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Unreal,
fantastic, overwhelming: those
are the expressions we hear when someone sees
those autumn colors throughout the Yukon
Territory. From the snow capped mountains
in a blue sky, to the fire red bear berries on
the alpine slopes, to the golden leafs
of the poplar trees, you will will find all stages
of colors in one single picture.
Sitting at the campfire on a crisp
morning, you will see the mist slowly rising
above the water, making way for another fine
day with blue sky. Geese and Swans migrate
south and we watch out for their formations
when we hear them honking. Bull Moose
are starting to wander around in search for a
cow. Eagles are on the lookout for
stranded Salmon from the last run. At
least, the tracks of Bears and Wolves
along the shore are indicators that we are
visiting their habitat.
The call of an Owl in the evening or
the howling of Wolves and Coyotes mix with the
crackling of the campfire. This
unique experience means wilderness
in its true sense. And we are right in
the middle of it.
For 5
days we hike through the heart of Kluane
national Park.
Besides, having
the highest concentration of Grizzly
Bears, Kluane is the home of Dall Sheep,
Mountain Goat Moose, Black Bear and Eagles.
Opportunities for wildlife viewings are very
likely. Within this untouched wilderness area,
which is 75% covered by glaciers, rises Mount
Logan - Canada's highest peak which is almost
6000 meters high. Here we have the largest non
polar icefield in the world
Along Kathleen Lake, surrounded by the steep
slopes of the Auriol Range, we follow a
historic trading trail . The cottonwood
meadows are filled with yellow and golden
poplars, while further up the slopes the lower
vegetation turns into orange and red. We have
to cross some mountain creeks before we reach
Cottonwood Pass. Now we are in the alpine,
with far reaching views in both directions.
Here it is easy to spot animals like
Bears and Dall Sheep. For 2 days we will be above
tree line with unobstructed views. In the
distance we see the stretched out expanse of Mush
Lake, before we descend Dalton Pass
into the Alder Creek valley. A few more creek
crossings cool off our steaming socks.
We
start with the canoe trip on Quiet Lake. The following two
smaller Lakes
give ample time to get acquainted with
the new element. For the next 11 days we
follow the path of the Big Salmon River.
Every day we move on, to set up camp at different
locations. Over time we get used to the narrow
river, tight bends and sometimes quick maneuvers.
Sweepers and faster water alternates with more
sedate sections . Seasoned paddlers and
ambitious beginners alike will be inspired by
this untouched wilderness river.
As we float downstream
we will be on the watch out for moose and eagles.
Beaver lodges are a
common sight, and if we are lucky we‘ll
see the
beaver himself
The beginning of
September changes the color of the vegetation
to a carpet of red and gold - Indian Summer
we call it.
The last three
days we float down the mighty Yukon River
and get a glimpse of the gold rush days.
In total we paddle about 350 km through
pristine wilderness until we finish our
trip at the native village of Carmacks
Besides the
proper technique of canoeing,
your guide will be able to tell you lots about
wildlife, plants and traditional lifestyle
in the wilderness.
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Date
August 31 - September 21 2010
Canoe trip can be
booked separately
For details scroll down
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Price
Can.
$ 3.550 + 5 % GST
out of Whitehorse |
No.
of Participants
3 - 7 |
Included
in Price
2 nights in a middle class hotel in Whitehorse (double
occupancy),1 night in rustic log cabin, all other
nights in 2 person tents ( single room and tent Can. $ 350.- extra),
all required shuttles and transfers,
introduction course in canoeing on swift moving
water, canoes, paddles, lifejackets, complete cooking and camp
gear, all meals during the canoe - and backpacking trip, all activities according to
itinerary, experienced licensed
guide, satellite phone on the canoe trip for your
safety
personal luggage, not
used on the trip, can be stored at our place ( Yukon
Wild)
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Extra
cost
Transportation
to and from Whitehorse, meals while staying in the hotel, alcoholic beverages,
optional activities, tips |
Requirements
to participate
The canoe trip is suited for a physically
fit, ambitious beginners or more experienced paddlers
alike. You learn the skills to navigate easy
class 2 rapids and avoid sweepers and obstructions,
but you have to put it to work yourself.
You should be able to paddle ( not float) 4 - 5
hours a day comfortably.
For the backpacking
trip you should be in good physical condition for
the 80 km long hike, mostly on a rough trail. Creek
crossings are necessary, and you have to carry your
backpack with appr. 15 - 20 kg. Elevation gain up to
800 m. Previous backpacking experience required. |
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Reservations
More
Pictures from this trip
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| Itinerary
| Day
1 |
Arrival
in Whitehorse, pick up at the airport, transfer
to your hotel. Time for discovering Whitehorse, last minute shopping before the trip.
In the evening introduction to the other participants. |
| Day
2 |
After breakfast
we drive 150 km to Kluane National Park, the
destination of our backpacking trip. From the
distance the Front Range of the Saint Elias Mountains
dominates the view with snow capped mountains and the colorful
vegetation below. A brief stop at the visitor center in
Haines Junction gives us an overview about the whole
park. Close to Kathleen Lake, the start of the hike,
we set up camp for the night. An evening walk along
the lakeshore will open up the spirits for the
following days. |
| Day
3 - 7 |
Backpacking
Trip on the Cottonwood Trail through the heart of
Kluane National Park. We cross two mountain passes,
and wander through alpine meadows. There are several
knee deep creeks to cross. Mountains, lakes and creeks are
just the framework for one of the most colorful
pictures I have ever seen - the colors of an Indian
Summer in the north.
At the end of day 7 we reach the end of the trail. We
spend the evening at the log cabin of Yukon Wild close by.
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| Day
8 |
In the
morning we drive back to Whitehorse. The afternoon is
for your disposition and to organize for the following canoe
trip.
There is time left for a visit of the Mc Bride Museum,
or the Sternwheeler Klondike II at the Yukon River.
Treasures of the young Yukon history |
| Day
9 |
From
Whitehorse we drive for 250 km with our van to Quiet
Lake, the start of the canoe trip. After a short
briefing and the first instructions about canoeing we
are on our way. It's been a long day, by the time we reach
our first
wilderness camp |
| Day
10 - 18 |
Surrounded by
the rugged mountains of the Big Salmon Range the small lake
system makes us feel at home in the wilderness right away. On
small connecting streams we paddle from one lake to the
next. At night a loon might cry across the water surface.
Starting as a small creek, the Big Salmon
River has clear water and some tight bends with driftwood
obstructions. The river widens and small tributaries with
gravel bars invite for frequent stops. After each bend, the
scenery seems to change. Slower sections are great to enjoy
the vistas, while the odd log pile gets us back into action.
Fishing and foto stops break up the day. Setting up camp at
a new location every evening becomes a daily routine. On the
campfire your guide will create a delicious meal.
We have one optional rest day for a short hike, relaxing in
camp, or building a sweat lodge in a traditional way. By
now, the Big Salmon meanders through more open poplar
country. Swift choppy water on the last day on the Salmon
River makes for some excitement.
Way too fast, it seems, after 250 km we reach the Yukon
River.
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| Day
19 - 21 |
From
here on, we float down the River, with occasional stops.
Relicts from the times of the gold rush are always
interesting to explore. Fallen in log cabins, gold dredges
and other mining equipment are all that remain of those heydays, more than 100 years ago. A native cemetery at
Little Salmon is a last stop, before we reach the Village of
Carmacks, where we end the trip.
Here we get picked up by our van, and drive back along the
Klondike Highway to Whitehorse. From here we continue to the
second stage of the journey, Kluane National Park.
Clients just taking part on the canoe trip, will stay in
Whitehorse at the hotel. |
| Day
22 |
Transfer
to the Airport |
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The canoe trip on the Big Salmon River can also be booked separately
Dates
and
Rates |
August 31
- September 14
2010
Can. $ 2.300.- + 5 % GST out of
Whitehorse |
| Included
in Price |
2 nights in a middle class hotel in Whitehorse (double
occupancy), all required shuttles and transfers from
Whitehorse,
introduction course in canoeing on swift moving
water, canoes, paddles, lifejackets, complete cooking and camp
gear, all meals during the canoe trip and the auxiliary
program in Kluane,12 nights in 2 person tents
( single room and tent Can. $ 350.- extra), experienced licensed
guide, satellite phone on the canoe trip for your
safety.
personal luggage, not
used on the trip, can be stored at our place ( Yukon
Wild) |
|
Extra Cost |
Transportation
to and from Whitehorse, meals while staying in the hotel, alcoholic
beverages, fishing license. |
Reservations
Indian
Summer Yukon
Equipment
List :
personal Gear you should bring
along :
-
Sleeping bag, suitable for
light frost, down or synthetic
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Sleeping pad, preferred Therm A
Rest.
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Large Backpack 60 - 80 Liters
with Raincover
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Waterproof bag ( Seabag) for
your personal gear during canoe trip, min. 70 Liters
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Daypack or small waterproof bag
for the canoe trip
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Daypack for the hiking trip
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Water bottle
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Sewing kit
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Sunglasses
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Hat
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Pocket knife
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Mosquito
repellant ( at best, bought in Whitehorse)
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Whistle
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Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Soap (
biodegradable), Kleenex, Toilet paper ( 1 Roll), Towel,
Sunscreen, Personal Medication
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broken in hiking boots
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Rain pants
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Rain jacket - best bet : Gore
Tex ( Poncho is not suitable for canoeing)
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Windbreaker
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Rubber Boots for the canoe trip
( can be rented from us)
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Shoes for creek crossings
personal gear you might bring
along:
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Foto - think about waterproof
storage ( best bet : Pelican Case)
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Binoculars
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Underwear
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3 pair of socks
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2 long pants, fast drying
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1Longjohn
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2 T- Shirts
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1 long sleeve T- Shirt
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1 Long sleeve shirt, light one
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Fleece Jacket, or sweater
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light gloves for paddling
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warm hat and gloves
This list contains the basic equipment
required to complete the trip comfortably. According to
your personal preference, you can certainly substitute items, or
add
necessary things. But - please try to keep the amount of gear
as small as possible. The tendency to bring too much is very
common.
Please consider that your complete
outfit should fit into the waterproof bag for the canoe trip.
Indian Summer
Yukon
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