Great River Journey is an introduction for visitors to the far north. As a consortium of Yukon First Nations and private sector businesses, this destination based tourism business offers travelers an experience on the Yukon River unmatched in its authenticity.
A Unique Experience
Traveling on the Yukon River through 370 miles of wilderness, the trip begins in Whitehorse, Capital of the Yukon Territory, and ends in the Klondike Gold Rush community of Dawson City. What makes a trip from Great River Journey different is the participation of Yukon First Nations people. Visitors have the opportunity to meet and interact with residents making their living on the Yukon River. No paid performers are found here.
Travel along the river is from lodge to lodge, with comfortable accommodations provided each evening. Cuisine features traditional foods found throughout the region. Small group size and an eight day schedule allows for numerous stops along the shore to watch wildlife and visit many points of interest.
Speaking to suite101.com, Great River Journey President George Asquith says of the adventure, "I think that the best reason to take this trip is the unique opportunity that it provides to really connect with the Yukon and its people and to be part of this wonderful place."
Yukon River Itinerary
Great River Journey provides a complete itinerary for travel on the Yukon River:
- Day 1: Whitehorse to Upper Labarge Lodge - Guests are met by a guide at their hotel or the airport and travel by riverboat or floatplane to Upper Lake Labarge Lodge
- Day 2: Upper Labarge Lodge - Exploration of area surrounding Lake Labarge with opportunities for mountain biking and fishing
- Day 3: Upper Labarge Lodge to Homestead Lodge - Riverboat travel along the “Thirty Mile” section of the Yukon River and an air tour
- Day 4: Homestead Lodge - A day at the Homestead Lodge with a side visit to historic Fort Selkirk
- Day 5: Homestead Lodge to Wilderness Outpost - Riverboat travel to the Wilderness Outpost, a former 1840 vintage trading post
- Day 6: Wilderness Outpost to Dawson City - Guests travel on the river to Dawson City. A shore lunch and wildlife viewing are some of the planned activities
- Day 7: Dawson City - Guides provide a full tour of this historic focal point of the Klondike Gold Rush. The area is rich in historic, natural, and cultural attractions
- Day 8: Dawson City Departure - Guests can depart on a schedule Air North flight to Whitehorse or connect to another tour traveling to the High Arctic and Arctic Ocean. Travel costs from Dawson City are not part of the tour package price
The Great River Journey Partnership
Great River Journey is incorporated in the Yukon Territory. The partners include the Yukon First Nations' FNIC Development Corporation and privately held Great Northern Journeys Inc. FNIC Development Corporation is a consortium of four Yukon First Nations: Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and Selkirk First Nation. The Great River Journey effort has been supported through grants from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Yukon Ministry of Economic Development.
Patron Tour Opportunities
Great River Journey considers 2008 its inaugural year of operation. There is an opportunity for a select group of travelers to actively support this developing partnership that greatly benefits people of the Territory. In exchange for purchasing a special journey down the Yukon River, patrons will be asked to provide feedback on the adventure and thus provide guidance to its sponsors. Feedback will determine a viable mix of cultural, historic, and natural aspects of the trip.
Canada's foremost northern destination, the Yukon Territory is larger than the state of California and is comprised of more than 80% wilderness. Great River Journey is one way visitors have to truly appreciate the majesty of the north.
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