McQuesten River Canoe Adventure

The McQuesten River is perfect for nature enthusiasts, canoeists, photographers and all looking for a true wilderness adventure. The canoe tour does not require previous canoe or wilderness experience. Travel in slow pace into the remote areas of central Yukon and enjoy introduction to this unspoiled wilderness away from civilization where there are no roads.

The McQuesten river is known for excellent fishing and wildlife viewing including moose, bears, fox and wolves. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and learn how trappers and traders lived in the old days. The river is generally easy with no rapids but we have to watch for sweepers and fallen trees. Paddling skills will be taught by the guide before and during the tour.

McQuesten River Canoe Trip - Itinerary

Whitehorse
We greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Spend the remaining day to visit the sights of downtown Whitehorse.

Whitehorse to McQuesten River
After breakfast we'll drive via Carmacks, Stewart Crossing and Mayo to the McQuesten River (460 km, 285 miles). After a introduction from the group leader we load our canoes and start our wilderness adventure at this small and rare travelled river. After a short paddle we'll select a good spot for our first camp on the shore of the McQuesten River.

Canoeing the McQuesten
The McQuesten is a narrow wilderness river in the vast central Yukon. For a long time the river stays very narrow – sometimes even less then 10 metres. Tight bends will have to get negotiated; sweepers and shallows want to be avoided. Staying concentrated and alert is mandatory on the McQuesten. Portages – and the rapids which sometimes make them necessary – are not present on this river. We have ample time to fish and hopefully we'll complement our larder with fresh Northern Pike, Arctic Grayling or even a Lake Trout. The many twists and turns of the river offer us many vistas. We have to be on the lookout for floating trees and other obstacles in the water. In summer bears come to the McQuesten River to fish the salmon migrating upriver to the spawning grounds. Chances of seeing fishing bears are excellent. With some luck, we may also observe other wildlife such as moose and beaver. Most certainly we'll see a wide variety of birds, such as golden and bald eagle, mergansers, geese, loons and many varieties of ducks. We'll cover about 130 km / 80 miles on the McQuesten River and we'll have plenty of time to enjoy our camp life and take short hikes on the hills flanking the river to appreciate the many natural wonders. They offer beautiful views and opportunities to study the local flora and fauna.

Klondike Highway to Dawson City
Today we'll arrive at the bridge on the Klondike Highway. This marks the end of our canoe experience and we'll load everything into the waiting van for our drive to Dawson City (140 km / 90 miles). On arrival we'll drop off our stuff at the funky Bunkhouse Motel and spend some time visiting the town. In the evening we'll try our luck at the gambling hall of Diamond Tooth Gerties.

Dawson City to Whitehorse
After breakfast we'll visit the impressive Dredge #4 and then pan for gold at an active mining claim. You may keep all the gold you find! We then return to Whitehorse (540km, 340 miles) by van. We'll arrive in Whitehorse in late afternoon where you'll spend the last night at the Hotel. A hot shower and comfortable beds will be most welcome.

Departure
Today we'll bring you to the airport for your flight home, or you'll take off on your own for the next adventure.