Canoeing and Paddling the Yukon and Teslin Rivers

Hootilinqua - where the 40 Mile and the Teslin join to form the Yukon. The two rivers can be seen in the upper right. The Teslin is on the left and 40 Mile is on the right. If you click to enlarge this photo, you can clearly see the blue water of the 40 Mile not yet mixed with the browner water of the Teslin River. This is the traditional start of the Yukon River. Shipyard Island is on the left side of the photo. The remains of the sternwheeler "Evelyn" rests in the middle of the island. Artifacts and a graveyard can be found on the lower end of Shipyard Island. 

 

 

 

Why the Teslin/Yukon                                                               Teslin/Yukon Video                     

 

Any trip is full of choices and with each choice there are tradeoffs. We prefer to put in at Johnsons Crossing on the Teslin instead of putting in at Whitehorse  for several reasons. 

 

Pros:

it is an intimate and wild river

It is easy to see both banks

There are many excellent campsites

Lake Laberge is avoided, which can be very long and windy 

Fishing can be excellent

After the first few miles, there are few people

It is only 1.5 hours from Whitehorse to the Teslin put-in at Johnsons Crossing (see map)

 

Cons:  

The 40 Mile River is not experienced

It may be difficult or an added expense to get gear and paddlers to Johnsons Crossing

 

 

When to go                                              Historical weather data for Dawson

 

The first part of June and mid-August can have cool to freezing nights. The time of year for bugs seems to have no rhyme or reason. They can be good or bad anytime. 

 

Spring and early summer

Advantages:

Fresh feel

Fewer people

Easier to find campsite

More cut firewood left over from moose season

River flow speed seems a little faster

Slightly less rain

Less chance of forest fire

 

Mid summer and fall

Advantages:

More wild edibles

More people (if you like to socialize)

More wildflowers

Warmer 

Slightly less wind

Salmon run and fish camps

Fall colors

 

Things to keep in mind

 

Pick up a river guide book for specific campsite suggestions and information on points of interest.

 

Respect private and public property.

 

Practice "leave no trace" camping.

 

At small campsites, do not move in with someone that is already there unless invited. You can always camp on an island.

 

Think about leaving electronics behind. 

 

Be safe. Once you are out of sight of roads, there is little help in an emergency. 

 

 "You never have trouble if you are prepared for it."  Theodore Roosevelt