Big Salmon River Expedition (Quiet Lake → Carmacks)

Length: 15 days (13 on the river)
Price: $4,800 per person (CAD)
2026 Dates: July 13–27 • Aug 3–17 • Sep 7–21
Note: Group discounts available—ask us for a custom quote.

🌲 Expedition Overview

The Big Salmon River is one of the Yukon’s most beautiful wilderness waterways, flowing 354 km from Quiet Lake through the Pelly Mountains and the Big Salmon Range before joining the Yukon River near Carmacks.

This trip is designed for canoeists with intermediate paddling skills. The river presents natural challenges such as sweepers, tight bends, and swift water, but under the care of your experienced Yukon Wide guide, the journey is safe, adventurous, and deeply rewarding.

With up to 8 participants per trip, this expedition is both personal and social. Expect wilderness camping, wildlife encounters, and the unforgettable sight of King Salmon migrating upstream in August. And while you’re deep in the backcountry, Yukon Wide is also known for its exceptional riverside cuisine — fresh, hearty, and creative camp meals that prove you won’t be eating instant noodles on this adventure!

✅ Trip Details

Duration: 15 days total / 13 days paddling (354 km)
Skill Level: Intermediate paddling required (not for beginners)
Group Size: Up to 7 participants per guide
Accommodation: Hotel stays included in Whitehorse on Day 1 and Day 15; wilderness camping during river portion
Includes: Professional guide, canoes, paddles, safety gear, camping gear, meals on the river, transportation from/to Whitehorse

🗓️ 15-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Whitehorse

Arrive in Whitehorse and meet your guide and group. Orientation, gear check, and overnight stay in a Whitehorse hotel.

Day 2 – Shuttle to Quiet Lake / First Paddle

Travel by van to Quiet Lake. After a safety briefing and equipment orientation, begin paddling across the lake. Camp lakeside.

Days 3–4 – Quiet Lake to Sandy Lake

Cross Quiet Lake, navigate the connecting creeks, and reach Sandy Lake. Camp on the lakeshore.

Day 5 – Sandy Lake to Big Salmon Lake

Paddle into Big Salmon Lake, the largest in the system. Camp near the outflow, preparing to enter the river proper.

Day 6 – Entering the Big Salmon River

Transition from lake to moving river. First encounters with sweepers and faster current. Camp on a gravel bar.

Days 7–9 – Upper Big Salmon River

Paddle winding channels with mountain backdrops. Wildlife sightings may include moose, bears, and eagles. Nights at riverside camps.

Day 10 – Salmon Run Spectacle

Crystal-clear waters reveal King Salmon making their way upriver — a highlight of the trip.

Days 11–13 – Middle to Lower Big Salmon River

Enjoy relaxed paddling through a mix of swift water and calm meanders. Camps on gravel bars and forest clearings.

Day 14 – Confluence with Yukon River → Carmacks

Reach the Yukon River, paddle the broad waterway to Carmacks. Final riverside camp and farewell dinner.

Day 15 – Return to Whitehorse

Shuttle back to Whitehorse. The adventure concludes with an overnight hotel stay included in Whitehorse.

✅ What’s Included

When you join Yukon Wide’s Big Salmon Expedition, you’ll have everything you need for a safe and comfortable wilderness journey:

Professional river guide (1 guide for up to 8 guests)
All camping gear (tents, sleeping pads, kitchen equipment, cooking gear)
Canoes, paddles, and life jackets (PFDs)
Safety equipment including throw bags and first aid
Satellite communication for emergency support and safety updates
All meals on the river – Yukon Wide is known for our exceptional riverside cuisine (fresh, hearty, and creative – no instant noodles!)
Two hotel nights in Whitehorse – Day 1 on arrival and Day 15 after the expedition
Ground transportation from Whitehorse to Quiet Lake (start) and from Carmacks (end) back to Whitehorse

❌ What’s Not Included

To help you prepare, please note the following are not included in your package:

Airfare to and from Whitehorse
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Sleeping bag (bring your own or rent from Yukon Wide)
Fishing license (if you plan to fish along the way)
Alcohol – you may bring a modest personal supply
Meals before and after the river portion (outside the included hotel nights in Whitehorse)
Personal clothing and gear (packing list provided)
Gratuities for guides (optional but appreciated)

🏡 Optional Add-On: Otter Island Cabin Stay

Before beginning your river journey, your group can choose to spend a few days at Otter Island Cabin, located on Big Salmon Lake. This rustic wilderness cabin offers a comfortable basecamp to relax, explore, and prepare before heading downstream.

A great way to ease into expedition life and enjoy extra time in the Yukon wilderness
Excellent fishing opportunities right from the cabin — perfect for anglers in the group
Ideal for groups who want to combine comfort with adventure before paddling the Big Salmon River

👉 Contact Yukon Wide Adventures directly if you’d like to add the Otter Island Cabin stay to your expedition package.