Tatshenshini/Alsek Trip
The river of Glaciers and Grizzlies
Rated as one of the top ten river trips in the world. The Tatshenshini is located in the largest preserve in the world which consists of Glacier Bay National Park, BC Tatshenshini Provincial Park, Kluane National Park and Yukon Game Preserve. This is the largest non-polar ice field in the world.
Carving its way through the St. Elias Range, the Tatshenshini has gained a reputation as one of the best rafting trips in the world.Our trips start at Dalton Post bordering Kluane National Park in the southwest Yukon.
The canyon run of the first day gradually gives way to widening panoramic views of the 15,000 foot-high-peaks and glacier-covered valleys. The long hours of daylight and the flexibility built into our trips allows time for side hikes or an extra day at iceberg-filled Alsek Lake. The scenery is simply overwhelming.
We do not follow a specific schedule, but prefer to run the trips catering to the speed of the group and preferences for hiking, photography or layover days.
Day 1
We meet in Whitehorse and drive to Haines Junction, where we stop for lunch, after which we continue to Dalton Post, located in Kluane Game Sanctuary. The guides will prepare for the next day’s start on the river and you will be able to explore this historic site.
Day 2-10
Put-in at Dalton Post and raft to Dry Bay, Alaska. The pace on the river is relaxed and the schedule varies from trip to trip depending on the mood of the group and the weather. Time is set aside for hiking and resting, usually at Goat Mountain, Sediment or Tat Creek, Walker Glacier or Alsek Lake.
The Tatshenshini starts as a narrow, fast flowing river, with most of the whitewater being concentrated in the first day of paddling. The upper section rapids are graded as III – IV. After the rapids the river enters the “Quiet Canyon” where it widens in size and we begin to pass through remarkable valleys.
If you choose to participate in the hikes, you will see many different types of wild flowers and wildlife, including perhaps moose, grizzly bear, wolf and goats.
When you reach the confluence with the Alsek River, the river begins to braid into many channels. Numerous glaciers surround you. You float past the many peaks which surround the valley, including 15,300 foot Mt. Fairweather. The thunderous sound of glacier ice calving into the river can be heard from miles away.
Day 11
Return to Whitehorse from the air strip at Dry Bay via charter aircraft. Arrival in Whitehorse scheduled for early afternoon.
Notes:
Due to weather considerations in Dry Bay, planes are sometimes delayed – we recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance for your flights out of Whitehorse.
Since you will be leaving and re-entering Canada, you must have a passport with you to present to the customs authorities.
We have been operating rafting trips on the Tatshenshini River since 1983. Our guides are professionals trained in the latest river rescue techniques as well as being certified in wilderness first aid.
Pricing & Dates
First trip: June 19th to June 29th
Second trip: July 3rd to July 13th -Fully Booked
Third trip: July 30th to August 9th
Cost: $6,355 CAD per person
Prices are subject to change without notice. 5% GST applicable to all prices.
“An 11-day rafting adventured with Tatshenshini Expediting is Fantastic”
My wife and I and some friends experienced an awesome wilderness adventure through the skilled guiding service provided by Tatshenshini Expediting out of Whitehorse. The superlatives apply to first the scenery but also to the adventure in a pristine environment of unequaled beauty, the food, the people, the entire absorbing experience.
