Day 1: Edmonton
Wild, rugged country, like you knew it would be. During your 21-day camping tour between Edmonton, Alberta and Whitehorse, Yukon, you travel stretches where the chances to meet wild animals is better than finding people. The spectacular landscapes along the primitive Campbell and Cassiar Highways in BC are hardly touched by tourism. Kluane National Park in the Yukon is totally uninhabited. Exploring and hiking in these areas as well as in famous Jasper National Park you visit the most outstanding places in a variety of landscapes. Edmonton, Alberta - Arrival in Edmonton, Transfer to the hotel and pre trip information with the guide.
Day 2: Edmonton – Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park - Breakfast in the hotel and drive west into the Rocky Mountains and Jasper National Park. Not far from the little town of Jasper you set up your tent for the next two days. The first short hike leads to Angle Glacier of 3363 (11098 ft) m Mount Edith Cavell and on to the Cavell Meadows at 2135 m (7046 ft), a total of three hours walking time.
Day 3: Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park - Along Maligne Canyon the river is roaring up to 50 m below you. Now a side trip to picturesque Maligne Lake where you start your 8.5 km (5.3 mi) loop into the flower covered Opal Hills at 2160 m (7130 ft).
Day 4: Jasper – Prince George
Prince George, BC - At the 3954 m (13050 ft) colossus Mt.Robson you walk through cedar forests to Kinney Lake. Down the valley of the Frazer River through sleepy villages to the campground at Purden Lake.
Day 5: Prince George – Fort St James
This national park and historic site on the shore of Stuart Lake stems from the times of the fur trade. The buildings of the former trading post are today an outdoor museum. You hike up Mount Pope for a grandious panorama view of the lake and into the distant plateau. (12 km or 7.2 miles returs).
Day 6: Fort St James - Smithers
New Hazelton - Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers and a few smaller towns on your north-west route thrrough this vast country of forests and mountains. Moricetown Falls is a narrow canyon where migrating salmon can be seen during the summer months. Campground at Ksan, where Natrive guides explain totem poles and longhouses of an ancient culture.
Day 7: Smithers - Stewart
The oldest still standing totem poles can be found near Kitwanga and Kitwancool. Camping by a lake, there is time this evening for an excursion to fantastic hanging glaciers at Bear Pass.
Day 8: Stewart (Hyder Alaska)
A side trip to Alaska. Only 3 km and an international border apart but what contrasts. Tidy, typical Canadian Stewart has the school and the bank, end-of-the-road Hyder is purely Alaskan and has the bears and the glacier. Black bears and grizzlies fishing for salmon are not bothered by spectators and occasionally walk through the village. Several movies were filmed here.
Day 9: Stewart Cassiar Highway
Only a few hundred souls live along this rarely travelled northern route. The scenery of the high plateau, framed by rugged peaks of the Coastal and Cassiar Ranges leaves a powerfully impression. Camping by a small lake where you can rent a canoe for an afternoon of exploring.
Day 10: Stewart Cassiar Highway – Frances Lake
Still driving north on the Cassiar Highway through absolute wilderness with roaring rivers, lonely lakes and endless forests. Watson Lake with the "sign forest" is already part of the Yukon. If you feel homesick you may add your town sign to the collection. A short film in the interpretive centre shows the importance of this highway stop. You take the Robert Campbell route north, a true discovery route. Large coaches avoid this gravel road, here you experience old-time Yukon nature. Camping at Frances Lake and a hike this afternoon.
Day 11: Frances Lake - Faro
Except for the Native village of Ross River you find no other settlements during today's drive. Camp is near the mining town of Faro on the Pelly River. By making use of some mining trails you can reach a 2060 m highlands with a moderate 2 to 4 hour hike (up to 12 km with up to 800 m gain, 7.2 miles with 2625 ft). Great views, a waterfall and observing wildlife are the rewards.
Day 12: Faro - Tatchun Lake
Wolves and bears call this land their home, so keep your eyes peeled. Camping at picturesque Tatchun Lake.
Day 13: Tatchun Lake – Dawson City
Near the infamous Five Finger Rapids of the Yukon River you reach the Klondike Highway. A short trail leads to the spot where years ago many a paddle wheeler met it's doom. Tonight you reach Dawson City and the campground on the banks of the Yukon. Don't miss the town's nightlife with gambling casinos and Can-Can girls.
Day 14: Dawson City – Dempster Highway
After a side trip to Bonanza Creek, a hundred years ago site of the biggest gold rush of all times, you leave the Klondike gold fields. The infamous Dempster Highway, 730 km (455 mi) of gravel, is the only road connection to the arctic ocean. Camp at the base of the Tombstone Mountains.
Day 15: Dempster Highway (Tombstone Mountains)
The program calls for a 10 km (6.3 mi) hike with 550 m (1815 ft) gain. The black basalt mountains have a moonscape appearance of but are home of caribous which can be spotted in small groups and large herds. Each season has it's own charm, like the coloration of the forests in late summer.
Day 16: Lake Laberge
You travel south via the Klondike Highway. Along the Yukon River old mail stations, rest houses and small settlements are reminders of the great gold rush. Larger towns on the map like Pelly Crossing (population 2800 and Carmacks (500) have a long history as fishing grounds and meeting places of the Aboriginal people, later as rest stops on the way to the Klondike. Campground at Lake Laberge.
Day 17: Kluane National Park
A short side trip to the Takhini Hot Springs and now the land of the superlatives: Mt. Logan (5959 m, 19665 ft), Canada's highest mountain, in Canada's largest national park with the world's largest glacier field (except at the north and south poles). Another attraction is the abundant fauna. Base camp is set up at the border to the national park, the first excursion is a hike to pretty Kathleen Lake.
Day 18: Kluane National Park
The Auriol-Trail is a 12 km (7.5 mi) loop with amazing scenery. Walking time is app. 4 hours with 300m (182 ft) elevation gain to a maximum height of 1159m (3825 ft).
Day 19: Kluane National Park
The most spectacular hike of this region: Sheep Mountain overlooking huge Kluane Lake. It calls for a five hour, 14 km (9 mi) hike with good chances to spot the elusive white dall sheep. There is also opportunity for a white water rafting trip on the Tatshenshini River or a sightseeing flight deep into the park.
Day 20: Kluane National Park – Whitehorse
Whitehorse - The Alaska Highway to the capital of the Yukon. Along the road you stop at a dog mushers place. 100 Huskies are looking forward to meet you. In Whitehorse the program calls for a visit of Miles Canyon and the world's longest fish ladder. You should also make time for the McBride- and the Beringia Museum as well as the S.S.Klondike paddle wheeler. Hotel and final get-together for tonight.
Day 21: Whitehorse
Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to the airport. If you are really gripped by the spirit of adventure you might want to consider to extend your vacation with a 7-day guided Yukon River canoe trip. Please ask us for details.
