Yukon Hiking (with a short trip to Alaska)
July 7-20, 2023
Leader: Madeleine Davidson msdavidson0000@gmail.com
Explore Canada’s north and discover the beauty of Yukon on a 14-day hiking tour. During this time we will explore paths and trails near Whitehorse, head out to Dawson City and visit the nearby Tombstone Territorial Park, learn about the rich history of the Canadian Gold Rush, visit the magnificent Kluane National Park, and even cross the border into Skagway, Alaska on the famed White Pass and Yukon Route railway. With more moose than people, and with 80% of its land being wilderness, Yukon is a photographic paradise with plenty of opportunity for wildlife viewing.
This trip includes a customized itinerary prepared exclusively for HOC by Yukon Tours. yukontours.ca
With the exception of some shorter, local trails in Whitehorse, all hikes will be guided by an experienced local guide. We will have a van available to us for transportation within Whitehorse and to the other destinations.
It is important for members to expect that hiking in Yukon might be more challenging than hiking in Ontario. Some of the distances might seem short but the elevation gains are greater. This trip is not recommended for hikers who have only hiked locally on flatter surfaces in southern Ontario. Refer to the Yukon hiking distances for more information.
Proposed Itinerary (subject to change based on local conditions)
Day 1. Friday July, 7th
Air North flight Departing Toronto at 10:45 am Arriving in Whitehorse at 3:05 pm.
Reception at the airport by your local guide
Transfer to Hotel
Welcome meeting to go over itinerary, details and questions.
Dinner on own
Accommodation at the Sternwheeler Hotel
Day 2. Saturday July, 8th – Whitehorse
Breakfast included
AM- City tour with guide and Bear safety talk
Lunch on own
PM- Miles Canyon Hike with guide
Dinner on own
Accommodation at the Sternwheeler Hotel
Day 3. Sunday, July 9th - Whitehorse
Breakfast Included
Full day hike at Fish Lake/Bonneville Lake (Packed lunch included)
Dinner on own
Accommodation at the Sternwheeler Hotel
Day 4. Monday, July 10th - Carcross
Breakfast included
Full day trip to Carcross with guided– hike Sam McGee / Caribou
Visit to Carcross Commons + desert (packed lunch included)
Dinner on own
Accommodation at the Sternwheeler Hotel
Day 5. Tuesday, July 11th – Alaska – BRING YOUR PASSPORT!
Breakfast included
Full-day trip to Skagway with guided – Laughton Glacier Hike (WPYR Skagway to Laughton) (packed lunch included)
Dinner on own
Accommodation at the Sternwheeler Hotel
Day 6. Wednesday, July 12th – Dawson City
Breakfast on own
Drive to Dawson City with guide (6.5 hrs approx. with stops)
Lunch on own (grab & go)
Dinner on own
Accommodation at Downtown Hotel or Triple J Hotel
Day 7. Thursday, July 13th - Dawson City
Breakfast on own
Leisure day in Dawson. Parks Canada Tour, Gold Panning, Dome hike (transportation and guide at service)
Lunch and dinner on own
Accommodation at Downtown Hotel or Triple J Hotel
Day 8. Friday, July 14th – Tombstone Territorial Park
Breakfast on own
Full day Tombstone Territorial Park Tour & hike with guide (Packed lunch included)
Dinner on own
Accommodation at Downtown Hotel or Triple J Hotel
Day 9. Saturday, July 15th - Carmacks
Breakfast on own
Drive to Carmacks (4-5 hrs) with guide
Local hike TBD – depending on group preferences
Lunch and dinner on own
Accommodation at Carmacks Hotel
Day 10. Sunday, July 16th – Kluane National Park
Breakfast on own
AM - Drive to Haines Junction (3.5 hrs) - Stop at Kluane National Park centre and Da ku
PM hike Auriol Trail or similar
Lunch and dinner on own
Accommodation at Raven’s Rest
Day 11. Monday, July 17th - Kluane National Park
Breakfast included
Full day hike: Thunder Egg Creek, Lower Alsek, Sheep Mountain (packed lunch included)
Dinner on own
Accommodation at Raven’s Rest
Day 12. Tuesday, July 18th – Kluane National Park
Breakfast included
AM- Hike in the Kluane National Park
Lunch on own (grab and go)
PM-Drive back to Whitehorse
Dinner on own
Accommodation at Sternwheeler
Day 13. Wednesday, July 19th - Whitehorse
Breakfast included
Morning off – souvenir shopping or museum visits
Lunch on own
PM: Hike to cave on Grey Mountain with guide
Wrap up celebration dinner
Accommodation at Sternwheeler
Day 14. Thursday, July 20th
Breakfast Included
Transfer to Airport
Air North flight Departing Whitehorse at 8:00 am Arriving in Toronto at 5:40 pm.
An excellent source of information including distance and elevation related to each hike is yukonhiking.ca, which I have found to be quite accurate in their assessments. Only hikes rated “easy” or “moderate” have been included in the itinerary. Substitutions may be made depending on weather or other conditions and group preferences and abilities. One hike rated as “difficult” will likely be added as it includes very impressive and unusual rock formations. Where possible, 2 hiking options with varying difficulty will be presented. Members will always have the option to not hike.
Other hikes will be arranged as time permits (e.g. evenings in Whitehorse) and depending on the preferences of the group. There will also be shorter “stop off” hikes during travel days (e.g. Spirit Canyon, Five Finger Rapids). These will be well-known, beautiful areas to explore enroute to a destination that would not be practical as a separate day trip.
Timing
July was selected as the best month. The days are long (approximately 18-20 hours of light) and the weather is as warm as it will get (not usually above 18 degrees in Whitehorse). As we will be visiting more northern areas as well, members will be advised to be prepared for cooler temperatures (e.g. hat, gloves, puffer jacket or similar, a fleece for a cooler evening). Generally normal hiking attire is suitable (pants, moisture wicking long or short sleeved shirt, removeable layers). Rain gear should be packed. Hiking boots are mandatory. Summer in the Yukon runs from June to August. Average temperatures reach highs of between 14° and 20° C and lows between 6° and 8° C.
Cost: $5,635 per person, which includes a $25 non-refundable HOC registration fee
Includes: return air fare including luggage (Air North provides a meal), 13 nights accommodation, transportation, expert guiding services for the whole trip, assistant guide for day hikes, Whitehorse Day Tour, 4 ½ day guided hikes, 5 full day guided hikes, train fare from Skagway to Laughton Glacier, 8 breakfasts, 5 package lunches, farewell dinner, gratuities for guide(s) and driver.
Members should budget approximately $560+ for 12 dinners, 7 lunches, and 4 breakfasts. Some group dinners will be arranged but payment will not be made in advance.
Exclusions
Items of a personal nature
Tips for hotel personnel
Optional tours and activities (e.g.entrance fees to museums)
Alcoholic beverages
Out of Province Health insurance and cancellation insurance – both optional but recommended
The itinerary developed is based on availability at the time and changes are a possibility.
Registration and Payment
Registration opens March 11 (a stroke past midnight, the night of March 10)
Since this trip is less than 6 months out, one payment of $5,635 per person must be made to HOC when you register using the club website / Events Calendar. This covers the full cost of the trip and the HOC fee.
We do not expect any change to the final pricing but will notify participants if an adjustment is required. These are unique times and prices and services may vary. While in progress, if the trip experiences unexpected circumstances that are beyond our control that result in changes to the itinerary and unexpected expenses, members are responsible for any extra expenses that may be incurred.
CANCELLATION
Payments are non-refundable. However, substitutions are allowed. HOC is not responsible for finding a substitute but will assist if there is a waiting list. If a replacement cannot be found, the cancelling party will be responsible for the full cost of the trip. HOC strongly recommends that you purchase out-of-province medical travel insurance. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is advisable as well.
Should the club cancel this trip for any reason, then you will receive a full refund.
Number of participants – 13 members including the HOC leader.
NOTE: If we are unable to match you up with a roommate and there are no alternative rooming arrangements we will cancel your registration and process a refund.
Deviations are not permitted for this trip.
If you have any questions, please contact the trip leader by email:
Madeleine Davidson msdavidson0000@gmail.com