Paralleling the border of the Yukonand Northwest Territories and close to the Arctic Circle, the Snake River in Canada is one of the most remote northern rivers that offers superb mountain hiking and whitewater rafting and canoeing.
Using a combination of floatplane and helicopter to shuttle our rafts and participants to the Snake River, on this world-class rafting adventure, we will enjoy a stunning wilderness river that was formally the exclusive domain of advanced whitewater canoeists.
Flowing through the spectacular Bonnet Plume Range of the northern Yukon, the Snake River has become renowned for remote beauty, hiking and whitewater canoeing. Dall Sheep, caribou, grizzly, wolf and moose are all possibilities for excellent wildlife viewing with panoramic vistas guaranteed. Travelling from the alpine Duo Lakes to the confluence with the Peel River, the level of skill required on our Snake River rafting or canoeing trip is a notch above our Nahanni National Park expedition.
We paddle in rafts or 2-person canoes over 12 river days along this arctic mountain river from Duo Lakes to the confluence of the Snake River with the Peel River, a distance of 300 km (180 miles) with an elevation drop of 800 m (2400 ft).
Craft Description: Raft - raft or 2-person canoes
Prerequisites: Class III Whitewater Skills.
Available Dates
The following additional dates will be opened after the first dates (above) fill.
Rate Details
CAD: $6,865 - (Includes helicopter portage)
USD: $6,628 *fluxuates daily
Current CAD/USD Exchange Rate: 0.9655
Additional Snake River Trip Notes:
Your guides will carry a small reference library that will include field reference books. Following are some books for winter reading: |
Map
Paralleling the border of the Yukon and Northwest Territories, the Snake River is one of the most remote northern rivers that offers superb mountain hiking.
The following is a tentative agenda and has been designed with much thought to capitalize on the most scenic and exciting parts of the river, while making time on other sections. Your guides will adjust the schedule to make the best use of river and weather conditions.
The following initials indicate the meals included each day:Breakfast = B | Lunch = L | Dinner = D
Day 0 - ARRIVE IN WHITEHORSE
Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views on cloudless days, pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.
This is the travel day. Please be in Whitehorse in time for an orientation meeting at the Westmark Klondike Inn at 8p.m. Participants are responsible for hotel accommodation and meals while in Whitehorse.
Whitehorse is a great place to spend a few extra days.We will send you a visitor's booklet. The historic sites are interesting and there are day hikes, gold panning float trips through Miles Canyon and 4X4 outings in the region.
Day 1 (L/D) MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
We will meet in the hotel lobby at 7:30 am. following breakfast (not covered), and discuss final details before our departure. Traveling by van we will make the scenic 5 hour drive to the "end of the road" at Mayo. Here we will transfer to float plane and fly the spectacular and remote135 miles into Duo Lakes. This is truly a spectacular and remote part of the Yukon wilderness! Have your cameras and plenty of film handy for the flight. Due to the small volume of the river near the lake, we require a second shuttle to deliver us down river.
Day 2 (raft) (B/L/D) HELI PORTAGE
The drama continues when a helicopter descends to our location at the lake. Hovering down the valley we will make several flights. First “slinging” our gear to the “put in point” near Reptile Creek and then carrying our crew to the same spot on a panoramic heli flight.
Day 2 (canoe) (B/L/D) UPPER CANYONS
The current is swift. As we pass through the upper canyons we will encounter sharp bends and small rapids.Camp will be in the vicinity of Reptile Creek.
The canoeists make the 500m portage from Duo Lakes to the river. In this region the Snake is a broad braided fan and we may have to do some lining and dragging over gravel and rocks. Neoprene booties with tough soles or sneakers will pay off here.
Day 3 (B/L/D) MOUNTAIN HIKING
From our base camp at the beautiful creek confluence we will hike up the local ridges for spectacular views of the surrounding ranges and four drainage basins. Here the red ridges and peaks offer unusual and enticing opportunities for exploration.
Day 4 (B/L/D) BONNET PLUME RANGE
Back on the river we will be treated to expanses of fireweed and mini canyons. The Bonnet Plume Range dominates the horizon with a good possibility of spotting Dall sheep, caribou and grizzly. After an exhilarating day of continuous Class II water, we will camp in view of the limestone peaks of Mount MacDonald. Glaciers dominate these peaks, and impressive panoramas are easily obtained from short hikes in the area.
Day 5 (B/L/D) MORE WHITEWATER
The canyon and more class II rapids await.
Day 6 (B/L/D) ALPINE VALLEYS
Today we change river valleys! The Snake cuts through the mountain range in a fast, fun slalom ride. Camp is in our "new" valley.
Day 7 (B/L/D) MIDDLE CANYON
The Middle Canyon of the Snake: here the river cuts through a short narrow canyon. At most water levels this is a class II run. A short portage is an option.
Day 8 (B/L/D) HIKE
Conditions permitting we will plan another hike in the dramatic range overlooking the valley.
Day 9 (B/L/D) LOWER CANYONS
Today we bid adieu to the mountains and enter an extended braided region of “Splits” as well as the lower canyons of the Snake. Moose, bear, wolves and peregrine falcon are possible here. The current remains fast and picking our channel in the “Snake Maze” is our main challenge.
Day 10 (B/L/D) PEREGRINE FALCONS
The Splits finally come together and the Snake starts to meander a bit. Higher cliffs cut by numerous small creeks provide numerous wildlife corridors.
Day 11 (B/L/D) PEEL RIVER
We will leave the Snake and the final big bends from which it earns its name. Here we enter the larger and faster Peel with high clay cliffs and aspen islands. Camp will be on the Peel River.
Day 12 (B/L) ANOTHER DRAMATIC FLIGHT
In the morning we will be met by the aircraft that will ferry us back to Mayo. There we will be met by our van and travel the Klondike Highway back to Whitehorse. Depending on timing the group may decide to stop for supper at a diner along the way or upon arrival in Whitehorse (supper and hotel not included). Camp will be in your hotel room in Whitehorse (your responsibility). If you have not eaten on the road, the group will likely want to gather at a local eatery (not included) to celebrate the return and recount tales of the adventure!
Day 13 HOMEWARD BOUND
After goodbyes and a last look around Whitehorse we will head home with a cargo of fond and spectacular memories.