This little-known nugget, just west of Dawson’s famous gold fields and the North Klondike Highway, is a genuine hidden treasure. The McQuesten River is perfect for ambitious beginners who’d like to learn to paddle on a faster, smaller wilderness river. There are no real rapids, but tight bends and sweepers keep things interesting.

Rarely visited by paddlers, the McQuesten offers excellent fishing, particularly for arctic grayling, with a good chance of sighting moose, wolves, and bears. We’ll spend five days here, leaving plenty of time for fishing and exploring the hills back-eddies. A day in Dawson City caps off the tour. Explore the legacy of the famous Klondike Gold Rush and live it up in this lively relic of frontier times.

Information

Season July - August
Departs from Whitehorse
Duration 10 days
Skill level Intermediate
Language English

Available dates

15.07.2025 - 24.07.2025

Available, guaranteed departure
Available departure
Almost full - On request
Sold out - Waitlist

Price CAD $2,835.00 / pp

Book now!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Whitehorse

Welcome to Whitehorse! Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your downtown hotel. In the afternoon there will be time for an orientation, gear check, and a chance to pick up any last-minute supplies. (Overnight accommodation in Whitehorse)

Day 2: Whitehorse - McQuesten River

In the morning we’ll drive with a van and trailer up the Klondike Highway and Silver Trail to put-in on gravel backroads near the ghost town of Elsa. Here we’ll have time for an introduction to paddling, then travel a short distance down the river to one of many possible camping spots along the way. (Overnight accommodation at wilderness campsite)

Day 3 - 6: McQuesten River

It is approximately 120km to the next road, as we pass through mountains and tributaries that offer excellent fishing. We’ll spend five days on the river, a leisurely pace that allows plenty of time to explore. (Overnight accommodation at wilderness campsites)

Day 7 - 8: Dawson City

A van and canoe trailer will be waiting for us at the Klondike Highway bridge. From here we’ll drive to Dawson City, with time to grab a shower and explore the town, the historic sites, and perhaps the local bar and casino. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Dawson City)

Day 9: Dawson City - Whitehorse

We’ll head back to Whitehorse again today, along the Klondike Highway. (Overnight hotel accommodation in Whitehorse)

Day 10 : Depart Whitehorse

Ruby Range will provide a transfer to the airport or to your next tour 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.)

Details

Tour Duration
10 Days

Tour Price
Double Room/Tent: CAD 2,835.00
Single Room/Tent: +CAD 685.00
All Rates per person (+ GST)

Group Size
5 – 7 participants per tour

Demands
Best suited for those with a basic level of wilderness travel. You have been on a few camping trips before and have played around in a canoe or kayak.

Included

Expert guidance on the entire trip
Canoes and camping equipment
Overland transportation
2 person tents (5 nights)
2 nights hotel accommodation in Whitehorse
2 nights hotel accommodation in Dawson City
Historic tour in Dawson City
Entrance fee Diamond Tooth Gerties
Entrance fee museum in Dawson City
All meals on canoe trip
Airport Shuttle in Whitehorse

Not included

Meals in hotels
Fishing license
Personal extras
Camping Mattress and Sleeping Bag
Gratuity

Child Policy

Please contact us for more information

Yukon Experience: McQuesten River

Information