushers, paddlewheelers and settlers. In 1898 the year of the Klondike Gold Rush it seemed that everyone was heading to the Yukon to seek their fortune. Today, abandoned settlements and sunken ship hulls recall the era of goldrushers, paddlewheelers and settlers as they made their way up and down the Teslin, Pelly and Yukon Rivers.
Shorelines and islands are covered in aspen, birch and popular which offer excellent campsites. Muskrat, beaver, fox, wolf, bear, eagle and trumpeter swan along with large populations of migrant waterfowl call these rivers home.
The current in the rivers allows for a relaxed pace, leaving plenty of time to drift, explore and enjoy the experience against the backdrop of the Yukon’s fabulous scenery.
Itinerary: A complete itinerary along with maps, clothing and equipment list, will be issued upon registration.
Included: Transportation from the point of origin and return, camping fees, cooking gear, camp stoves, tents, meal preparations, canoes, canoe carts, paddles, life jackets, canoe dry bags, two night’s hotel in Dawson City, meals/snacks/beverages on the expedition, tarps, major first aid supplies, emergency radio or satellite phone, professional guides and all meals while on the river.
Excluded: Transportation to point of origin, transfers, accommodation and food other than included in the itinerary, gratuities, and personal equipment.
Day 0: Arrival in Whitehorse. We will meet at 7:00 pm at the Yukon Inn to discuss the adventure ahead, distribute life jackets and dry bags, and answer last minute questions. We will leave a message at your selected accommodation with specifics about our meeting. If you need to contact us phone 668-2827 and leave a message.
Day 1 – 8 : We will leave around 7 am for our 4 hour drive to the town of Faro and our put-in. From Faro to Pelly Crossing, the river follows the Tintina Trench, a major geological fault and travel corridor for migratory birds. It offers great variety and abundance of plant and animal life typical of boreal forest. With the Anvil Range to the north and the Glenlyon Range to the south, mountain vistas are spectacular, offering glassing opportunity for Stone sheep. Bears can often be viewed on the open grass slopes. Granite Canyon and Fish Hook Rapids can be challenging for novice paddlers depending upon water levels, but should provide no navigable problems in August.
Day 8/9: We will arrive in Pelly Crossing [where Klondike Hwy crosses Pelly River] late on Day 8 or early on Day 9. We will take the van back to Whitehorse on Day 9.
Please Note: Prices and Itineraries are subject to change with notice on the main web page. Once a booking is in place no price increases will be applied.
Booking and Payment: The booking requires a 30% deposit by Visa or Master Card with the balance due 60 days prior to trip departure.
The trip dates do sell out so please book early to get the trip dates you want.