Canoeing and Paddling the Yukon and Teslin Rivers

Paddling North              Video of Johnsons Crossing to Dawson Trip

Putting in at the Teslin River at Johnsons Crossing makes the journey to Dawson a little longer than a put-in at Whitehorse. It may take the same number of days no matter the choice because some paddlers need to "weather over" a day or two on Lake Laberge due to high winds and waves. 

 

The Teslin and 40 Mile join at the deserted Mountie post at Hootalinqua. Many claim this is the true start of the Yukon. The Teslin is the larger of the two rivers at his point. The 40 Mile is clearer than the Teslin. It is easy to see the two rivers running side by side at Hootalinqua. 

 

Only one relatively short stretch of the Teslin/Yukon route is near roads. For the days of travel immediately before and after Carmacks, you will hear the by-then unfamiliar rumble of traffic. 

 

The only unavoidable rapid are Five Finger Rapids, a couple hours downriver from Carmacks. The Yukon is still next to the road, so people may be on the overlook watching paddlers shoot the rapids. 

 

The Yukon is fairly clear until the White River. After the White is reached, drinking water must be found in side streams.