Canada
Canada - Hiking and Canoeing Expedition Bonnet Plume River
Canada - Hiking and Canoeing Expedition Bonnet Plume River
Duration
20 days
Start/End
Whitehorse
Tour type
Group
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Hotel, tent (wilderness camping)
Overview
The Bonnet Plume is considered one of North America’s last true white-water challenges. From Bonnet Plume Lake you paddle through canyons, rock gardens and rapids along the Mackenzie Mountains to the Peel Canyon, with summit hikes in between. Only with solid white-water skills.
The Bonnet Plume River is considered one of the last true whitewater challenges in North America. Designated a Canadian Heritage River, it winds its way along the Mackenzie Mountains through the vast Peel Watershed – a subarctic landscape that few people ever see. You'll reach Bonnet Plume Lake by floatplane, from where canyons, rock gardens, and numerous rapids await you. Between exhilarating whitewater days, there's time for hikes to surrounding peaks and for calmer stretches where you can observe caribou, moose, bears, or wolves. After Peel Canyon, the floatplane will pick you up at the "Taco Bar". To round off the day, you'll relax in the hot springs of Takhini – a well-deserved end to 20 days in the wilderness.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Whitehorse
Hotel
Arrival in Whitehorse and introduction to the group and guide. Time to explore the city on your own – perhaps visiting the paddle steamer SS Klondike or the MacBride Museum.
Arrival in Whitehorse
Day 1
Hotel
Arrival in Whitehorse and introduction to the group and guide. Time to explore the city on your own – perhaps visiting the paddle steamer SS Klondike or the MacBride Museum.
Day 2
Training on the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers
Hotel
We familiarize ourselves with equipment, water, and paddling partners. We spend the day in the Kluane National Park area on the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers, where conditions are similar to those on the Bonnet Plume. Return to Whitehorse.
Training on the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers
Day 2
Hotel
We familiarize ourselves with equipment, water, and paddling partners. We spend the day in the Kluane National Park area on the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers, where conditions are similar to those on the Bonnet Plume. Return to Whitehorse.
Day 3
Whitehorse – Mayo – Bonnet Plume Lake
Tent
Early in the morning we drive to Mayo, from where a seaplane takes us to Bonnet Plume Lake – the starting point of our adventure.
Whitehorse – Mayo – Bonnet Plume Lake
Day 3
Tent
Early in the morning we drive to Mayo, from where a seaplane takes us to Bonnet Plume Lake – the starting point of our adventure.
Day 4
Hike at Bonnet Plume Lake
Tent
On a hike, we explore the impressive mountain scenery around the lake.
Hike at Bonnet Plume Lake
Day 4
Tent
On a hike, we explore the impressive mountain scenery around the lake.
Days 5–9
Whitewater rafting on the Bonnet Plume River
Tent
WW 2–3
Soon after setting off, we encounter the first Class 2-3 rapids in Rockslide Canyon. We paddle some sections directly, while others we scout first; in the Rock Gardens, we have to avoid large boulders. A calmer day provides a chance to recover before another canyon follows, featuring challenging maneuvers and larger waves.
Whitewater rafting on the Bonnet Plume River
Days 5–9
Tent
WW 2–3
Soon after setting off, we encounter the first Class 2-3 rapids in Rockslide Canyon. We paddle some sections directly, while others we scout first; in the Rock Gardens, we have to avoid large boulders. A calmer day provides a chance to recover before another canyon follows, featuring challenging maneuvers and larger waves.
Day 10
Paddling break and summit hike
Tent
approx. 6 hours
Today the canoes will stay on land. We'll reminisce about the first few days and hike up one of the surrounding peaks.
Paddling break and summit hike
Day 10
Tent
approx. 6 hours
Today the canoes will stay on land. We'll reminisce about the first few days and hike up one of the surrounding peaks.
Days 11–13
Through wide valleys to Fairchild Creek
Tent
On calmer waters, there's plenty of time for wildlife viewing and scenery, and perhaps even another hike. We paddle through a particularly beautiful stretch to Fairchild Creek and hike to Fairchild Lake, where we discover a secluded hunting camp.
Through wide valleys to Fairchild Creek
Days 11–13
Tent
On calmer waters, there's plenty of time for wildlife viewing and scenery, and perhaps even another hike. We paddle through a particularly beautiful stretch to Fairchild Creek and hike to Fairchild Lake, where we discover a secluded hunting camp.
Days 14–17
To the Peel River and through the Peel Canyon
Tent
The whitewater is behind us, but the strong current continues to challenge us on our way to the Peel River Basin. The Bonnet Plume flows into the Peel River, and we paddle through Peel Canyon, tackling a final Class 2 section. Finally, the scenery enchants us as we make our way to the last camp.
To the Peel River and through the Peel Canyon
Days 14–17
Tent
The whitewater is behind us, but the strong current continues to challenge us on our way to the Peel River Basin. The Bonnet Plume flows into the Peel River, and we paddle through Peel Canyon, tackling a final Class 2 section. Finally, the scenery enchants us as we make our way to the last camp.
Day 18
Taco Bar – Mayo – Whitehorse
Hotel
The seaplane picks us up at the "Taco Bar" and flies us to Mayo, offering one last glimpse of the vast Yukon. We then return to Whitehorse by van.
Taco Bar – Mayo – Whitehorse
Day 18
Hotel
The seaplane picks us up at the "Taco Bar" and flies us to Mayo, offering one last glimpse of the vast Yukon. We then return to Whitehorse by van.
Day 19
Whitehorse and Takhini Hot Springs
Hotel
The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perhaps with a stroll along Main Street. In the afternoon, we'll relax together in the open-air hot springs of Takhini.
Whitehorse and Takhini Hot Springs
Day 19
Hotel
The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perhaps with a stroll along Main Street. In the afternoon, we'll relax together in the open-air hot springs of Takhini.
Day 20
Departure from Whitehorse
Transfer to the airport or start of a connecting program.
Departure from Whitehorse
Day 20
Transfer to the airport or start of a connecting program.
Services
What's included
4 hotel nights in a double room in Whitehorse
15 nights in a tent (2-person tents)
All meals during the canoe trip
Airport transfers in Whitehorse
Experienced guide throughout the entire trip
Floatplane Mayo – Bonnet Plume Lake
Seaplane Taco Bar – Mayo
All necessary transport
Canoes and camping equipment
5 – 10 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 in the hotels
Fishing licence
Personal extras
Character of the trip
Fitness
Very demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
Not for beginners: This expedition requires advanced canoeing skills and solid whitewater experience. You must be able to handle your canoe in almost all conditions and feel confident in Class 2-3 rapids; more difficult sections (Class 4-5) will be scouted and portaged if necessary.
For approximately two weeks, you'll paddle for several hours each day, sometimes encountering large waves and strong currents. This is supplemented by day hikes in the mountains, such as a roughly six-hour summit tour, as well as portages with luggage and canoes.
The camping trip lasts 15 nights in complete subarctic isolation, with changeable and sometimes cold weather. Stamina, resilience, and a strong team spirit are essential.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single room/single tent supplement
€445.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Requirements
For experienced paddlers only: advanced canoeing skills and whitewater experience are essential. Frequent Class 2-3 rapids, occasional Class 4-5 (these will be scouted or portaged).
Notice
This is an expedition-style trip – short-term changes to the itinerary are therefore possible and at the discretion of the guide, for example in the event of changes in weather or water levels.
Weather
In the subarctic north, the weather can change rapidly even in summer – rain and cool temperatures are to be expected.
Group size
5-10 participants per session.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.