Beginning in a long mountain lake nestled in the panoramic and dramatic Spatsizi Plateau, we will canoethe Upper Stikine River and explore the alpine reaches of Spatsizi Wilderness Park. The Stikine River offers an exciting and swift experience for paddlers comfortable with Class II and III whitewater. Our journey culminates at the “Grand Canyon” of the Stikine River. You may want to plan to connect with our Lower Stikine 15 Day Expedition to complete a longer canoeing journey to Wrangell, Alaska.
1998 was our first exploratory trip on the Stikine. Daily changes and adjustments to this itinerary are likely as we explore the river valley and adapt to weather and resulting changes in river flows.
The Upper Stikine, a coastal range river, takes us on a 225 km journey with an elevation drop of 303 m (approx. 909 ft) from the top of the Spatsizi Plateau to the upper end of the river’s Grand Canyon. We travel in Voyageur (minimum 5 passengers) and 2-person canoes.
Craft Description: Canoe - Voyageur (minimum 5 passengers) or 2-person canoes
Prerequisites: Canoeing the Stikine River provides an exciting, swift trip for paddlers comfortable with Class II and III whitewater. If you are unsure of your ability, please call with any questions: 1-800-297 6927 or (867) 668-3180.
Available Dates
Currently TBA, please call for trip availability:
1-800-297-6927 or (867) 668-3180 or contact us by email.
Rate Details
CAD: TBA
Additional Stikine River Trip Notes:
There are a number of good books related to the Stikine River available through our news letter. These include: |
Map
The Upper Stikine makes a 225 km journey with an elevation drop of 303 m (approx. 909 ft) from the top of the Spatsizi Plateau to the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. The Plateau country is panoramic and dramatic. We will encounter rapids that will require a short portage to negotiate safely.
The following is a tentative itinerary. Daily changes and adjustments are likely as we explore the valley and adapt to weather and river demands.
The following initials indicate the meals included each day:Breakfast = B | Lunch = L | Dinner = D
Day 0
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.
The scheduled flights arrive in Whitehorse throughout the day. Aim to arrive by 6 pm. Please make your way to your hotel and plan to rendezvous with your guides at the Westmark Klondike Inn at 8 pm for an orientation meeting (enquire at the desk for meeting room). There will be a chance for last minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details.
Day 1 (L/D)
We will drive to Dease Lake and prepare to begin our charter flights into Tuaton Lake. Winging over the Spatsizi Plateau you will want to be sure to keep your camera handy. By evening we should have everyone in camp on the picturesque shore to the long mountain lake.
Day 2 (B/L/D)
Following the ridge from the lake, we will hike into the alpine country of Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park. The open ridges will afford panoramic views, wildflowers and hopefully sheep, woodland caribou and other wildlife.
The Upper Stikine makes a 225 km journey with an elevation drop of 303 m (approx. 909 ft) from the top of the Spatsizi Plateau to the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. The Plateau country is panoramic and dramatic. We will encounter rapids that will require a short portage to negotiate safely.
Day 3 (B/L/D)
Morning will find us packing the canoes to begin our paddle down Tuaton Lake. As we traverse the lake, we will work on reviewing strokes that will be necessary to negotiate the rapids once we reach moving water. Camp will be in the vicinity of the stream linking Tuaton Lake with Laslui Lake. Fishing in these waters is likely to be rewarding.
Day 4 (B/L/D)
Another hiking day will take us into the ridge country among the peaks to explore further.
Day 5 (B/L/D)
We will paddle the length of Laslui Lake making our way to the mouth of the Stikine River and engage the river, taking us to Fountain Rapid portage.
Day 6-9 (B/L/D)
The river will now rule our days with swift excitement.Scenery will change with each bend in the river. Scouting from the river, we will negotiate the Class II & low Class III rapids. Previous river reports indicate some well marked portage trails.
The Upper Stikine makes a 225 km journey with an elevation drop of 303 m (approx. 909 ft) from the top of the Spatsizi Plateau to the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. The Plateau country is panoramic and dramatic. We will encounter rapids that will require a short portage to negotiate safely.
Day 10 (B/L)
On the final descent of the river prior to the Grand Canyon of the Stikine, we will savor our final day of the river.After reaching the canoe take-out at the Cassiar Highway bridge, we will make our way back to Dease Lake for supper and a good night’s sleep. (Accommodation and meals while in Dease Lake are each participant’s responsibility. Lunch on this day is the last meal provided.)
Day 11
This is the homeward bound day for those on the Dease Lake option unless you are awaiting the Lower Stikine expedition on August 4.
For those on the Whitehorse option, we will be travelling the scenic Cassiar and Alaska Highways back to Whitehorse.
Please note that hotel and meal costs are not included.
Day 12
This is the day that you will be able to catch your flights for home.
Note: Nahanni River Adventures is an equal opportunity provider and is a permit holder of the Tongass National Forest.