We head out to paddle the Dease River, located in Northern British Columbia, adjacent to the Stikine drainage. The Dease River flows north through the Cassiar Mountains into the Liard basin. It is an easy river paddle with stunning mountain views, great fishing and good wildlife viewing opportunities.

Dates 2010: August 14 to 22 & September 2 to 10

Duration: 9 days from/to Whitehorse

Group size: 3 to 7 guests

Skill level: Novice to intermediate. Some paddling skills suggested.

Rates:
$ 2555 CAD per person + 5% GST for groups of 3 to 7 guests
single supplement $ 190 CAD per person + 5% GST
also available for 2 guests, an additional fee applies.

Included:
- All transportation described in this itinerary
- Hotel in Whitehorse (based on double occupancy)
- Meals and snacks during canoe trip
- Professional guide services for the duration of the trip
- All necessary equipment for the canoe trip except sleeping bag and sleeping pad

Itinerary:
Day 1: We'll greet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel in the heart of Whitehorse. While here, take the rest of the day to explore the town at your leisure or stock up on your trip gear. During a preparation meeting your guide will share more information with you.

Day 2: Today, we’ll drive the famous Alaska Highway to the east. Shortly before Watson Lake we had south on the Stewart Cassiar Highway to the Dease River Crossing Campground where we arrive in the afternoon. We will cook dinner together, prepare for the canoe trip and spend the night in our tents.

Day 3: We pack up the gear and load the canoes for our first day on the water. Soon the river leads us away from the road and follows a different valley through the Cassiar Mountains, leaving civilization behind us.

Day 4 – 7: We will be paddling about 4 to 6 hours a day. That gives us time for swimming, fishing and to enjoy our wilderness tent camps every night. The river has a steady flow and we have to stay alert for sweepers and undercurrents. The two rapids, a whirlpool and some splashes will spice up our ride.

Day 8: The last morning we pack up our camp and push our canoes off the shore. We've become accustomed to the rhythm of river paddlers, making camp, breaking camp. What a simple but enjoyable life! At French Creek we say goodbye to the now familiar waters. We will land, take out and return to Whitehorse. In the evening you will arrive at your hotel.

Day 9: Leave Whitehorse for your flight home or stay longer to explore the vibrant capital of the Yukon. You may also consider exploring more of the Yukon's great nature, history and landscape on your own. Ask us about more inspiring trip ideas.

Excluded:
- Trip cancellation, travel and medical insurance
- Expenses in Whitehorse and on the road
- Additional cost for single accommodation
- Angling licenses and angling equipment
- Items of personal nature and souvenirs
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad

Things to know:
- This trip is well suited for novices - no prior wilderness experience is necessary.
- The Dease River is a class I to II - rated river and is well suited to paddlers with limited experience.
- We will paddle 4 to 6 hours a day. Participants must be in good health.
- A detailed list of equipment will be provided prior to the trip.
- Our guides are all trained in wilderness travel and are first aid certified.
- You will be required to sign a release of liability and waiver of claims prior to the trip.
- Our guides are well familiar with the Dease River and are looking forward to sharing their knowledge about nature and history of the area.

Literature:
Tip for armchair travelers: In “The Trail to the Interior” R.M. Patterson describes his journey up the Stikine River and down the Dease River in the summer of 1948.

Add-ons:
Are you interested in relaxing at a cozy cabin on a secluded lake? Our wilderness cabins are situated at Dalayee Lake, nestled in the rolling hills of southern Yukon, not far from Whitehorse. Click here for more info.