Paddling through the Yukon

Paddling through the Yukon – For a boatload of reasons, journeys on the Yukon’s rivers are a favourite on any number of  “best of” lists.

The Yukon, home to an unusually high number of Canadian heritage rivers, is a paddler’s paradise offering world class canoeing, kayaking and whitewater rafting on pristine wilderness rivers.

If your paddling list includes a true wilderness river, each of the 70 wild Yukon rivers is unique and offers canoeing adventures which include a diversity of wildlife, landscapes, geology and history.

Here’s a quick look at some of the best:

Yukon River – 1,980 miles and the fifth longest river in North America, the mighty Yukon River flows from Tagish Lake on the BC/Yukon border through Yukon and Alaska to finally drain into the Bering Sea. Rich in cultural history ranging from its first human use by First Nations people centuries ago, to the Klondike gold rush of 1898 – the biggest rush for gold the world has ever seen, Yukon provides modern day adventurers one of the ultimate river trips on the planet. (Class II)

The Tat – Located in the southwestern corner of Yukon where the borders of British Columbia, Alaska and Yukon meet, the Tatshenshini River flows through the St Elias Mountain range with peaks nearly 5000 m high. Flowing through the largest protected area on the planet, this is one of North America’s wildest rivers. (Class III – IV)

The Alsek – Flowing amid the highest mountains in Canada, past the world’s largest and longest mountain glaciers, under the gaze of grizzly bears, the Alsek rises in the mountains of Kluane National Park Reserve – a World Heritage Site.  The Alsek’s remoteness, beauty, and wild rapids are perfect for adventurous river travellers.  (Class IV, plus some V – VI)

The Snake – Located in northeastern Yukon, the Snake River descends 2,500m from the arctic tundra of the Wernerke Mountains to join a vast wilderness watershed that flows north to Mackenzie River and the Beaufort Sea. Also offering outstanding wilderness hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. (Class II – III)

Firth River – The Firth River is a world class whitewater river of exceptional beauty flowing through the heart of Ivvavik National Park, which is located in the far north of Yukon. The river is a remote Class IV wilderness river with cold water, strong eddy lines and 28 miles of canyon. There are numerous Class III and Class IV rapids along the river.

Artisan Travel offers a 10-day “Canoe Adventure on the Yukon River” package. For more information contact 01670 785085, info@artisantravel.co.uk or visit www.artisantravel.co.uk

Wildlife Worldwide offer a 8-day “Canoeing the Yukon River” package to the Yukon. For more information contact 01962 302 086, reservations@wildlifeworldwide.com or visit www.wildlifeworldwide.com