The Peel watershed is one of North America’s most pristine natural ecosystems. Join us on an expedition down an artic mountain river renowned for its stunning wilderness, exciting whitewater, cultural history, and wildlife.
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Yukon wilderness as the river winds us through a landscape of towering mountains, pristine forests, and crystal-clear exciting white water.
- Experience true wilderness in an area of over 68,000 square kilometres of Northern Wilderness.
- 13 days immersed in the wilderness.
- Be led by our expert instructors experienced in leading Canadian canoe expeditions.
- Build new friendships with fellow adventurers
The Plan
We have two trips One heading into the Wind river, and the other venturing into the Snake river.
Both trips will see the groups travel to rivers only accessible by float plane.
We’ll arrive in Whitehorse and have a day for R&R, packing and preparing for the expedition.
Then we head North to the village of Mayo where we’ll load the canoes onto the side of the float plane and head into the wilderness to start our 13-day expedition.
What To Expect
- Float plane in and out of the river flying over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world.
- 13-day expedition on friendly, exciting white water
- One of the last intact mountain boreal ecosystems in the world, home to moose, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, caribou, osprey, wolves and more.
- Midnight Sun
Beginner
Trip 1-Wind River
Dates-28/06/2025 to 13/07/2025
For paddlers with basic whitewater skills, the Wind river is an inviting waterway that takes you deep into a vast, untouched landscape, home to abundant wildlife and wildflowers with a unique cultural and historical significance.
If you are new to canoeing but with good health and fitness, camping experience who are happy to spend 13 days paddling and wilderness living, this trip will fit you perfectly.
- 13-day trip in the wilderness.
- You will be guided by Plas y Brenin’s highly qualified instructors during your trip.
- Plas y Brenin kit available for your trip.
- Includes a series of introductory canoe courses at Plas y Brenin to prepare for your trip.
- No qualifications required.
The Wind river is known for its remarkably clear, ethereal water which flows through the Mackenzie mountains with the Rackla range dominating the skyline.
The river is perfect for those with basic whitewater skills. Flowing over cobblestone shoals and sand bars, it winds through an alpine valley. There are no named rapids, but with bouncy waves, occasional rapids, and multiple braided sections, there’s enough to keep paddlers on their toes!
The river is home to abundant wildlife, wildflowers and the huge alluvial fans and dryas meadows provide idyllic campspots.
Distance on the river…
Mcclusky lake to the mouth of the wind 185km to 195km (with channels shifting over time) a further 87km down the Peel river to where we’ll meet the float plane at Taco Bar.
Intermediate
Trip 2-Snake River
Dates- 15/07/2025 to 30/07/2025
This trip is for intermediate canoeists with their own kit who are competent on grade 2 whitewater and have experience in at least one multi-day expedition.Dropping nearly 1,000 feet to the confluence with the Peel River the Snake is a white water river for intermediate canoeists. Most of the river is grade 2 with a few short grade 3 sections. The Snake starts in the Werneke mountains of the Bonnet Plume range near Duo Lakes and is one of the most stunning wild rivers in the Canadian North.The scenery on the Snake is spectacularly diverse with painted mountains, green valleys, craggy glaciated spires, rocky scree slopes, canyons, and austere grey alps. Woodland caribou, dall sheep, grizzly bears and moose all inhabit the area and alpine meadows which surround the Snake.For more than 150km the Snake flows past layered and serrated ridges before meeting the Peel plateau where giant balsam poplar trees and tall spruce provide habitat for bald eagles.
- 13-day trip in the wilderness.
- Wild camping experience required.
Distance on the river…
Duo lakes to the mouth of the Snake is 278km where it meets the Peel, a further 2.5km down the Peel is Taco Bar where we’ll meet the float plane.
Training Weekends-
- 29-30th March
- 3-4th May
- 19-20th April
- 24-25th May
Expedition Price – £5400
Whats Included?
- 2x two-day training weekends at Plas y Brenin with your expedition leaders Ollie and Pete.
- Float plane transport in and out of the river.
- Transport from Whitehorse to Mayo.
- 13-day expedition in true wilderness.
- Mentoring with Ollie and Pete with teams meetings, emails and resources.
- Outfitted by UpNorth Adventures, the most reputable company in the area, using Esquif canoes.
- Photos from the expedition.
Extra Costs
- Flights to Whitehorse currently averaging £1050 return.
- Accommodation in Whitehorse before and after the trip.
- Food and Kit on the expedition-FIREPOT, Peak PS & Mountain Equipment are offering 20% discount on selected products for expedition participants.
- Personal insurance
Instalment payment plan is now available.
25% deposit by January 31st 2025.
Balance to be paid no later than 10 weeks prior to the departure date.
During your Embark trip, you’ll be in good hands! Our highly qualified instructors will be with you every step of the way.
Our Instructors
Ollie Sanderman
Experienced Canoe expeditioner and Head of Paddlesports at Plas y Brenin.
Pete Catterall
Experienced Expedition paddler and Head of Instruction at Plas y Brenin.
