Alsek River

Packraft into the heart of Kluane National Park and Reserve.

Full

June 25 - July 2 | 6 Spots Max | 8 days

Paddle amongst the icebergs.

Float along the edge of the largest non-polar Icefield in the world and surrounded by the tallest peaks in North America.

About the adventure.

A truly wild experience for those who want to explore off the beaten path.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure hosted & guided by Dani Marie Lister and Jake Wykes. Join us for 6 days of packrafting and camping along the breathtaking Alsek River, nestled within the pristine Kluane National Park and Reserve. Immerse yourself in untouched wilderness, grow your outdoor skills, and create lifelong connections with like minded adventurers. Create lasting memories in one of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations.

Highlights:

  • Paddle amongst icebergs

  • Experience the beauty of Klaune National Park and Reserve’s backcountry

  • Camp at the edge of the world’s largest non-polar icefield

  • Fly out in a float plane

There is no glacial travel


Dates:
June 25 - July 2, 2024

Price:
$4,086.94 USD per person (or $5,500 CAD) Payment plan and instalments option available

Duration:
8 days (6 days on the river)

Guide Ratio:
1 Guide / per 3 Guests

Start Point:
Erik Neilson International Airport in Whitehorse, Yukon. 10 min Taxi into Downtown Whitehorse

Impact:
100% leave no trace. This area is under strict rules and regulations by Parks Canada to minimize impact, we pack out everything.

Skill Prerequisites:

1:3 guide to guest ratio

Paddling Experience:


No previous paddling experience required but must be willing to learn! Some days may have up to 6 hours of paddling. It’s a class II & III River.

Camping Experience:


Previous camping experience is required. Must be comfortable in wilderness settings off-grid.

Physical Skill:


Must be capable of lifting up to 40lbs, paddling up to 6 hours and hiking 5km.

Above all is a “Can-do” attitude! Positive attitudes are essential for maximum enjoyment of all.


Good Attitude:

Feeling unsure? Please contact us, we are happy to answer your questions :)

info@yukonexplored.com

About the Alsek River.

The Alsek River, a majestic force of nature cutting through Kluane National Park and Reserve. It’s part of the world’s largest bio-preserve. Its rugged banks, flanked by towering peaks and glaciers, offer a wilderness adventure like no other. Feel the thrill of its currents, the awe of its vistas, and the timeless beauty of untouched landscapes. Join us as we explore this rugged wonder and have the opportunity to see spectacular Yukon wildlife.

On the traditional territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation

Itinerary.

  • Welcome to the wilderness city of Whitehorse, Yukon! Please arrive at your accommodation in Whitehorse. (We suggest coming a day earlier if you can!). We will be checking in with each guest to ensure the proper fitting of your provided dry suit + paddling gear and that you have the necessary personal gear for the trip. We will meet up for a group dinner in the evening. (Airport Transportation, accommodation and meals are not provided for day 0)

  • Our journey in the mountains begins! After breakfast (not included), you will be picked up from your accommodation. We will travel 1.5 hours to the small Village of Haines Junction. Here we will get our first views of Kluane National Park and Reserve. We will spend some time at the Da Kų Cultural Centre where you can immerse yourself in the natural/cultural history of the area. Afterwards we will travel for 45 minutes to our home for the night on the shore of Kluane Lake. We will spend the evening preparing for our journey and basking under the midnight sun.

  • Time to hit the water! We will start on the Jarvis River, a slow moving river tightly surrounded by the boreal forest. There is lots of potential to see moose and beavers along this section! Before setting off downstream, we will start with a river safety orientation and packrafting 101 to ensure everyones safety. This river is very beginner friendly (class II) with no major rapids. There are two sections that will require a short portage due to log jams.

  • Wake up to the sound of rushing water and secluded mountain views. Today is our longest paddling day and you will see the most drastic changes in the landscape, starting tight and opening up to braided rivers with sweeping valley views and glacial melt water. We will encounter exciting sections of waves but nothing too wild, perfect for applying your skills from day 1. We will camp at the confluence of the mighty Alsek River on an alluvial fan surrounded by River Dryas. Optional side hike to explore the area. As we set up camp for the night along the river bank the outside world will begin to feel like a distant dream.

  • We made it to the Alsek River. You will see how the river doubles in size spanning over 2 kilometres across the valley. Today will be a short paddling day so we can take it easy and enjoy the views. Our camp is called “Lava” and is characterized by its very unique geology. We will go for an optional side hike to explore the surrounding area and to a higher vantage of the river to see how far we came where we are headed next!

  • Today is a day like no other, today we make contact with the edge of the largest non-polar ice field in the world. As we round the final corner an overwhelming sense of accomplishment strikes deep. The view of the Lowell Glacier and its many icebergs slowly reveal themselves to us as navigate an exciting section of whitewater. The perfect entrance! We will set up camp at the edge of the glacial lake. As the midnight sun dips over the horizon we will have the opportunity to paddle amongst the icebergs.

  • As you sip your morning coffee with the sound and sight of rolling icebergs, we prepare for a relaxing day ahead. We have the option to hike up the appropriately named “Goatherd Mountain” to get views of the glacier and surrounding landscape. We will also have the opportunity to float amongst the icebergs once again, and if your up for it, a polar plunge in the glacial lake! We will end the day sharing stories of the trip as we watch the sunset over the Lowell Glacier for the last time.

  • All good things must come to an end but fortunately for you we like to make an exit! We will pack up our camp in the morning and get picked up by a float plane that lands and takes off on the lake amongst the icebergs. As we will fly over the Alsek River we will gain a new appreciation for the landscape we travelled through from an incredible vantage point. It will really emphasize just how remote and immersed in nature we were. We will land at Pine Lake near Haines Junction. Once we have all returned to civilization, we will have a well earned lunch in Haines Junction before driving back to Whitehorse. In Whitehorse you will be dropped off at your accommodation (not included). You will get to rediscover the joys of indoor plumbing with a hard earned shower. In the evening, we will meet for a group dinner before heading out to the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs to end our trip.

What’s Included?

  • Guide Services

  • Fees and Park Permits

  • Transportation

  • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary

  • Packraft, drysuit, river booties, paddle, lifejacket & helmet

  • All meals from Day 1 onwards. We will be eating gourmet dehydrated meals while on the river

  • Water filtration

  • Camp dishware and utensils

  • Floatplane pick up out of Lowell Lake back to Haines Junction (Day 7)

  • Kluane National Park and Reserve Interpretation & Orientation

  • Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs Admission

  • Luggage storage during the expedition

  • Bear spray & Bear bags

  • Extensive First Aid Kit

  • Satellite Communication devices

What’s Not-Included?

  • Airfare to and from the Whitehorse, Yukon

  • Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance

  • Alcohol at meals (in restaurants only, must be 19+)

  • Day 0 and Day 7 accomodations in Whitehorse (due to hotel capacity in Whitehorse group reservations aren’t possible, please book ahead of time!)

  • Meals on day 0

  • Personal gear (see packing list)

Experience the land of the midnight sun.

Meet your guides.

  • Co-Host

    Hey I’m Dani 👋 I’m a born and raised Yukoner whose developed a passion for experiencing our wild and remote landscapes through hiking, paddling, skiing and camping. It always brings me a deeper connection to nature and a source of inspiration. I’m stoked to share my home, get covered in dirt and make memories together


  • Co-Host

    Hey, I’m Jake. A certified and experienced whitewater guide. I received my training through the Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training (COLT) Program and have 6 years of experience guiding multi-day expeditions on the Tatshenshini-Alsek Rivers. I was born and raised in the Yukon, and have a passion for adventure. Committed to safety and environmental stewardship, I’m excited to share my love of the Yukon with you!

How to get to the Yukon?

Map Credit to Tourism Yukon

While the Yukon is remote it’s actually very accessible to get to. The easiest and quickest method is by flying.

📍 Fly into Erik Neilson International Airport - Whitehorse, Yukon.

  • From Canada
    Direct flights are available from major airports such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.

  • From USA
    There are no direct flights however you can easily get a connection through Vancouver or Calgary and connect there to Whitehorse

  • From Europe & Overseas
    Direct flights are available from Frankfurt on Condor. Otherwise, we recommend flying through Vancouver and connecting to Whitehorse.

Get connecting fairs to Whitehorse for $99 CAD via Air North - learn more here

(It won’t show up in flight search engines but AirNorth is the most affordable airline to the Yukon)

 Personal Packing List

    • Rain jacket

    • light down mid layer

    • fleece top

    • base layer top

    • wool socks x 2

    • beanie, sun hat

    • hiking pants (mosquitos will bite through leggings)

    • camp shoes (we like crocs)

    • shoes for an easy hike (trail runners or light hikers are ideal, do not bring heavy hiking boots)

    • Rain pants

    If you are a cold sleeper we recommend sleeping in a base layer top and bottoms with wool socks.

    Packing tip - your camp clothes will be stored inside the TiZip of your packraft. To keep things organized and clean we strongly recommend packing cubes, dry bags or stuff sacks to contain your personal items.

  • This is what you will wear layered underneath the drysuit:

    • Base layer top and bottoms (we prefer merino wool)

    • warm wool socks x 2 (just in case one gets wet)

    • fleece mid layer top

    • fleece mid layer pants

    • Buff to cover your face to protect if you from the elements if it’s windy

    • Sunglasses with straps (so you don’t loose it in the water)

    These should all be in addition to your camp clothes. Drysuits can leak so these are all layers that will keep you warm if wet

    DO NOT WEAR COTTON

  • Packrafting requires lightweight and compact gear so pack as you would for a backpacking trip.

    • 3lbs-5lbs backpacking tent (1p or 2p) - the MSR Hubba Hubba is our go to. Needs to be strong in high winds.

    • 0C / 32F Sleeping bag - Down is our preference.

    • Water proof compression sack for sleeping bag

    • 3 Season Sleeping pad (for backpacking)

    • Pillow (for backpacking)

    • Camp Chair or Seat

    • Eye mask for sleeping (it will be light out all night — there’s a reason why headlamps aren’t in the packing list 😆 )

    • Swim suit

    • Multitool

    • Small Binoculars

    • Bug jacket or head net

    • Waterproof gloves or pogies

    • Small Notebook & Pen

    • Camera

    • River Safe Sunscreen (anything that would be reef safe)

    • Lip Balm with SPF

    • Moisturizers & lip balm (scent free) - some find the climate and exposure drying on their skin

    • River safe soap for washing your face or body. The river is very silty so you may prefer using face wipes instead.

    • Small quick drying towel

    • Personal Medications

    • Toiletties

  • For items you would like accessible while we are paddling you will want a small dry bag.

    You will be responsible for keeping your phones, camera and other electronics safe and dry!

  • We will be providing filtered water for the group throughout the trip.

    • All non-Canadian residents will be required to have proof of Travel Insurance. Make sure kayaking or whitewater is included in the plan - check out World Nomads

    • Health Card and Insurance

Prepare for the experience of a lifetime.

Reconnect with nature, explore and make memories.

Things to know.

Bears, bugs & wildlife?

We are grateful to share our landscape with an abundance of wildlife such as moose, bears, wolves, eagles and more. Thankfully there’s a lot of space to roam for all of us. Encounters are always a possibility but generally, the animal is more scared than you are and they run away quickly.

Bear awareness is very important for our safety and the protection of bears. All food is stored in certified bear-resistant bags away from our camp. We carry bear spray at all times. We have yet to have a bad bear encounter and when travelling in large groups it is unlikely they will be anywhere near us. We will go over what to do in potential scenarios.

Yes, we do have mosquitoes but every season is different and certain locations will be “worse” than others. If there’s wind (or if you’re on the river) they won’t be around. If they are out, we do recommend bug spray and covering up! They do not carry any harmful disease but they might make you slightly itchy. Some people choose to take an antihistamine if they are feeling bothered.

What is the weather like?

Yukon summers have a wide range of emotions! The weather is often changing quickly. You can be hot in a T-shirt one moment and then cold in a down puffy the next. That’s why we recommend you pack in layers and be prepared for anything. Temperatures can range from 10C to 30C. At night while the sun does stay up, temperatures can still drop! That’s why we recommend a 0C-rated sleeping bag so you can stay warm and cozy. This particular area can be quite windy due to the glaciers and large mountains. A buff and sunglasses are nice to protect your face from the elements.

Leave no trace?

Trips in Kluane National Park and Reserve are 100% leave no trace so we pack everything out… including your poop! But don’t worry, we have a system for that ;) Everyone will receive their very own “Sh*t kit” with all the necessities including toilet paper, WAG Bags and hand sanitizer along with a lovely demo by Jake (get stoked). This is important for preserving the area for generations to come. Leave no trace are principles we always follow when recreating outdoors and we hope you do too!

Forest fires and trip interruptions?

There’s always a small chance that forest fires and other environmental interruptions could occur. Thankfully we will be in close communication with Parks Canada should anything arise and they will help us safely extract if necessary.

Questions? Get in touch.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help :)