This classic canoe trip down the Yukon from Lake Laberge to Dawson City is specifically tailored for visitors who like the great outdoors, far from touristy attractions. The expedition travels over 700 km on this mighty river, exploring several abandoned settlements such as Hootalinqua, Big Salmon Village and Fort Selkirk. The only major interruption to the rivers smooth journey is the mighty Five Finger Rapids, once a major navigation problem for large paddle wheelers. Camps are set up on the gravel & sand banks where you can enjoy a refreshing bath in the Yukon! Black bears are quite common in the Yukon valley and are often seen on tour along the river banks. Moose are numerous in the forested foothills, and bald eagles nest along the river banks. Beavers are busy getting their winter supplies in, and several times we have seen grizzly bears strolling along the shoreline. At the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike rivers we find the settlement of Dawson City, the famous gold rush town of the Yukon. We stay two days in Dawson, relax in a fine hotel and relive the history of the gold rush and the tales of Jack London and Robert Service.

Special canoeing skills are not required. All canoes are for 2 people. A background in camping and paddling is an asset but not necessary. This tour is open to expert and novice paddlers alike.

Arrival Whitehorse - Arrival in Whitehorse, meeting of group members at the meeting point at 1.00pm. Overnight in hotel.

Dawson City -We arrive in Dawson City, the historic gold town and home of many old legends. A visit to the Jack London and Robert Service cabins, the theater and the Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling hall are on the program. A highlight is the drive into Bonanza and Eldorado Creeks where e visit an active gold mine. Two hotel overnights in Dawson City.

Whitehorse - Transfer to airport or connecting program.

Tents, cooking equipment, eating utensils, and tableware are all provided.

Please limit your own load to a total of 60 pounds (27kg). We provide you with a 115 ltr (30 gallon) river bag for your clothing and camp gear. When closed properly it provides waterproof protection. What to bring:

• Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad (see paragrpah below)
• 1 lightweight day pack
• Footwear (see paragraph below)
• 2 complete sets of warm fleece top and bottom (jacket/sweater and long-johns)
• 2 pairs of warm socks, hat, lightly inuslated gloves.
• Shorts, t-shirts, 1 or 2 long-sleeve shirts for mosquito protection
• Rain jacket with hood, rain trousers/pants
• Biodegradable soap, camping towel, heavy duty hand cream
• Sunscreen, lip blam, sunglasses, sun hat
• Insect repellant
• Headlight or flashlight.
• Camera (you might want to consider bringing a waterproof camera case)
• 1 Litre Water Bottle (not glass)
• Personal Medication

We highly recommend clothes made of synthetic material.  Except for a few t-shirts and underpants, do not bring cotton.  Cotton is not breathable, it takes a long time to dry, and feels very cold once wet.

Here are some terms and definitions to assist you:

• Water Proof – the quality of a sealed fabric that does not allow moisture to pass through. Condensation from sweating is controlled by venting through zippers. For canoe trips it is important that your gear is water-proof, breatheability is secondary.
• Gore-tex – a laminated fabric manufactured to be water repellent and breathable. The waterproof qualities may be compromised if the fabric becomes soiled or abraded by pack straps. (Use for wind and light shower gear.)
• Polypropylene – a lightweight synthetic fabric that transfers moisture away from your skin. Brand names include Lifa, Wickers, Odlo, Patagonia and others. (Used for long underwear.)
• Capilene – another polyester fabric that is similar to polypropylene and manufactured by Patagonia. (Used for long underwear.)
• Fleece & Pile – a polyester fabric that is lightweight and soft. It is warmer than wool per pound, insulates even when wet, and dries quickly. It is also referred to as fleece, Polarplus and Synchilla. (Used for outerwear.)
• Ice Breaker Wool – a brand that has all but eliminated the “itch factor”.

Remember – except for a few T-shirts and underpants, do not bring cotton!

River travel means wet feet! A standard pair of knee-high rubber boots (sometimes referred to as “wellingtons”, “ditch boots”, or “irrigation boots”) are recommended (minimum 10” high) for canoe trips. Wear these with a felt insole (we are referring to the “footstep shape” insole, not the type that completely line the boot up to the rim because the later will take days to dry if wet) and a combination of polypropylene and wool/pile socks and your feet should stay comfortably warm. Carry a spare set of insoles and socks, and in the case you ‘overstep’ your boots, they can be used to replace the wet ones. If you make your insoles out of closed cell (ensolite) foam, they will not absorb water and will dry very quickly should they get wet. For the canoe trips we suggest you buy a snug fitting pair of neoprene booties available at canoe or scuba diving supply shops. Most have integral soles. If you get a pair without soles you may wear them inside tennis shoes. The height should be mid-calf, not ankle height. Don’t be fooled by the ‘surfing shoes’ made of quick-drying material rather than neoprene. They do not provide the necessary warmth. If you are on a whitewater canoe trip, you should already know about specs for booties and just remember that the water is cool. Tip: if you use neoprene booties, drip a teaspoon of hot water in each one in the morning. Shake and test with your finger. Then put them on and luxuriate in the warmth! ‘Sport’ sandals have become popular. While okay for rugged individuals, remember that the water is cold, especially in the far north and that sand is abraisive to your feet, especially after a few days of wearing sandals. For hiking and camp wear, bring light hiking boots. Be sure they are broken in before the trip to minimize chances of blisters.

Despite remote wilderness locations, you can expect to eat very well. We take special care in preparing nutritious and delicious meals for all of our trips. You will be continually amazed at the variety and quality of the meals. Just because you are in the wilderness, does not mean you have to eat freeze dried and pot stews! Look forward to eating well! (We are able to manage some food allergies and dietary restrictions. Please identify these concerns early when you book).

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise care in keeping it safe. It should be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take photocopies of your passport in case of loss or damage. Alternatively, you can scan copies of these pages and email them to yourself so that you can access them if you happen to lose your passport whilst abroad and have to apply for a new one at your nearest Embassy.

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

In North America tipping is a way of life and very much expected, as well as appreciated. For many, receiving tips is a means of supplementing their salary which is usually based on minimum wage. The standard amount in restaurants and bars is 15% of the total bill (please note that sales and service taxes are automatically imposed in some restaurants and bars).  Chambermaids usually receive $1 or $2 per night in a hotel, simply left on the bedside table.

It is also customary in North America to show appreciation of your Tour Leader by tipping him/her at the end of the tour.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.