Few waterways are woven so tightly into the cultural, social and economic fabric of a people as the Yukon River. The fourth largest river in North America, it drains most of the Yukon and provided historic links between Whitehorse, Carmacks, Dawson City and many other towns and villages. Though paddlewheelers have long been replaced by cars and highways, today the Yukon River combines wildlife, scenery, history, culture and adventure into an incredible river journey.
The Yukon is a smooth, fast waterway with canoeing options ranging from one or two-day trips to two week expeditions. Known as the 'River of Gold', the Yukon was the route to the gold fields during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. Modern river travelers see remnants of abandoned cabins and sternwheelers, learn about the Yukon’s trading and exploration history at the restored Fort Selkirk historic site, and experience special places like Five Finger Rapids and Dawson City.
The Thirty Mile section of the Yukon River between Lake Laberge and the Teslin River is designated a Canadian Heritage River. Named by paddlewheeler captains during the Klondike Gold Rush, this swift and ever-shifting stretch of river was considered the most treacherous and many ships were wrecked. Today, canoeists paddling the Thirty Mile enjoy an easy and fascinating day between Lake Laberge and the aging fort at Hootalinqua. Except for a short section following the North Klondike Highway at Carmacks, the Yukon River is a quiet and remote journey with plenty of wildlife and scenery.