Tatshenshini River Expedition by Raft
Whitewater Rafting in Canada with Canadian River Expeditions / Nahanni River Expeditions
Highlights
- Visit Tatshenshini Provincial Park and Glacier Bay National Park, part of the world's largest bio-preserve
- Experience diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows full of wildflowers to dramatic glaciers
- Observe a rich array of wildlife: moose, beaver, bald eagles, osprey and many species of waterfowl
Full Description
Perhaps the wildest and most visually spectacular river in North America, the Tatshenshini River flows through the heart of the largest bio-preserve in the world, Tatshenshini Provincial Park.
Recently protected by the establishment of this protected wilderness area, the Tatshenshini, or "Tat," flows past tall mountains, vast glaciers and an iceberg dotted lake. Bald eagles abound, grizzlies feed on spawning salmon and, if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the rare blue glacier bear. This rafting adventure on the Tat is an international journey of unparalleled beauty. Featured in our '99 Fall issue of Northern Currents, this is the region of the recent "Iceman" discovery. We raft from the Klukshu River, a coastal range river at Dalton Post to the Yukon River and Dry Bay, Alaska along a 255 km (160 mile) route with an elevation drop of 550 m (approx. 1,800 ft).
Craft Description: Raft
Prerequisites: None, beginners are welcome and paddling is optional most of the time since our guides can navigate using oar boats. Experienced paddlers and beginners are welcome to participate by paddling anytime however.
Includes:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as noted in the itinerary
- Top-quality tents, river gear or sea kayaks
- Kitchen and camping equipment
- Bush plane transportation
Excludes:
- Personal items such as sleeping bag, clothing, etc.
- River footwear, rain jacket and pants (available for rent)
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kluane National Park
We will meet in the hotel lobby at 8am then embark on the Alaska Highway. Along the way we will visit Kwaday Dan Kenji (translated: Long Ago Peoples Place). Here we will see examples of native shelters and traditional living skills used by First Nations people in the region for 10,000 years. Further on we will visit the Kluane National Park Interpretive Centre. (The bakery across the road is legendary for its goodies - keep your wallet handy.) We then head south into the Kluane Game Sanctuary, stopping at the ancient village of Klukshu. Stepping back in time we have an opportunity to view this tradional settlement. A small craft shop is open and purchases can be sent back on the bus for storage in our office. The next leg of our journey will take us through the stunning scenery of the Haines Pass. Our objective is the US Customs Post at Pleasant Camp where we clear US Customs before the trip. You may be tempted to have an afternoon nap during the drive, but the scenery will keep you riveted! Later in the afternoon we arrive at Dalton Post, now known as Shäwshe reflecting its heritage with the Champagne Aishihik Firtst Nations. Following a safety orientation we will load the rafts and push off. At this point the Tatshenshini is a narrow stream. Watched by Bald Eages we will travel a short distance before reaching the evening camp. (L/D)
Day 2: Canyon Whitewater
Another safety briefing will prepare us for the day. Before long, as we float deeper into the St. Elias Mountains (19,850') we will encounter class 2-4 whitewater jubilantly welcoming us into this land without roads. This is the most continuous whitewater of the trip. As we pass through the narrow gorge of the Tatshenshini and out into the broader valley, we will be paddling out of the Yukon and entering British Columbia. In camp we will relax and dry out after an exciting day in the rapids. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Bald Eagles
Today, in contrast to the swift rapids we have descended, the river meanders quietly but surely through the broad valley dotted with oxbow lakes. This region is home to moose, beaver, bald eagles, osprey and many species of waterfowl. Through out the day the many tributaries of the Tatshenshini cause it to swell until it has doubled in volume from our previous campsite. Here we are treated to our first view of the Alsek Range. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Ridges & Mountain Goats
Weather permitting, this is a hiking day. We will spend the time exploring the local area. A hike up to an open ridge offers everyone the chance to overlook the river and surrounding area. A short distance along this ridge offers an alpine meadow hosting an endless variety of wild flowers. Those who are more ad venturous can continue to climb another 1000 metres to the top for a spectacular view of some of the glaciers of the Alsek Range. This area is known as Goat Ridge and often, if we are lucky, we glimpse mountain goats feeding on the open tundra of the high plateau. (B/L/D)
Day 5-6: St. Elias Range
We float past the Carmine peaks and the O'Connor River with great views of the far off St. Elias Range. Here we see signs of recent glacial action as the river picks up speed and becomes very braided. Moose, mountain goats, grizzly bears and bald eagles often frequent the wide gravel river banks. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Glaciers Abound
Today we begin to see the many glaciers of the area. From our camp at Melt Creek, near the confluence of the Alsek River, we can count 27 different glaciers. Glorious views can be seen in all directions. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Confluence of Great Rivers
Now, as we speed along with the current, the voluminous Alsek River joins us from the north. So large is the confluence that it is difficult to know exactly where our route lies. The Noisy Range overlooks the confluence where the Tatshenshini disappears in the shadow of the looming Pentice Ice Caps. The surrounding peaks become higher and increasingly majestic, robed in glaciers. We stop at the base of Walker Glacier and its huge moraines. The hike onto the dramatic surface of the glacier is unforgettable. If you listen during the night you may hear ice falls - huge blocks roaring down from the heights where they have broken free. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Alsek Lake and Bergs
Back on the river we will pass the Novatak Glacier, nearly six miles wide where it sprawls towards the river. As Mount Fairweather (15,300') appears around the bend, dwarfing the surrounding 7,000' peaks, a narrow sliver of a peninsula separates the river from Alsek Lake. Here the Alsek and Grand Plateau Glaciers occupy several miles of shore line where they "calve" huge slabs of ice into the lake issuing a thundering roar. The iceberg-studded lake is an enchanting place to camp. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Grand Plateau Glacier
Conditions permitting we will paddle and row toward the face of the glaciers. On an island between two arms of the Alsek Glacier, a "nunatak", we will have lunch and behold the spectacle of ice blocks over 100' high, falling off into the icy waters. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Dry Bay, Gulf of Alaska and Flight Back to Whitehorse
The Alsek now passes through a transition from the tallest peaks on the continent to the broad flat Pacific coastline. In this valley we have a vertical distance of over 15,000' between us and the highest peaks, an overall elevation difference greater than that of the Himalayas.
Back on the river we pull into shore at the fish packing sound of the local power generator is a beacon, even in the thickest Pacific fog. The only access is by air or boat.
In all but the worst weather, the bush plane will pick us up and fly us back through the Coast and St. Elias ranges to Whitehorse. Following showers, the group may want to gather at a local eating establishment (not included). Whitehorse is a lively town and it will not be difficult to find a way to enjoy the evening! (B/L)
Day 12: Homeward Bound
After goodbyes and a last look around Whitehorse, we will head for home with a cargo of fond and spectacular memories.
About The Operator:
Canadian River Expeditions / Nahanni River Expeditions
Headquarters:
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
With over 30 unique canoeing, rafting, hiking and kayaking adventure travel trips-from 5 to 21 days-on 20 northern rivers, Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions have been the leaders in river adventure for northern Canada and Alaska since 1972.
An Alaska and Canada adventure vacation with Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions is much more than the typical river trip. Our Alaskan and Canadian wilderness expeditions are adventure travel explorations of entire regions, using the river as a conduit to travel through the land, taking time to hike, explore, learn and savor the beauty of these last wild places in North America.
A Unique Destination
We believe we offer you the opportunity to not only embrace adventure in a unique destination, but on a river trip which is truly of the highest quality in every respect, honed from our years of experience in the adventure travel business. We deliver our trips with an authenticity which mirrors the last natural, unspoiled wilderness we travel through in North America.
If you haven't rafted, canoed or kayaked in Alaska and northern Canada, seen the Northern Lights or paddled under a midnight sun, then put this on your list of "must do" trips in your lifetime. Northern Canada and Alaska are North America's last great wilderness rivaling Africa in its inspiring collage of nature, wildlife, ecosystems and adventure. With migrating herds of caribou and birds, waterfalls twice the height of Niagara and Canada's deepest river canyons, hotsprings and glaciers, a rich history of Klondike pioneers and a thriving First Nation culture, this is a vibrant world which will fascinate you.
An Experienced Leader
At Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions, we helped pioneer the sport of whitewater padding in the early seventies. From the iconic Nahanni River to the high Arctics' Soper, from Alaska to Nunavut, we know all of our 20 rivers well-from their campsites to their eddies to their rapids to their wildlife, geology and history. We have in depth knowledge guiding multi-day wilderness trips from contingency planning to operational logistics to how to bake cinnamon buns for breakfast over a camp fire. We make it a point to stay on the cutting edge of land and water use legislation to ensure that our river gear and equipment is of the highest quality and our guide skills incorporate the latest in whitewater safety standards. We have taken over 10,000 paddlers downriver since 1972 and our guest repeat rate of over 40% speaks for itself.
While others have left the business, we decided to stay the course ... it's that important to us. In 2006, we merged the two leading outfitters in the North, Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions and we continue our strong involvement at the national level to preserve our great northern rivers and further environmental protection of this important wilderness resource. Our memberships in the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon (WTAY), Yukon Wild, Nahanni River Outfitters Association, Alsek Tatshenshini Outfitters Association, Tourism Association of Canada, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Association and participation in the Canadian Tourism Commission is testament to our longstanding commitment to protecting the environment in Northern Canada and Alaska.
Extraordinary Guides
We believe extraordinary guests should have extraordinary guides. We handpick our guides all of whom are unique individuals, empowered and encouraged to share their tremendous local knowledge with you. Their deep experience living, learning and teaching about regional geology, wildlife and history is matched only by their passion for adventure, technical whitewater skills and leadership acumen. We ensure a guest to guide ratio of four (maximum) on our trips so that you get lots of time to get to know these fun, friendly and fascinating folks!
A Premium Experience
You expect more on your adventure-and so do we. We give you ultimate choice-20 rivers and 30+ unique itineraries so that you can take on as much adventure or as much relaxation, as you like. The small groups on our trips accommodate much more personalized service and our attention to detail begins long before our rivers start running in the spring. We work with you closely to plan your holiday so that you get maximum adventure during your precious vacation time off. From the comfortable tents we use at night to your own private river bag for your personal gear, from fresh fish, baked goods, fruit and produce to that delicious lasagna accompanied by a fine red wine at dinner, our trips deliver quality every step of the way.
Authentically Us
We are heartened that being "green" is so in vogue ... although frankly, we've been green since 1972! Our longstanding commitment to the environment is one of our most important values and one which we are exceedingly proud of. You might hear talk of "ecotourism"...at Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions, you will find the very definition of this - in practice. We decided many years ago to make the environment a priority and have been an active political advocate in support of this objective. We donate hundreds of hours to environmental causes every year.