Great River Journey
The Great River Journey is a unique world-class geotour. It combines the adventure of a wilderness river safari with a journey of personal discovery — there is no other product like it in North America. The Great River Journey begins in Whitehorse and unfolds over eight days and 600 kilometers (373 miles) of wilderness leading to Dawson City. Along the way, it passes through the traditional lands of our four First Nations partners, whose citizens are among the people who will be hosting, guiding and caring for guests. Small groups (maximum 10 people) travel in their own riverboat with a pilot and an experienced local guide. Frequent landings are made to view wildlife, explore the wilderness and historical sites, rest and relax. The small group size and the wide variety of Yukon attractions permit each tour to be personalized to accommodate special interests such as wildlife viewing, nature photography, bird watching, hiking, paddling and participating in cultural and interpretative programs. The Great River Journey has been developed as a responsible tourism product, with respect for the environment and First Nations culture as its cornerstone values.
The Itinerary
DAY 1 - Whitehorse to Upper Labarge Lodge
XGuests are greeted by their guide at the airport or their hotel. Depending on weather and other factors, guests may cruise the scenic one-hour trip by riverboat or fly the 15-minute route by float plane to Upper Labarge Lodge.
DAY 2 - Upper Labarge Lodge
Guests have a full day to explore the Lake Laberge area. Choose from a leisurely walk through the Ta’an village, a more challenging hike and mountain bike ride to the ridges above, a bird scouting jaunt or fishing and kayaking. Second night at the lodge.
DAY 3 - Upper Labarge Lodge to Homestead Lodge
Guests travel by riverboat (or kayak part of the way) from Upper Labarge Lodge down the “Thirty Mile” section of the Yukon River. A floatplane meets the group near Steamboat Island. Guests enjoy a one-hour flight over the Yukon River to Homestead Lodge near Fort Selkirk.
DAY 4 - Homestead Lodge
After breakfast, guests make the short trip across the river from Homestead Lodge to Fort Selkirk. After exploring this historic site for the day, the group returns to Homestead Lodge for the night.
DAY 5 - Homestead Lodge to Wilderness Outpost
Guests travel by riverboat from Homestead Lodge to Wilderness Outpost. Opportunities abound for wildlife viewing along this truly wild section of the journey. Guests “rough it” in comfortable tented accommodations.
DAY 6 - Wilderness Outpost to Dawson City
Guests travel by riverboat from Wilderness Outpost to Dawson City. Our boat trip includes a shore lunch and wildlife viewing opportunities. Upon arrival in Dawson City, guests are welcomed at their accommodation within the historic town site.
DAY 7 - Dawson City
Together with a guide, guests have the full day to explore the many historical, cultural and natural attractions of Dawson City and the surrounding area. Second night in the Klondike capital.
DAY 8 - Dawson City Departure
Guests may board Air North’s scheduled flight back to Whitehorse, or travel by plane or riverboat into Alaska to connect with a cruise. Other options include trips to the High Arctic and the Arctic Ocean. (Please note that travel costs from Dawson City are not included in the Great River Journey Tour package. Our staff will be happy to assist with travel arrangements.)
2009 Departures
Tours depart five days per week, Thursdays through Mondays, from June 4 to September 14.
Group Size
Each tour will have a maximum of 10 people.
Minimum numbers will apply.
2009 Cost
Price per person based on double occupancy:
June 2009 inaugural trips: $5,800
July, August and September trips: $7,800
Contact us for early booking specials.
Payment
A deposit of 25% of the trip fee is payable at the time of booking. Full payment is required 90 days prior to departure. Final booking confirmation is made when the deposit and the registration package are received by Great River Journey.
Cancellation
Cancellations must be made in writing. Deposits are refundable up to 90 days prior to the departure date and are subject to a $100.00 CDN administration fee. Deposits are non refundable after 90 days.
Package Includes
Lodge accommodation and meals, transportation via river boat with pilot and local guide, floatplane charter(s)) as per the itinerary, group equipment (canoes, kayaks, fishing gear) and guide services.
Package does not Include
Alcoholic beverages. Gratuities. Goods & Services Tax. Transportation to Whitehorse. Transportation out of Dawson City.