13-day guided canoe expedition on the Yukon River

Itinerary “The Classic – Carmacks – Dawson City”

Dates :
June 7 – 19, 2026
June 28 – July 10, 2026
July 19 – 31, 2026
August 9 – 21, 2026
August 30 – September 11, 2026

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN WHITEHORSE

Welcome to the Yukon! A representative from Ruby Range will meet you at your arrival at the airport and drive you for about two hours on the Klondike Highway to Carmacks. Once there, you will meet your guide and the rest of your group, some of whom will have already paddled the first part of the river from Whitehorse. We will go over the itinerary, safety instructions, and each person’s responsibilities for the next thirteen days. (Night camping in Carmacks)

DAYS 2 TO 10 : YUKON RIVER

Our camping grounds are located right next to the Yukon River. We will start early this morning, break camp, and have an intensive course on how to paddle properly. It will be just in time, as the Five Finger Rapids are not far from the put-in point. These are the only real rapids on the river, and they are easy to navigate, and with the help of your guide, you will have little trouble navigating them.

As we continue, the high cliffs increasingly dominate the landscape. After three days on the river, Fort Selkirk will be a particularly interesting stop. If weather permits, the group may spend an extra day in this restored trading post. The site is still used by hunters and trappers of the Selkirk First Nation, who are friendly and fascinating hosts. With its carefully maintained and restored historic buildings, this quiet village offers a chance to step back in time.

Subsequent camping sites are usually on gravel bars with panoramic views of the vast river valley.

It is common to spot bears, moose, and eagles. Several places offer opportunities for hikes at the confluences of large streams. Cabins and mining relics appear more frequently as we head down the streams and tributary rivers that all lead to Dawson City at the confluence with the Klondike River. (Nights camping in the wild)

DAY 10 : ARRIVAL IN DAWSON CITY

After more than two weeks on the river, we arrive in the colorful town of Dawson City. The town grew extremely quickly during the Klondike Gold Rush, becoming the largest city west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle. A National Historic Site, many false-fronted buildings and historic houses have been restored, giving the impression that the town clings to its turn-of-the-century flavor.

During the long summer days of the subarctic, Dawson comes alive with festivals, music, and contemporary art. We will spend two nights in a downtown hotel to give you time to explore the town and the surrounding historical sites.

(Night in a hotel in Dawson City)

DAY 11 : DAWSON CITY

We have a full day to explore Dawson City today. The program includes a visit to Gold Bottom Mine to introduce you to the history of Dawson’s famous goldfields and show you how family-run mines continue to search for the precious metal even today.

You will also have the chance to try your hand at panning for gold! We can also visit Bonanza Creek, the site of the great gold rush and the restored Dredge No. 4. The rest of the day is free to explore the town itself. Depending on the time and group interest, we may visit the cabins of Jack London and Robert Service, the Dawson City Museum, the Danoja Zho Cultural Centre, or take a walking tour of the town’s many historic sites

We will also head up to the top of Midnight Dome, the mountain that overlooks the town, where you can see Dawson, the goldfields, the Ogilvie Mountains in the distance, and the river we’ve just paddled in an extraordinary panorama. We will end it all with a night in town and a visit to the famous Dawson gambling hall, Diamond Tooth Gerties Casino.

(Night in a hotel in Dawson City)

DAY 12 : DAWSON CITY – WHITEHORSE

We will return to Whitehorse by van along the Klondike Highway, stopping to revisit the Five Finger Rapids before returning to the capital for a final dinner together and a last night in a comfortable hotel.
(Night in a hotel in Whitehorse)

DAY 13 : DEPARTURE FROM WHITEHORSE

Ruby Range provides transportation to the airport or to your next program. (End of services)