Guided Canoe Trips on Yukon's Rivers

For your trip this summer, join us on a journey of a lifetime, and do so from a new-old vantage point: the canoe!

Surrounded by refreshing rivers, exquisite scenery and our passionate guides, you’ll have everything you need for a trip you’ll never forget.

When it comes to exploring the Yukon and the Canadian North, nothing surpasses the experience of paddling down Yukon rivers. With its abundance of waterways, this Canadian territory offers a remarkably wide array of natural itineraries to choose from. Our guided canoe packages aim to do nature justice by ranging from fast-paced adventure on rapids all the way to stillness and recollection on quieter Yukon waters.

No matter your pace and preferences, rest assured that you will find the best fit for your trip within Ruby Range Adventure’s broad catalogue.

Among our most popular canoe tours you’ll find several attractive options. The classic 20-day adventure down the Yukon river with departure from and return to Whitehorse, for example, is a great trip to add to your travel log! Or, for those seeking calmer waters and shorter tours to enjoy with their loved ones, our 7-day canoe expedition for families on the Nisutlin river is another popular choice.

If, however, you’re ready for a more solitary and intense paddle experience, and are fully committed to immersing yourself in a true wilderness adventure, tours such as The Snake, The Wind, or our 20-day Last Frontier Canoe Route on Bonnet Plume River might be the ones for you.

Finally, we also offer other interest trips, such as a women’s only 12-day journey on the Yukon river, and trips paddling down lesser-known waterways, including tours of 11 to 15 days on the Big Salmon, Teslin and Beaver rivers.

Regardless of your choice, as you make your way down Yukon rivers, our dedicated and experienced guides will be there to keep you safe, help you discover important landmarks and landscapes, and, with a bit of luck, point out extraordinary wildlife sightings.

One thing is certain: whether you are looking to learn more about local cultures, follow into the “paddle steps” of Gold Rush adventurers, or simply experience true Yukon wilderness, our guided Yukon canoe tours will be the perfect summer expedition.

Discover our Yukon adventure tours & Alaska vacation packages.

Testimonials

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Discover our Exciting Canoe Tours

Gold Rush Tour: Discover the Land of the Midnight Sun

The Gold Rush Tour combines one of our favourite wilderness canoe trips with some of our favourite road-based adventures for...

  • Season June - September
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 22 days
  • Skill level Beginner
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Yukon River – The Classic (Lake Laberge to Dawson City)

Travel the length of Yukon’s most iconic river in a classic tandem canoe. Retracing the route the thousands of gold-...

  • Season June - September
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 20 days
  • Skill level Beginner
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Yukon River – The Classic (Lake Laberge to Carmacks)

This is our most popular tour, and for good reason. Part one of the classic Yukon River tour covers 320km...

  • Season June - September
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 8 days
  • Skill level Beginner
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Yukon River – The Classic (Carmacks to Dawson City)

This version of our classic canoe expedition brings you the quieter and more remote second portion of the Yukon River,...

  • Season June - September
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 13 days
  • Skill level Beginner
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The Klondiker: Paddling the Big Salmon River

For the intermediate canoeist, The Big Salmon is a magic combination: a truly wild and scenic Yukon river that is...

  • Season May - September
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 15 days
  • Skill level Intermediate
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Spirit of the Yukon: Teslin River

Our nine day tour down the Teslin and part of the Yukon River takes you through a landscape rich in...

  • Season May - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 11 days
  • Skill level Beginner
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Family Canoeing: Nisutlin River

The Nisutlin River is a beautiful wilderness river nestled among scenic mountains, ideally suited as a first time paddling experience...

  • Season June - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 7 days
  • Skill level None
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Beaver River: Explore Secret Waterways

The Beaver River is a hidden gem in the Yukon’s remote northeastern corner. It is a true wilderness river: a...

  • Season July - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 15 days
  • Skill level Intermediate
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The Heart of the Yukon: Wind River

Of our three tour offerings in the remote Peel River Watershed, the Wind River is the one most suited for...

  • Season June - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 22 days
  • Skill level Intermediate
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The Yukon Explorer – Snake River

Accessible only by float plane, this stunning trip begins aboard a DeHavilland Beaver or Otter air plane that takes you...

  • Season June - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 22 days
  • Skill level Expert
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Bonnet Plume River: Yukon’s Last Frontier Canoe Route

The Bonnet Plume is an exciting river for experienced paddlers, with frequent rapids up to class III and isolated stretches...

  • Season June - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 20 days
  • Skill level Expert
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Yukon Experience: McQuesten River

This little-known nugget, just west of Dawson’s famous gold fields and the North Klondike Highway, is a genuine hidden treasure....

  • Season July - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 10 days
  • Skill level Intermediate
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Paddling with the Girls on the Yukon River

This is a unique take on our most popular river trip, tailored for female travellers who prefer a ladies-only experience....

  • Season June - September
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 12 days
  • Skill level Beginner
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Best of Yukon’s Whitewater Rivers

If your goal is to improve your canoe skills, or simply to pack as much of the Yukon’s whitewater as...

  • Season June - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 7 days
  • Skill level Expert
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Hess River – Call of the Wild

Imagine yourself where only few people go, where the scenery leads into the remote northern wilderness and where you can...

  • Season June - August
  • Departs from Whitehorse
  • Duration 22 days
  • Skill level Expert
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F.A.Q.

What can be expected in terms of weather?
Our summers are beautiful with a lot of daylight. During June, July and August, you can expect comfortable daytime temperatures ranging from 12°C to 16°C on average. That said, mother nature can be unpredictable and you have to be ready for everything including rain, wind, and potentially snow as well as heat waves. Keep in mind things can change quickly and the best way to avoid any discomfort is to be prepared with the right equipment. To get more information about the weather in the Yukon you can visit the Environment Canada website.
Once you book, we will send you a detailed list of material to bring on your trip.
Most Yukon Rivers are famous depending on what type of paddler you are. The Yukon River is by far the most popular because of its historical background, but other rivers are also worth paddling! The Teslin, the Nisutlin and the Pelly Rivers are all good options for beginners. If you are an intermediate paddler, you can look at the Big Salmon, the Beaver, the McQuesten and the Wind River. For expert paddlers we offer the Snake, the Bonnet Plume and the Hess River.
You will encounter less people and potentially see more wildlife. The scenery will also be different if you decide to explore the north of the Yukon. Each river has something unique and magical.
Our beginner programs always start off with an instructional component designed to teach you the skills necessary for safe wilderness travel. A background in camping and paddling is an asset but not necessary. These programs are open to expert and novice paddlers alike. You can consult our skill level rating chart here.
All the material is provided except for you personal gear, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and small dry-bag. We have a rental program for sleeping bags and sleeping mats but quantities are limited. Contact us to check availability.
The minimum age for a river trip is 7 years old on the Nisutlin River. For other rivers, please contact us to discuss the options.
Yes you can bring your equipment. Make sure to get a small dry bag to keep it safe from water.
Distances will vary between 30 to 60 km per day an average of 6 hours in the canoe everyday.
We usually do not bring pets on river expeditions unless you decide to book a private trip. Please contact us to discuss the options.
Mosquito populations vary according to temperature, rainfall, and wind. On the river mosquitoes are not an issue. We only see them in camp but if you bring a good repellent and proper clothing, it won't be a problem. Wondering what type of repellent to use? Take a look at this article to make the proper choice!
We strongly suggest a minimum of -5°C comfort zone.
Yes you can, your luggage will be stored for the length of your trip.
You can bring rubber boots, sandals or neoprene booties and light hiking shoes or runners.
No, we provide one 120L dry-bag per person but you will need a small dry bag in addition.
We use tandem tripping canoes mainly 16, 17 and 18ft. Depending on your trip, it could be a Nova Craft Prospector, Esquif Prospecteur or Old Town Discovery.
Yes you can. Your guide will take a look at it during the pre-trip meeting to make sure it meets our standards.
You have to be in a generally good shape. You need to be able to carry material and paddle for many hours everyday. See each tour for details regarding paddling skills.
We set camp on the best spots possible. Sometimes on river banks, on islands, or in the woods. There are no designated campgrounds of facilities on the river.
You will be eating well! We aim for variety and quality. The food is nutritious and plentiful as this is an active adventure. We use a combination of fresh, packaged, dried, and freeze-dried ingredients to prepare our meals.Your guide will prepare a menu taking food restrictions into consideration.
Yes, you can. You will have to get a fishing license in Whitehorse prior to your departure.
Depending on the trip you choose, it is possible to see other groups or not. We very rarely share camps with others.
There will not be facilities on the river. Your guide will instruct you the proper technique to go in nature at the pre-trip meeting and you will be provided with the necessary material.
There is a good chance of seeing bears from a safe distance. Your guide will give you a briefing on what to do if you encounter a bear on your own and you will always carry a bear spray if you wonder alone away from camp. In most cases, bears are uninterested to interact with humans and if you respect the basic rules of bear safety, chances of a negative interaction are extremely limited. If you want to learn more about bear safety in the Yukon, please consult this page.
There is a good chance of seeing wildlife all over the Yukon and Alaska. It is impossible to predict when, where and what you will see, but it is very unlikely that you will not see animals. If you are lucky you could encounter a Black or Grizzly Bear, Moose, Caribou, Dear, Fox, Lynx, Bison, Mountain Goats, Sheep, Elk, Coyote, many types of birds, and much more. If you want to learn more about the different types of wildlife you can encounter in the Yukon have a look at this page.
Your guide is trained to face emergency situations and is carrying a satellite communication device at all times. In case of emergency, Ruby Range Adventure will organize an evacuation.
You will have no service on the river. It is the perfect time to turn the phone off and enjoy nature to the fullest.
On the river you will have groups of 2 to 12 people.
No problem, you need to specify your dietary restrictions at time of booking and your guide will take them into consideration for the meal planning.
Although alcohol is not included in the meal plan, you are welcomed to bring your own. We usually offer a stop at the liquor store before the start of the trip.
Many guests have health issues: medications, allergies, chronic conditions, old injuries, physical limitations. It will not stop you from enjoying an adventure with us. Everyone is asked to fill a medical information form that will be used in case of an emergency. You can also notify your guide of any condition you think might limit you during the trip.
Helping out is part of the adventures. Guests are expected to help their guide with certain tasks around camp and in the kitchen when necessary.
Yes, there will be time for pictures all along your trip.
We use a gravity filter to treat water from the river during the trip. It is a safe and delicious!

Testimonials

Bruce J. (Canada)

I recently completed my third wilderness canoe trip with Ruby Range. (My first ended with a medical evacuation by helicopter..

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Anja O (Germany)

I did the “Goldrush Tour” – a combination of paddling and hiking – and had a great time in the..

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Jane B. (Canada)

We were a group of 6 women aged from 67-72 and we paddled the Yukon River from Minto to Dawson..

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Michal O. (Czech Republic)

Yukon & Alaska tour with Ruby Range Adventure in summer 2016 was one of my best experience ever. Professional organization,..

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Maxin & Colin

This is just a note to say ‘thank you’ for our recent wonderful holiday in Alaska which was due in..

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Gill G.

Thank you all for your fun, energy and wonderful personalities which made this a great experience.

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Korbinian S. (Germany)

Went on a trip living three weeks in the wilderness of the Yukon. Well organized and experienced guides!

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Sa C. (UK)

I have, over the years, participated in many unsupported treks and adventure activities all over the world but have never..

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Arnaud B. (UK)

Fantastic tour! I recently participated to one of your tours end of August – canoeing from Whitehorse to Carmacks guided..

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Tony J.

Thanks again for this great experience. We did the Snake river with Michel Lepage and it was our most beautiful..

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David M.

A trip back to the Yukon is being planned! Having just returned from the Yukon River trip which your company..

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Deirdre S.

I just wanted to let you know what a terrific experience I had. We had a wish list before we..

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Jeff A.

I use my ‘Klondike Rib & Salmon’ pen at work which makes me smile every time I use it. I’ve..

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Bruce J. (USA)

I recently returned from an outstanding canoe trip with Ruby Range. A lifetime memory to treasure! But sometimes bad things..

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Jennifer A. (Canada)

Such a great Yukon adventure we went on!!! The guides Benny, Simon & Jonas were AWESOME!!! Taking great care of..

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Martin T. (UK)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Ruby Range who helped to make such a..

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Maite D. (Spain)

We recommend Rubyrange 100% especially if you are lucky enough to have Korbinian Schwarz as your guide, thank you very..

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Jennifer A. (Canada)

The guides Benny, Simon & Jonas were AWESOME!!! Taking great care of us, with safety & fun the top priorities…

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Chris T. (UK)

Absolutely amazing company. The trip was well organized and we were very well looked after. We flew from the UK..

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