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Back to previous page  13 Days Wind River Canoe Tour An adventures canoe tour through Yukon's high north. The Wind River flows though the Mackenzie Mountains and the Peel River Plateau, considered to be Yukon's wildest and untouched wilderness. We will fly-in by float plane to the McClusky Lake. After a short portage and lining the canoe down a small creek we will reach the upper Wind River. The Wind River is swift with sharp bends, sweepers and some class II rapids. The upper Wind River offers numerous hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. There is a good chance to see moose, caribou, bear and wolverine. The Wind River became famous when in 1910 an ill-fated North-West Mounted Police sleddog patrol lost their way and perished. Our canoe trip will end at the confluence of Wind and Peel River from where we will fly-out by floatplane back to Mayo. This is the ideal river for people with some canoe skills who are interested in nature photography and have a keen desire to experience sub-arctic, boreal forest ecology. Day  Itinerary 01 Whitehorse We'll greet you at Whitehorse airport and transfer you to the hotel in downtown location. In the afternoon you have time to explore the many sights and to do the last shopping. In the evening you will meet the group and we will discuss the tour routing. Your guide will introduce himself and gives substantial introduction to wilderness rules and canoeing techniques at the beginning and during the tour. You have plenty of time to organize your gear and adapt to the wilderness setting. Overnight: Klondike Inn 02 Whitehorse - Mayo - McClusky Lake The next morning we depart and drive 410 km on the Klondike Highway to the village of Mayo. Following the mighty Yukon River we have ample opportunity to be stunned by what nature has to offer along the highway. We stop to take closer looks at reminders of the goldrush of 1898 and at the famous 5 Finger Rapids – a navigational hazard for many stampeders on their way to the gold claims in Dawson. From Mayo we enjoy the 45 minute flight by floatplane to McClusky Lake above the headwaters of the Wind River. Here we will set up our first wilderness camp. The area has a rich habitat that supports Woodland Caribou, Moose, Dall sheep, Grizzlies and Wolverines. It is also the winter range for the Porcupine caribou herd which migrates between this area and the Arctic coast along the Beaufort Sea. 03 - 11 McClusky Lake - Peel River (200 km) Our canoe adventure tour begins with a short portage to a small creek. The better part of the day will be spend positioning supplies and equipment from McClusky Lake to the Wind River (3-5 km river lining or portage, depending on water level). The upper Wind is swift and clear mountain blue water. The attraction lies in the abundance of hiking opportunities in a country that is uninhabited by humans but populated with wild animals for us to observe. We take the time to explore the mountains arising from the river shores on some wonderful hikes. Panoramic mountain vistas of the surrounding area will reward us. During our journey we penetrate deeper into the vast wilderness and admire the breathtaking beauty of mountains and tundra attending us all the way down the river. Senses get tuned and you will notice things that would be totally unimportant otherwise. A little crackle lets you anticipate one of the Yukon's magnificent animals step out of the dense forests cover. Part of the common experience is everybody's contribution to the daily camp routines. This and the purposely small number of clients in each tour is an ideal basis for a relaxed and unforgettable time. The valley of the Wind is often several kilometres wide and flat before rising to hills and 1,800 metre mountains. But frequently the river passes through areas where high cliffs and sand bluffs embrace the river. The huge twisted rock formations are awesome. Several times we hike up nearby mountains for spectacular views of the valley. In 1898-99 about 70 adventures tried to reach the Klondike Goldfields through the Mackenzie und Peel River systems. Enduring extreme hardship during the harsh winter some died, some returned and only a few pressed on to the Klondike. You will have to perform manovers such as eddy turns and cross-current ferries to be comfortable on this water. All through our trip we will be surrounded by sparsely vegetated mountain ecology. When leaving the high mountains behind we encounter some natural river obstructions such as sweepers, class II rapids and white water. Shortly after the river widens and the current slows down. We will enjoy floating leisurely to the confluence with the Peel River where we camp and ponder the high canyon walls and colourful rocks of lower Aberdeen Canyon 12 Peel River - Mayo - Whitehorse Today we will be picked up by floatplane to fly back to Mayo. From Mayo a van will transfer us back to Civilization to the Klondike Inn in Whitehorse where we will stay for one more night. Enjoy a long shower at your hotel and we will meet in the evening for a final dinner (optional). 13 Whitehorse We transfer you to the airport and say Good-bye to the tour guide and group. Month Departure Dates July 03, 31 Rates per Person in CAD$* Single Double 13 Days Wind River Canoe Tour $3550.00 $3390.00  * 7 % GST Tax not included  Including All transfers and transportation by minivan Flight by float plane from Mayo to McClusky Lake Flight by float plane from Peel River to Mayo 9 days guided canoe tour on the Wind River 2 nights hotel accommodation in Whitehorse Emergency equipment, incl. Satellite telephone 10 days in double-roofed tents All meals during the canoe trip Rental and Transportation of canoes All camping and cooking gear Experienced wilderness and river guide Maximum of 11 participants Please Note:  - Because of short stretches of white water and some rapids the Wind River is classified as class II.  - Beside the first day portage there is at least one section where the canoe has to be lined. Under the supervision of an experienced river guide the Wind River can be    well managed by participants having some canoeing experience in moving water.  - All hikes are done with a day pack only. These hikes may be rather challenging due to lack of trails and some bushwhacking  - Since we will travel through an ecologically very sensitive area the general rule will be: "Leave nothing but footprints - take nothing but photos". We will practice no trace    camping to reduce our impact as much as possible  - We are proud of our tremendous staff. Our guides are highly qualified, certified friendly, knowledgable, hard working, highly skilled women and men who love the north    and enjoy sharing it's beauty and secrets with others. A number of them are trainers and examiners in a number of fields including paddling, rescue, first aid and    interpretation. In the off season, these people are often upgrading the staff of other operators and National Parks. Junior guides come to us through our demanding    practicum program that serves to ensure we employ only the "cream of the crop". Entry requirements are high and the program yields an exceptional northern river    guide.

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