Canoe Expedition in the Yukon Wilderness

This is one of the best adventure trips I have had. The guides were excellent, as were the equipment they provided, and the food, all helped by the fantastic good luck of rain for only an hour and almost no wind. Having said that, although not technically difficult, paddling 360km over 9 days, between 20 and 60km per day, is challenging. Once you are on the rivers there is no way off.

The trip was better than we could have expected, in part due to luck - we had amazing weather the whole time with only a little rain, and our whole group were fab, working together from the first and providing great energy and entertainment. Our 2 guides from hosts Ruby Range were exceptional - skilled and knowledgeable, joining the banter and keeping us safe and amazingly well fed. They also made sure to include some fascinating and beautiful lunch spots. The paddling was hard at first, but by day 4 I’d found my rhythm with paddling and the days got easier. Nothing was better than a quiet hour of paddling and watching for wildlife. Despite some long days on the river, there was plenty of time for chilling, fishing, swimming and relaxing.

Quite simply a superb trip. Perfectly judged so that canoeing novices could develop the required skills and experience as they went along. Our guides Julianne and Jan were absolutely first class; considerate, hard working, knowledgeable and great fun. Their personal contribution to the success or otherwise of the trip was vital, and they were both excellent.

This was a fantastic and unforgettable trip. The guides Julia and Jan were knowledgeable and approachable and they helped the group to form and be a cohesive supportive group. They were humourous and hard working. The food was excellent throughout and was supplemented with fresh caught fish. The canoeing was sometimes hard because it was hot and we had little experience , but we got better and grew stronger throughout. the week. Thank you to those involved in both planning and application. Terrific trip.

We went canoeing on the Teslin and Yukon Rivers, guided by Jan and Julia. They were knowledgeable, helpful, had great humour and were incredibly hard working. They made sure it was a truly special event, pointing out wildlife and keeping us fed with wonderful meals throughout. I loved every minute - thank you very much!

I'll make no bones about it, this trip requires some serious endurance - some days travelling between 50-60km on the water. That being said, it was completely incredible.

We were absolutely blessed with the weather, seeing approx 20 mins of rain for the whole trip, for which I am sure is an anomoly and not the norm - but we were certainly grateful for it! The views were breathtaking, heightened by the sunshine no doubt. We saw moose, eagles, a beaver and even a wolverine!

We were immersed in the history of the yukon territories and the gold rush - seeing old first nations settlements, abandoned stern wheelers and camping at the sites of old mines and logging operations. There is truly something for everyone.

Our guides, Juli and Jan, were fantastic - keeping us safe on the water and well fed (hunger is not a problem on this trip!) with a sense of humour to boot. But it's the group that make it what it is - everyone pitched in, whether it was prepping river water to be filtered, setting up the kitchen, getting the fire going or pitching tents - our guides showed us what to do and we just got on with it, running pretty much like clockwork from day 1.

On a practical note, I definitely over packed initially - taking more clothes than needed on the water, so quite a lot was left at the base before even seeing a canoe. I ended up taking x2 sets of clothes (leggings, long sleeved base layer to protect from sun and cold, lightweight wicking fleece) plus waterproof trousers which were a bonus protection from the mosquitos, a down jacket and a waterproof.

In terms of footwear, I wore crocs the whole time which was fine for on the canoe and dried quickly if getting wet and was also fine for in camp. I don't know if I'd have had the same opinion if we'd have had lots of rain.

There are no shower/washing facilities. You have the river. That is all.

Bug spray is a must - I got pretty much eaten alive but then again I'm a bit sensitive like that. Additional layers in camp helped, as well as after-bite cream and a head net when mozzies eere excessive as some camps were worse than others (we were mostly fine on the water).

Bring a carabiner to clip your water bottle into your boat when on the water. A couple of people in our trip lost theirs to the river in an involuntary capsize. Thankfully there were a couple of spare bottles lurking around but don't rely on this - you are a long way from civilisation and if someone else doesnt have it, you will go without.

We also took electrolytes which were very helpful for recovery each day.

Invest in a good roll mat to sleep on. We took thermarests and got a fantastic night sleep each night. 9 nights is a long time to be uncomfortable at night and have poor recovery for the water the next day.

I think the trip was accurately rated as moderate - I'm fairly fit though didn't actively train on the run up and it was fine. That said, your back and shoulders do take a lot of strain so if you're weak here/suffer with back pain, I would encourage you to do some form of strength/endurance training to accomodate this.

Absolutely 1000% would recommend. This trip was amazing.

WHAT A PLACE! Bear (black), moose (mamma and calf), otter, beaver and more eagles (golden and bald) than you can count.

To echo something in an earlier review, if you're at all considering this trip then just do it. I'd agree with other reviews that say that this is probably closer to challenging than moderate, depending on the weather. On a good day it's certainly not difficult, but once the wind picks up then it's hard work - not a bad thing at all, but something worth knowing. A couple of people in our group had been on MBA trips rated as 'challenging' and said that the hard days on the Yukon were much tougher than those, but then again, the easier days were much less so - in short, it varies, but everyone managed it and felt a huge satisfaction.

Our guides were fantastic. Quite different from each other which meant each had their own strengths. Between them, their knowledge of the Yukon and of paddling was extensive.

Food: you will not go hungry on this trip and you need not worry about having typical expedition freeze-dried fare either; every meal was amazing. Even better is that as you eat your way through the provisions, the boxes get lighter to load each day. Unless you're especially fussy then there's no need to bring extra snacks - the snack barrel is your best friend and makes regular appearances.

Kit: we spent a lot of time second guessing our footwear choice as we chose to ignore the welly advice on grounds of weight. I'm glad we did. When I told the guides what was written, they looked very confused. If water goes over wellies then they take a very long time to dry. They're also heavy and cumbersome. Some people just paddled in crocs. One guide had sandals and another some specialist paddling shoes with neoprene underneath. I think everyone who took wellies ended up not really using them by the end. However, we went in July so the water wasn't really cold (we swam most days). I get very cold feet and opted for 4mm neoprene socks with old trainers for grip (I just ditched the shoes at the end) and this combination worked perfectly. I agree with an earlier review that said don't bother with any hiking shoes/boots for camp - crocs were fine. Take waterproof socks for under them if you want.

I'd also say it's worth reading up a little on the history of the region (gold rush of the 1890s). It certainly gave me an appreciation for just what those prospectors went through . We loved the trip so much that we're planning to return and do Part B (from Carmacks, the end point of this trip, to Dawson city).

An adventure not a holiday!! That's what we say when someone asks about our trip. It was challenging but rewarding.

Our recent adventure through the Yukon wilderness was truly the trip of a lifetime. The landscape is stunning and every day brought a new sense of discovery and awe. While the journey is certainly physical—paddling, portaging, and setting up/taking down camp—anyone with a decent level of fitness can absolutely do it. Don’t underestimate the demands, but with some preparation, you’ll be fine. Teamwork played a huge role, and embracing the shared experience with fellow travelers made it even more rewarding. It was wonderful to be completely disconnected from phones and the outside world, allowing us to relax, reset, and really reflect in nature. Our guides Marguerite and Jean were fantastic, sharing stories and teaching us about the rich history of the places we passed through. No prior canoe experience is required, but it definitely helps—especially if you find yourself steering! The sense of adventure and challenge was brilliant, and the trip left us with a big sense of accomplishment. Yukon weather can be unpredictable. We were lucky and only had a bit of rain, but when it comes, it pours—so good waterproofs are a must. The food was excellent; waking up to hot coffee every morning (and endless Nutella) was a real treat. Wildlife sightings were a highlight—we spotted a moose and her calf, plenty of bald eagles, and a couple of beavers. We saw signs of bears, but didn’t spot any. There were also great opportunities to fish, with plenty of Pike and Grayling. All in all, I recommend this trip. It’s a unique and rewarding experience that offers adventure, connection, and a chance to truly unplug. If you’re looking for a real wilderness escape, this is the one.

If you are reviewing this trip with any ounce of seriousness, I would fully recommend you book. It will not disappoint! It's the f-ing Yukon!

Full disclosure, I had previously only canoed once before on a Primary school trip so my main motivation for booking was that of the sheer remoteness and frontier-esque aspects. That said, I loved every moment on the water - even our brief paddle through a storm. In the 9 nights we encountered truly wild terrain, fast and slow waters (though nothing too technical), deafening headwinds, moose families, bald eagles in numbers like pigeons, beavers, we feasted on fresh pike and I even fought a squirrel (it ended a draw). A true adventure, lead by two great guides Marguerite and Jan.

My tips on reflection would be: • Don’t underestimate the physicality – though not overly demanding, there are multiple days of 35+ miles (60+km) so stamina is a must • Teamwork makes the dreamwork – every part of this trip is better as a team from the setting up and dismantling of the camp, to the personal bond you will form with your paddle partner (a shout out to mine, Dave, as he did most of the hard work!) • Your feet will get wet – it’s inevitable. Priorities quick dry/drain footwear (I wore sandals) for day use and keep warm layers for the camp. This applies to all clothing.

Got just what I was hoping for on this trip. Our guides Marguerite and Jan did an excellent job throughout the trip. They were knowledgeable and personable throughout the trip. Also did a great job with cooking for our group. The scenery is good but not spectacular in my opinion but as that wasn’t what I was looking for or expecting it wasn’t a big deal. What I was looking for and got was true isolation from society. No phone service throughout the trip no roads or traffic noise, no motorboats, not even planes flying overhead. Just the sounds and peacefulness of nature. Not having the temptation of phones and technology allows you to relax and forget the world for a week was so enjoyable and something everyone should experience from time to time. The trip does take a lot of energy and work to get through but is doable for anyone in decent shape. The paddling, setting and taking down camp each day certainly will keep you busy but some days are planned to be shorter and give you a chance to slow down and rest a bit.

Great trip, more challenging than expected

I have just returned from what was an epic trip through the Yukon Wilderness, our guides Marguerite and Jeremy were excellent throughout the trip sharing stories of the gold rush and the first nation inhabitants, expertly guiding us through the Teslin and Yukon rivers showing us techniques on canoeing, knots and camping tips. Their energy and enthusiasm for the wild and leaving no trace and for making sure the trip went as planned was fantastic.

We ate like kings every night from Sockeye salmon, burgers over an open fire, ribs and pasta with camp fire smores for desert made the whole trip incredible. We had a varied group with different skill sets but everyone pulled together and contributed to setting up camp, cooking, starting the fire, cleaning dishes, filtering water and packing up each morning, it was a real team effort and became second nature after a few days. Catching a few fish along the way and having them for lunch the next day was an excellent way to really experience the wild and how to survive.

The area is breathtaking and each day as we set out we made comments like, 'you'd never get bored with this view' or 'what an incredible day this is', we were really lucky with the weather being 25 degrees and sunny most days with only a 20 minute shower the whole week, which made camp so much more enjoyable as we sat around the fire and got to know each other.

The trip is tough and some of the longer days were tiring but it was so worth the effort to enjoy such a magical journey through the Yukon, we saw Bald Eagles, Moose, Hawks and signs of beavers and the birdsong each morning was something that was truly special. The organization and communication from day one was great, and i felt in very safe and experienced hands throughout the trip. Thanks you for such an epic journey and something I will never forget

This was a fantastic trip into genuine wilderness. The awe-inspiring remoteness cannot be underestimated and nor can the benefit of being totally disconnected. The lead guide was amazingly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and the whole group had a great energy about it. I travelled alone to join an expedition and was made to feel very welcome - everybody helped out and supported each other helping to make this feel like a sort of spiritual communion with the natural world.

What a stunning 9 days canoeing in the Yukon Territory in Canada. This place has totally flawed me with its remote nature and shear beauty. The river has taken us on an incredible journey and has been very kind. Wonderful weather although the heat is causing issues with forest fires which is a concern for the ecology in the area. This trip is into the heart of the Yukon wilderness. No phone signal meant we had a true digital detox for 9 days which has been very therapeutic and made me ask questions about my own habits after returning home. This trip has been magical. Our guide Marguerite has been nothing short of awesome! Her passion for the outdoors combined with her incredible skills in living in the wilderness cannot be faulted. She looked after the group so well and coached us all on the canoeing skills we would need for the week ahead as well as the camp craft required to survive. The focus on the ecology and not leaving a trace was excellent and taught me lot. This trip requires resilience and is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. The longer days on the river were very tiring but also very rewarding. We had good weather the whole trip but I could imagine how this would be made more challenging in windy and raining conditions. This has been the trip of a lifetime! I will miss the Yukon and what it has done for my own wellbeing and that of everyone in the group. It was very much a group effort and by working as a team we made the work element much less of a task and was a key factor. I have no criticism of this trip. The food was fantastic and all safety concerns were handled very well indeed. I will look forward to booking my next trip soon!! This one will be very hard to beat!! Thank you!!

I mainly booked this tour for two reasons:

• to try something new (canoeing)
• to experience some really remote wilderness and nature that is (mostly) untouched by nature

I can only say, I got exactly what I wanted and I'm really glad I did this!

On top of that I was in a group of wonderful people. We all supported each other at all times and everybody was willing to put in the work necessary to make this trip happen. The guides gave us plenty opportunity to improve our canoeing skills and constantly supplied us with great food.

However, the work should not be underestimated: many hours of paddling plus several hours of other chores each day: pitching and taking down of tents, lugging heavy boxes to and from the canoes, digging the latrine trench, washing the dishes, etc. It was a lot and you did sometimes wish for a little more slack time to just relax and enjoy, although we certainly did that as well.

The weather conditions only added to the challenges: we had a little bit of everything: rain, hail, lightning, sunshine, evenings where you could go swim in the (icecold) river and nights that made you wish for a warmer sleeping bag. Anything's possible in the Yukon terrritories and while that wasn't always easy to handle, I think it was part of the adventure!

The Yukon was everything I expected and more. Our guides Rachel and Eric were brilliant taking such good care of us. They helped us to navigate the paddling and even joining in the evening fun for a good few games of hacky sack after a day on the river. I would say if you can get a little taster session in a canoe first if you’ve never done it before maybe helpful. I wish I had but it’s not essential. Having a good level of fitness is a must as well as being a team player all unloading, loading and packing away gear is a group effort. I was with such a great group of people it made this very easy. I would definitely recommend this trip. Can’t wait for my next MBA trip.

The trip is really tough so definitely don’t underestimate how physically demanding it is. But a massive achievement, beautiful scenery and met some amazing people! Our guide was quite snappy and got us lost a few times, there was also a communication mix up within the company around pick ups etc. overall we had a good trip.

Without shadow of a doubt a life changing trip, The Yukon offers up an extraordinary perspective with its views and stories. Must see & feel!

Not a-lot of hiking involved - we did a 1 20min walk. So wouldn't bother with hiking footwear!

The guides Rachael and Eric were fantastic great fun & amazing chefs 10/10

Rachel and Eric led a superb trip that dropped us off at Johnson’s crossing in the Teslin River and took us eight days through the wilderness to Carmacks. It is definitely not a trip for the faint hearted, or those not up for a physical challenge, this trip relies on your own perseverance to keep going (even if it rains on you all day!!) and sense of teamwork and helping out. Prepare to get stuck in and put others before yourself, when this matters most is when you arrive at camp at the end of a long day and help others unload boats, gear and set up tents and dig latrines!

It is an incredible trip, and all those outdoor enthusiasts it is a rare opportunity run by the super company ruby range.

We had great group dynamics and a real sense of fun on the trip, playing paddling games, learning skills, playing many games of yahtzee in the evenings and ensuring we were roped up with snores on sunny evenings. It rained 2/8 days for us. Rain isn’t apparently all that common but it absolutely tipped it down for us, so be prepared for everything. What I loved most about the trip was the total absence of technology and silence of the place. We saw moose, beaver and eagles!

The food is amazing, salmon/ bison/elk/ quinoa/ fresh veg/ tortillas/ rye bread / beans and eggs . The guides are so impressive with what they manage to cook up.

Here are my packing takeaways-

1. You don’t need as much as you think
2. NRS boundary boots are the BEST shoes ever, combined with a pair of arctic dry waterproof socks. They must be high as you waive through water. Also bring crocs. You need these for camp and hot days!!! Many others wore wellies and were okay with those. You don’t need hiking shoes.
3. NRS touring jacket was also amazing, I didn’t get my clothes wet at all with this due to the neoprene wrists- this was amazing. Expensive but great. Check out escape watersports if you are from the UK.
4. You can wash your clothes in the river and I could therefore have packed half as much- I could easily have taken maybe 2 tops instead of 4/5!
5. Thermals might not be needed- I didn’t wear mine.
6. One jumper- not two!
7. 1 pair of dry socks, not loads!
8. Bring a mosquito head net!!!!
9. Bring a 20l dry bag as a ‘day bag’ that was my size and it was perfect to put my waterproofs in for when we needed to change in the boats!
10. Canoeing experience not needed they teach you
11. You don’t really need additional snacks- they have LOADS of nutri grain bars etc…
12. Vegetarian/gluten free was catered for on our trip!
13. Everything you own should be quick dry- you’ll thank me for this!
14. You can shampoo and wash in the river, it’s cold but you get used to it! Crocs important due to rocky shore in some places
15. I recommend a warm sleeping bag and liner. I had one down to -16 and a cotton liner this was perfect first cold nights, in the hot nights I didn’t even bother with a sleeping bag but better safe than sorry!
16. Roll matts- invest. I got a 5cm self inflating one from vango, which was amazing and saved me so much time.
17. Bring a game to play for the evenings!
18. Bring a buff- doubles up as an eye mask for that midnight sun!
19. Bring your tip in cash. Our guide had to head off fast at the end.
20. Be aware of wild roses out there- they have spiky stalks and some on our group reacted to them! So I recommend some antihistamines.
21. Light zip off trousers I think are the best, I got ones from decathlon. It can be BOILING hot, or very wet.
22. Moisturiser for hands- do this daily.
23. Personally I wouldn’t bother with gloves specifically for paddling I think they cause you more blisters from experience especially when wet. Some light gloves for the mornings is nice though as it is chilly.
24. Jacket wise I took a light puffa layer. Worked a treat.
25. I didn’t need my thermos but could have brought more black tea.

Truly excellent trip with amazing experiences everyday. The guides were really supportive, very knowledgeable and they really could not do enough for us throughout. The food was excellent and we had a some great fun with a lovely group of like minded people. I will definitely book again with Much Better Adventure. Very pleased 10/10 in all areas.

When we booked this trip as part of our honeymoon adventure, we didn't really know what we were letting ourselves in for.

Not only was this one of the most brilliantly challenging things we have done together, but the people we ended up spending 10 days with are some of the best people I've met. Never have I laughed so much, minutes after silently cursing myself for thinking a canoeing trip on the freezing cold Yukon river would be romantic.

Every day of this trip brought something new. New snacks from our guide Rachel's endless bag of goodies, new stories from the group, and new wildlife to see and admire. One of the best things about this trip was never knowing what we would see around the next riverbend, and the proximity you can get to eagles, moose, beavers, and more.

The website description doesn't do justice to how challenging but completely immersive this trip is. When they say "Yukon Wilderness" they mean it - you won't see civilisation or anything manmade for over a week, and only stumble across a few remnants of the Yukon Goldrush.

All in all, this trip was one of our best adventures to date. We could share all the photos in the world but still be unable to describe quite how it feels to canoe down a river that is so vast, peaceful, and completely beautiful. If you're hesitating about booking this trip, take our advice and just do it. You won't regret it!

This is a true adventure into the wilderness of the Canadian Yukon. You will canoe starting from the Teslin and into the Yukon river, through the forests and mountains of Canada's far north. You will stop each night on a campsite beside the river, well away from human civilisation and into the habitat of bears, beavers, moose, elk and eagles. Keep a keen eye on the riverbank and the sky to spot all of the unique wildlife whilst you are out on the water. Distance covered is about 400km on the river in total across the trip. The Yukon was the place of the last great goldrush of the 19th century; the Klondike Goldrush. There is still evidence of that Goldrush on the river like steamboat wrecks, gold dredging sites and telegraph stations.

Group dynamics are great! You can expect to spend time with others that love the outdoors and are ready for a fun challenge. I travelled solo

Don't expect to eat noodles and freeze dried food, there is plenty of space in the canoes for delicious fresh food! Expect to eat meat, cheese, bread, fruits and vegetables all prepared by your host. Delightful meals included pancakes on a stony beach and bison/caribou sausages cooked on a campfire.

The sights are absolutely spectacular and with some luck you will spot some awesome wildlife in their natural habitat.

Tips for travellers:

1. Waterproof gear is essential- Be prepared for rain and to get wet, splashed on and to get your feet soaked. A waterproof jacket with a hood and waterproof trousers are essential. Tall wellington boots are a must as your feet will sink into the water and mud, get boots that are 8-10 inches high, industrial wellington boots are suitable.
2. Canoeing experience isn't essential, but an understanding of water sports and water safety is important.
3. Experience in camping and outdoors life is essential- Know how to keep yourself warm, dry and clean at camp.
4. Bring a team spirit and a team attitude; everyone has to contribute to do the essential tasks of loading & unloading, setting up, packing up and washing up, your guide cannot do all of that for you!
5. Be reasonably fit, and be prepared for an average of 5-6 hours of canoeing each day.
6. Expect both cold and hot conditions- So bring warm jackets, thermals, gloves, beanies as well as t-shirts, shorts and sunscreen for those hot & sunny days.
7. Bring a positive attitude and a willingness to experience the true wilderness!

It was well worth travelling 17,000km from Australia to the Canadian Yukon for this!

Don't be fooled by the serene photos - this 10-day canoe expedition along the Teslin and Yukon rivers is a true wilderness adventure that will test your limits. From loading and unloading gear to negotiating fast-flowing eddies, the days are long, and the work is real. You'll encounter both bright sun and biting cold – if you decide on an early paddle. (We struck out at 4.30 am one morning, and there was ice on the kit bags!) But overcoming the challenges as a tight-knit team is half the reward.

The payoff for the effort is immense. You'll paddle through some of the most stunningly wild and untouched landscapes in North America. Gliding along these iconic rivers, you feel blissfully disconnected from the modern world. Otters, owls, eagles, beavers and moose replace human company. After just a day, you feel immersed in the rhythm of the water and the land.

The wild campsites are spectacular, and the food is delicious, especially given the remote setting. We even had a blueberry pancake brunch on a pebble island.

But the true magic of this trip is in the camaraderie that emerges from working together. You truly are in the middle of nowhere and, therefore, very reliant on one another. Luckily for me, Dylan, Carly, Helen, Chesc, Harry and Lachy were amazing paddle mates.

Practically, this is a tougher-than-sold trip; you’re on the water for 5-6 hours a day, and you need to be fit. Make sure you have robust gloves, waterproof boots, quality hand cream, and clothes for all conditions. We got soaked through on days 1 and 2, but after that, it was blissfully sunny. You really don’t need hiking boots. Pack as light as you can; it makes the canoes faster and leaves less to lug on and offshore.

Finally, huge credit goes to our exceptional guide, Rachel, who deftly led us through this challenging journey with skill, hard work and constant positivity. Her knowledge of the land, passion for the wilderness, and joyous personality made the experience truly special.

This is a serious expedition, not to be taken lightly, but if you're willing to work for it, the rewards are immense.

A super trip

Fantastic trip. Got to experience the true Canadian wilderness.

A great adventure in some beautiful places, roughing it in the wild. The paddling is a good challenge and there is a sense of adventure not knowing where you might be able to get to a campsite each day as conditions dictated their access. Mixed experience of our tour guides and some miscommunications with the tour operator hindered the experience somewhat.