Tour 194

One hundred years ago, thousands of hardy men and women struggled over the Chilkoot Pass and down the Yukon River to the Klondike Goldfields. The Northwest Mounted Police required that all people had to carry their grubstake, one year's provisions, with them. For some, this meant more than 20 trips over the Chilkoot Pass carrying their heavy backpacks. Driven by the hopes of unbelievable riches, they overcame great obstacles just to find out that they were too late! Today, we'll retrace the Stampeders route one-way over the Chilkoot Pass. Reminders of their passing lie everywhere but we'll carry a light load and have a different goal: our treasure lies in the adventure itself!

Seven days / Six Nights

Day 1: Arrival Whitehorse, Yukon; transfer provided to a downtown Whitehorse hotel. If you drive your own vehicle, please advise in advance. The rest of the day is at your leisure.  Overnight Whitehorse, Yukon

Day 2: Skagway/ Dyea; Skagway was the staging point for the gold rush Stampeders and for modern travelers on their way to the Klondike. After a visit of the historic town, we'll continue to Dyea, where we'll start our hike on the Chilkoot Trail. Today we'll hike to Finnegan's Point (7.9 km / 4.9 miles, approx. 3 hours hiking time) where we'll spend our first night on the trail.

Day 3: Hiking the Chikoot Trail; After breakfast we'll continue our adventure through the coastal rain forest. En route we'll visit the remains of the long abandoned Canyon City town site before continuing our hike to Sheep Camp (13.0 km / 8.1 miles, 5 to 6 hours hiking time). We'll follow the banks of the Taiya River amid the lush rain forest. This is a pleasant day with some easy and some short but fairly steep climbs and a lot of time for breaks.

Day 4: Hiking the Chikoot Trail; Today we'll leave very early and climb above tree line where we'll enjoy the superb view of mountains and glaciers. Along the trail we'll find many relics of the stampede and wonder at the incredible amount of goods that had to be carried over this mountain pass. We'll find numerous artifacts strewn among the boulders and on the hills on both sides of the trail. Later in the day we'll cross the border between Alaska and Canada, over 1100 meters (3700 feet) above sea level! From here we'll descend over snowfields to the inland portion of the trail. Passing small lakes, creeks and rock outcrops we'll reach "Happy Camp" (12.1 km / 7.5 miles, 6-8 hours) in late afternoon.

Day 5: Hiking the Chikoot Trail; As our trail winds its way along rivers and lakes, it gives us incredible views of gorgeous scenery. We'll gradually descend to Deep Lake and further into the forested area of Lake Lindeman (8.8 km / 5.5 miles, 4-5 hours hiking time). Here we'll spend another night in a pristine wilderness setting.

Day 6: Hiking the Chikoot Trail; Today we'll continue our trek to Bare Loon Lake - a nice swimming hole in hot weather - and on to Lake Bennet where the Chilkoot Trail ends (11.3 km / 7.0 miles, 4 to 5 hours hiking time). We'll have time to visit the old train station and the partly renovated log church in Bennet. A float plane will pick us up by late afternoon for our spectacular flight to Whitehorse. Overnight Whitehorse.

Day 7: After breakfast, transfer to the airport or take off on your own for your next adventure.

• During our Chilkoot Trail adventure everyone must carry part of the load, approximately 40 lbs / 18 kg of your own gear, some camping gear and a portion of the food. We will carry the bare minimum and safely store other belongings in Whitehorse.

• Families with children over 12 years of age are welcome on this tour.

• You will be required to sign a 'release of claims and waiver of liability' form prior to the departure of this tour.

Airport transfers in Whitehorse, transportation to Skagway and Dyea and float plane from Bennett to Whitehorse.  Two nights accommodation in Whitehorse and 4 nights in tents on the trail.  All meals on the trail including non-alcoholic beverages.  All equipment such as stove, dishes, tents etc. except for sleeping bag & sleeping pad.  Chilkoot Park fees, licenses and taxes.  Knowledgeable guide for the duration of the journey.

Single Person $1265 / Double Occupancy $1150