The Klondiker: Paddling the Big Salmon River

We’ll leave Whitehorse early and head east along the Alaska Highway, then north along the South Canol Road. This gravel road is all that remains of a 450 kilometre pipeline built by the American military to supply the war effort with crude oil from the Northwest Territories. It was abandoned within months of completion, leaving only a few overgrown relics of war-era machinery and a route into some of the most remote regions of the territory. We’ll arrive with enough time to practice canoe strokes on Quiet Lake, which is the beginning of the Big Salmon River. If time allows, we will paddle to a campsite further along the lake, or stay in the territorial campground at our put-in. The next road is 300 kilometres away, by river. (Overnight accommodation at wilderness campsite)

Over the next twelve days we will paddle the length of the Big Salmon River. The river begins gently with a series of lakes and short streams that give us a couple of days to perfect our paddling strokes before the current speeds up. Beyond Big Salmon Lake, the river is narrow and the water moves swiftly through tight bends that require some technical skill and attention. Your guide will show you how to navigate this section safely, making for a safe, fun ride (class II). Narrow bends offer a excellent opportunities to see wildlife along the banks, and eddies, cut banks, and tributaries offer excellent fishing spots. As the river carves its way through the Big Salmon Range, we may have the chance to take a day to hike up to one of the neighbouring hills for panoramic views stretching far back into Pelly Mountains and the Tintina Trench, and the chance of seeing Dall sheep high on the mountain slopes. We will be camping in wilderness sites along gravel bars and shorelines, leaving a minimal impact on this pristine riparian habitat. After more than a week on this remote river, we’ll join the famous Yukon River and paddle the last leg to Carmacks. (Overnight accommodation at wilderness campsites)

We will arrive at our take-out either late this morning or the previous evening. A shuttle driver will meet us in Carmacks in the morning. A short two-hour drive along the Klondike Highway brings us back to Whitehorse where a hot shower and a night on the town await. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

On the last day of the program, Ruby Range Adventure will provide a transfer to the airport or to a connecting program. (End of tour services)   (This is an expeditionary trip, and changes to the itinerary may be necessary due to weather or other conditions. Any changes are left to the discretion of the guide.)