
Canada
Yukon River - Canoe from Lake Laberge to Carmacks
Yukon River - Canoe from Lake Laberge to Carmacks
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Whitehorse
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Camping and Hotel
Overview
The first part of the classic Yukon tour runs from Whitehorse via Lake Laberge to Carmacks. In a small group with an experienced guide you camp on gravel bars and old logging sites and explore the ghost towns of Hootalinqua and Big Salmon.
This is our most popular tour – and for good reason! The first part of the classic Yukon River tour covers 320 km of this legendary river. It begins near Whitehorse and ends in the small town of Carmacks. You'll share our well-equipped camps with a small group of fellow travelers and an experienced guide. We camp on gravel bars and former logging camps that have reverted to the wilderness known to the first gold prospectors. You'll also explore the ghost towns of Hootalinqua and Big Salmon Village. Tent equipment, paddling gear, and meals on the river are included. No prior experience paddling open canoes is necessary.
Tour Code
Tour language

German, EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Whitehorse
Hotel
Individual arrival in Whitehorse and first meeting of the group. In a relaxed atmosphere, we get to know each other and prepare for the upcoming adventure. There is plenty of time to make any last-minute purchases for the canoe trip. We spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Whitehorse before the adventure begins the next day.
Arrival in Whitehorse
Day 1
Hotel
Individual arrival in Whitehorse and first meeting of the group. In a relaxed atmosphere, we get to know each other and prepare for the upcoming adventure. There is plenty of time to make any last-minute purchases for the canoe trip. We spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Whitehorse before the adventure begins the next day.
Days 2–6
Yukon canoe trip
Camping
Our journey begins at the Takhini Bridge on the outskirts of Whitehorse. On the first day of paddling, we reach Lake Laberge, whose shores offer excellent fishing opportunities. Over the next two days, we paddle along the rocky eastern shore and camp near picturesque headlands. The river picks up speed again as we navigate the narrow banks and clear waters of the "Thirty Mile" section – a designated Canadian Heritage River area. This section takes us to the former trading post of Hootalinqua at the confluence with the Teslin River. Here you'll have the perfect opportunity to fish for grayling. We continue paddling past the mouths of the Big Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers, along imposing cliffs, bright fire willows and endless forests of black spruce until we reach the town of Carmacks.
Yukon canoe trip
Days 2–6
Camping
Our journey begins at the Takhini Bridge on the outskirts of Whitehorse. On the first day of paddling, we reach Lake Laberge, whose shores offer excellent fishing opportunities. Over the next two days, we paddle along the rocky eastern shore and camp near picturesque headlands. The river picks up speed again as we navigate the narrow banks and clear waters of the "Thirty Mile" section – a designated Canadian Heritage River area. This section takes us to the former trading post of Hootalinqua at the confluence with the Teslin River. Here you'll have the perfect opportunity to fish for grayling. We continue paddling past the mouths of the Big Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers, along imposing cliffs, bright fire willows and endless forests of black spruce until we reach the town of Carmacks.
Day 7
Carmacks
Camping
After more than a week on the river, we reach Carmacks, a small but important hub along the Yukon River. Here you'll find most modern amenities – a welcome change after days in the wilderness. We're staying at the Coal Mine Campground, which is idyllically situated on the edge of town. After many days in nature, you can enjoy the comfort of hot water here – a refreshing shower or the opportunity to do your laundry. The campground is well-equipped, so you can really relax before heading home. In the evening, we'll gather one last time as a group for a farewell dinner and reminisce about our experiences. It's the perfect opportunity to share memories, exchange stories, and relive the highlights of the tour.
Carmacks
Day 7
Camping
After more than a week on the river, we reach Carmacks, a small but important hub along the Yukon River. Here you'll find most modern amenities – a welcome change after days in the wilderness. We're staying at the Coal Mine Campground, which is idyllically situated on the edge of town. After many days in nature, you can enjoy the comfort of hot water here – a refreshing shower or the opportunity to do your laundry. The campground is well-equipped, so you can really relax before heading home. In the evening, we'll gather one last time as a group for a farewell dinner and reminisce about our experiences. It's the perfect opportunity to share memories, exchange stories, and relive the highlights of the tour.
Day 8
Carmacks – Whitehorse
In the morning, we begin our return journey to Whitehorse by road – a drive of just under three hours through the breathtaking landscape of the Yukon Territory. During the drive, you can take one last opportunity to enjoy the vastness and wilderness of the region. Once you arrive in Whitehorse, we will arrange your transfer – either to your hotel, to the airport, or directly to your next tour if your adventure continues.
Carmacks – Whitehorse
Day 8
In the morning, we begin our return journey to Whitehorse by road – a drive of just under three hours through the breathtaking landscape of the Yukon Territory. During the drive, you can take one last opportunity to enjoy the vastness and wilderness of the region. Once you arrive in Whitehorse, we will arrange your transfer – either to your hotel, to the airport, or directly to your next tour if your adventure continues.
Services
What's included
2-person tent (6 nights)
1 hotel night in a double room in Whitehorse
All meals during the canoe trip
Airport transfers in Whitehorse
Local German/English speaking guide
Canoes and camping equipment
All necessary transport
Maximum 12 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA/ESTA for entry)
Tips
Meals at the hotel
Fishing licence
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This tour is suitable for both experienced paddlers and beginners. Prior camping and paddling experience is beneficial, but not essential. This trip requires a sense of adventure and a willingness to forgo familiar comforts. A certain level of physical fitness and mobility is required, as is the ability to enjoy the experience even in less than ideal conditions such as wind and rain. As this is an expedition-style trip, short-notice changes to the itinerary are possible and are at the discretion of the guide. An active group trip can be an enriching experience, but it also requires adaptability and a willingness to compromise. The abilities of the other participants may differ from yours. You may need to step outside your comfort zone or adjust your expectations so that the group can enjoy the trip together. Often, you will share unforgettable moments with like-minded people and forge new friendships.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single room/tent supplement
€200.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.
Minimum age
The minimum age for this trip is 12 years. Young people aged 12 to 17 receive a 35% discount on the regular trip price.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Accommodation and partner
Our partner on site
local German/English-speaking guide
