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Yukon Back Country Horse Tour
9 nights
Join the ranks of legendary Yukon Pioneers such as George Carmacks and Martha Louise Black and help to break a back country trail that will take you into some of the most spectacular back country of the Yukon! Although theirs was a quest for gold, a true Yukoner will tell you that the Yukon’s real riches lay in the land itself. Discover the treasure of our Yukon landscapes on horse back as you ride up majestic mountain ridges, across creeks and through peaceful valleys. Witness the transformation of seasons in the colorful spring and autumn landscapes as the Yukon wilderness and wildlife come out of hibernation/prepare for another long winter. Visit a working Trapper's Cabin and step back in time to the traditional way of survival off the land. This tour offers an abundance of rugged adventure that is sure to strengthen your spirit and calm your soul. After a hearty camp dinner, spend the evenings by the fire. Cosy up in your tent or sleep under the stars.
Holiday idea
| Day 1 |
You will be picked up from Whitehorse Airport and taken to your hotel. Enjoy your evening in downtown Whitehorse, where you will find small businesses filled with art of the local craftsmen. Whitehorse has many fine restaurants and a variety of food choices. The front desk of the hotel has Whitehorse booklets with maps and contact info for all our local businesses and tourist attractions. |
| Day 2 |
We will pick you up at 10am in the hotel lobby and go on a short shopping trip in town before heading to the ranch where you will meet the horses and your guide for the tour. Then we give you instruction on how to care for and saddle your horse. We get the pack horses loaded up with all our camping gear and food and say good bye to civilisation. The trail leads us steadily up and over Mount McIntyre to our working trapper's cabin near Coal Lake. This base camp is rich in history and is still used in the winter for camping and trapping. Check out the historic artifacts and imagine yourself as a Yukon Trapper or read the journal that has been signed by previous visitors to our camp. This cabin was a set in the movie” The Last Trapper” by Nicholas Vanier. Take care of the horses and settle down to a camp style meal. Overnight in Trapper Cabin, set up your tent or sleep by the fire. (L/D) |
| Day 3 |
Today we will ride to Coal Lake and take a short fishing break (lake trout and grayling can be caught here) before heading up to moose flats and weather permitting to the top of double mountain, where we can have lunch while we take in the breathtaking views below. After lunch we circle a high mountain lake usually seeing moose and caribou. Then we ride the majestic ridges overlooking Coal Lake before heading back down to the cabin for another night. Overnight at Trapper Cabin base camp (B/L/D) |
| Day 4 |
This morning our horses and pack horses will be packed for the trail. As we ride the edges of a series of beaver ponds, breathe deeply the earthy aroma of this beautiful wetland and keep your eyes open for the famous Canadian beaver. Next we come to Friday Creek. It is surrounded by alpine tundra and edged with grassy meadows with hundreds of wild flowers. The alder and willow trees nearby will provide a nice sweet smelling fire for cooking dinner. Sheep, moose, caribou and bears are often seen in this area so have your camera ready. Over night at Friday Creek. (B/L/D) |
| Day 5 |
Wake up to a new day and after a hearty breakfast saddle and pack up the horses for another day of adventure! Riding high in the mountains enjoy the amazing views – keep an eye out for caribou, bear and moose in this area. Our destination is the Upper Ibex River and here we make our camp for the night. (B/L/D) |
| Day 6 |
This morning as the sun covers the land protectively with it’s warmth, take in the vibrant autumn colors and watch the earth awaken to a fresh new day. A cup of camp coffee, a campfire breakfast and again we pack up for another day of riding. Riding down in altitude to the boreal forest where you have a chance of seeing; moose, caribou and mountain sheep we come to an old burn area at Rose Creek. Here Mother Nature has cleansed the forest and the re growth is spectacular. Wild mushrooms, flowers and berries are abundant and there is a good chance to see wildlife. Keep your camera ready! Overnight at Rose Creek. (B/L/D) |
| Day 7 |
The routine is now second nature and you are one with the land. Our destination today is Rose Lake where we will spend the evening and next day in a photographers paradise! Relax by the fire, hike in the area or just lay back and read a book enjoying the peace that will surround you. Have your dinner by the fire and spend the evening reliving your adventure with those in your group. Overnight at Rose Lake. (B/L/D) |
| Day 8 |
If the group chooses we go for our last short ride, then take those last photographs, go for a cold dip in the lake or try your hand at fishing. Today is a day of relaxation. Overnight Rose Lake. (B/L/D) |
| Day 9 |
Wake early and try to catch a glimpse of a Yukon summer sunrise, Savor your last campfire breakfast, as you watch the world come alive all around you. Now is the time to say good bye to your guide and your new horse friends. The float plane will pick you up at around noon and fly you back to Schwatka Lake where we will bring you to your hotel in Whitehorse. (B) |
| Day 10 |
Today the hotel van brings you to the airport for your south bound flight or join another adventure in the Whitehorse area. Let us know if you are interested in an extended stay and we can arrange other activities for you. |
Meals included: B - Breakfast; L - Lunch; D - Dinner
More information
| Dates | Departures dates in June and September. |
| Prices | Contact us for further information. |
Price includes transfer from and to Whitehorse, return via float plane and van, first and last night accommodation in Whitehorse (double occupancy), accommodation in tents (shared accommodations), all meals listed (including non-alcoholic beverages), use of camping equipment, horses, saddles and tack. Flights, alcoholic beverages (bought jointly before the tour), camping clothing, rental of sleeping bag, meals not listed, items of a personal nature and gratuities are not included.
Disclaimer: Although this tour has been run on a more exclusive basis in the past this it's first year being run as a commercial itinerary. Guests should be aware that we will be looking for new camping sites. This will include some extra trail clearing and site preparation during the tour.
We do require that everyone arrive the day before the tour – a pre-night is included in the tour price.
Back country riding has a high risk of wasp/bee stings. Most trails are rarely used and horses can regularly disturb the hives. September tours have the least chance of bee/wasp bites due to the colder nights and temperatures.
Because this is the first year running this tour a photographer will be on the trip. All guests will be asked to sign a release giving permission to be seen in photographs in promotional materials for Sky High Valley Ranches Ltd. Photographs will be property of Sky High and Sky High will have exclusive rights to these photos.
Unpredictable circumstances such as weather conditions, extreme temperatures or illness of the horses may force us to change this itinerary. The safety and well being of guests and animals takes precedence and our decisions are final. We strongly suggest that all of our guests consider the purchase of travel/medical insurance for protection against cancellation penalties and many other unforeseeable circumstances such as emergency medical evacuation.
Packing list: Please note that other items of clothing are permitted however this is a list of basics. day pack, water bottle, Thermos hat (one for sun, another for cold), gloves (2 pairs), bug spray, sunglasses, sun screen, underclothes (2 shirts, one pants, fleece, polypropylene etc) rain jacket, rain pants, socks, running shoes for camp, sleeping bag to -5, rubber boots.