Snake River – Yukon

Adventure Overview

Located in East Central Yukon Territory, the Snake River finds itself in good company as one of six major tributaries of the Peel watershed, one of the largest untouched watersheds in the world.   The Snake River runs alongside other great canoe routes including the Hart, the Wind and Canadian Heritage River, the Bonnet Plume.

We will Rendezvous in Whitehorse, spending one night in a hotel giving us time to organize our gear and get to know the other members of our group. From Whitehorse we drive North to the town of Mayo where we board a float plane and fly out to Duo Lakes.

We will spend some time exploring the expansive alpine country at Duo Lakes, before making our way to the Snake River. Our first day will involve warming up our canoe skills on Duo Lake and portaging our canoes and camping gear 1.5 kms to the river.  Day two we will get on the river which will involve continuous class 1 and 2 rapids, it is a steep express way as we drop out of the Wreneke Mountains. After this first day of paddling the river mellows out and we will enjoy multiple days of mountain views, beautiful rapids, hiking opportunities and gourmet food. Other highlights in the 300kms of the Snake River, include the Snake River Canyon rapid, glimpses of Mount Macdonald (the highest peak in the Mackenzie Mountains), a waterfall campsite and hike and wild blueberries. We will be picked up by float plane at a place called “Taco Bar”, only 2.5kms downstream of the Peel confluence.

The Snake River surges past layered and serrated ridges streaked with rust, ochre and maroon.  Lofty glacial peaks like Mount MacDonald tower above the swift-flowing upper Snake, one of the most stunning wild rivers in the Canadian North.  Its many side valleys invite exploration; we have included time to hike and explore.  The wildlife is abundant with the opportunity to see Woodland caribou, Dal Sheep, and much more.  The river is mostly Class 2, with a few class 3 rapids.  Previous whitewater experience is necessary.

We acknowledge that the Snake River and Peel watershed are the traditional territories of the Gwitch’in Dene and Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nations who continue to use and live in these lands. We recognize that we are visitors to this land and will travel respectfully.

What's Included