The Song of the Paddle
An Exciting Paddling Season is ahead
Sunset over the Teslin River
Here in Whitehorse we enjoyed plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures in March. This resulted in an early end to the ski season. Now, it is time to plan summer adventures and get all the gear ready for paddling, hiking und any other adventure awaiting! Best times for paddling trips are the month from June to beginning of September. Although my favourite time for a relaxing paddle is September when the leaves have turned yellow, the morning mist hangs over the river and lets you reach for that other cup of coffee before you want to hit the water! Hiking is best from July to beginning of August when the snow has left high up and the days are warm. But I have to admit, my favourite time to visit Kluane National Park is June, when the flowers are in their prime!
On a hike in Kluane National Park we saw these beautiful orchids
Looking back to the colder time of the year: Winter camping
With the changing climate we are experiencing much warmer winters in the Yukon. I enjoyed some camping in the mountains and I was actually not ready to put my skis away yet!
The Ice is breaking up in Miles Canyon on the Yukon River
Winer camping at the doorstep of Kluane National Park
Northern Lights and a starry sky over the Three Guardsmen
Early morning visitor at camp
Celebrating
Christoph and I are operating our 20thtourism season in the Yukon and we are thankful for all these years without any incidents or accidents leading trips with awesome clients. It started in 2000 at Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge und since 2009 we are operating Taiga Journeys, specialized in small groups and customized trips. We strive to provide high standards for all trips. I thought you may enjoy the picture of our family, taken in 2004 at Frances Lake, where we started our first Yukon tourism business.
The Altherr Family at Frances Lake
The Song of the Paddle
One of my favourite rivers to paddle is the Teslin River. It offers great paddling, scenic campsites and good wildlife watching. As a bonus, it gets us out of cell phone range. Disconnect to connect with nature!
The Teslin river is a true wilderness trip suited to all levels of canoeing experience. You will be introduced to canoeing and wilderness camping. Our small group will work as a team choosing camp sites, setting up camp and cooking tasty meals together.
The tour starts with a drive to Johnson’s Crossing. Here we will put our canoes in the water and the adventure begins.
At the beginning the Teslin River has little current which helps us getting used to our loaded canoes. Later the current picks up speed. Good chances to encounter wildlife such as bear, wolf, moose and eagle. Beautiful mountain views surround us as we paddle down the river. Camping in tents, preparing fresh meals and eating by the campfire while under the midnight sun provides a truly unique wilderness experience. On our fifth day on the water, the Teslin River merges with the Yukon River, where we visit the abandoned telegraph post of Hootalinqua. (Here ends the 7-day trip with a transfer by float plane back to Whitehorse). The longer trip lets us enjoy 3 more days until we reach Little Salmon Village and our pick-up van. Our relaxed schedule leaves us enough time to explore, take pictures, study plants and wildlife, catch fresh fish and enjoy camp life.
The Yukon is a destination for adventures on any scale. Explore more!
“We were looking for a once in a life time experience for my husband’s 50th birthday. We got that and so much more!” – H. and E. de Jongh, Whitehourt, AB
Are you ready to plan your adventure? Contact us now!