Canoeing and Paddling the Yukon and Teslin Rivers
Getting to the put-in; after the take-out
All roads lead to Whitehorse, YT (See Map)
Whether you are going down the Teslin or Lake Laberge / 40 Mile, your trip will probably bring you through Whitehorse. In Whitehorse you can easily purchase food, river guide maps, and anything else you may have forgotten. If you have a vehicle, you may want to drive out to Miles Canyon to see where many gold rush Stampeders lost their kit (and some their lives) in rapids before the maelstrom was tamed by the dam.
Renting from outfitters
Whitehorse has a couple of canoe / kayak outfitters that will be happy to rent you anything you need for the trip. Keep in mind that every item you add to the "rent" list is an added expense and prices are not necessarily cheap. Outfitters can also take you to the put-in and make arrangements for you to be picked up at the take-out if needed.
There are also guided river trip services available. Usually they work with larger groups but will take anyone for the right price. Outfitter services are easily found online.
Doing it yourself
If you have your own vehicle, gear, and canoes, getting to the put-in is easy, but then the problems start. What do you do with your vehicle and how do you get it to the take-out? One solution is to have a friend move it to Dawson for you (our preferred method). Also, the campground at Carmacks (the midway point of the trip) will make a driver available but you must pick the driver up in Carmacks and take them to put-in. The driver will then take the vehicle back to Carmacks. You must either get out at Carmacks or take the bus out of Dawson back to Carmacks to pick up your vehicle. Outfitters also offer shuttle services.
Carmacks Take-out
If Carmacks is the end of your trip, the take-out is simple. The Coal Mine Campground works with outfitters so rented gear may be dropped off at the campground. The Coal Mine will allow the storage of vehicles for a reasonable fee so it is possible shuttle vehicles ahead of time and have them waiting. There is bus service out of the campground for passengers and gear but arrangements must be made ahead of time.
Dawson has a government campground, a hostel, many commercial campgrounds, and a raft of hotels/motels. Most paddlers stay at the hostel or the government campground. Dawson is also the drop-off point for rental equipment.
Dawson has bus service back to Carmacks, Whitehorse, and Skagway. The bus service will haul your gear and your boats if need be. The buses are comfortable but not fast (especially if hauling canoes) so do not expect to get anywhere quick.
There is air service out of Dawson.