Yukon Territory Travel Forum

Are there any VT members who have first-hand experience paddling down the Yukon River?

I have no info, but I think possibly the Mountain Equipment Co-op here in Canada might be able to point you to some information. They are kind of like your REI stores, or so I am told. You can find them at MEC.ca

Great...thanks. I know there are quite a few outfitters in Whitehorse, as well....

Yes, I paddled the 435 miles from Whitehorse to Dawson in 12 days last June. See my web
page http://www.infiltec.com/gold/yukon/ I had not done any paddling since boy scout camp, but my partner was pretty experienced. Sorry but I have not got my pictures up on the web yet. I hear that 3000 folks do the trip each year, and 80% speak German. It was great fun and not as physically demanding as I had expected. If you did not paddle at all I think the current is strong enough to get you to Dawson in 18+ days? Bring lots of 100% Deet to keep the bugs away, and I was very happy to have a light-weight bent-shaft paddle. Would you believe that we did not see a single bear!! But lots of bear tracks, moose, eagle, porcupines, etc. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for the note (and the email), Dave. We're really looking forward to the trip.

I have put up a new VT page on paddling Lake Lebarge (VT has it spelled wrong?)

http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/4d225/dd944/

Yes, the spelling is somewhat confusing. As I recall, the correct spelling is Laberge, but Robert Service's poem suggested the spelling is Labarge. Google turns up quite a few hits on both spellings.....

Check out http://www.virtualguidebooks.com/Yukon/NorthYukon/KlondikeHighway/LakeLaberge.html

I work in Whitehorse and have a home at Lake Laberge. I've also canoed portions of the Yukon River and I'm familiar with local canoe rental agencies, etc. Drop me a line and let me know when you're planning to visit and any other questions you may have. It's a great trip and requires no particular canoeing experience.