Hiking the Chilkoot Trail

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 they were too late! This guided tour will retrace the Stampeders route one-way over the Chilkoot Pass, but with a different goal - the treasure lies in the adventure itself!

7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1: Arrival Whitehorse

Transfer provided to a downtown hotel in Whitehorse. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight Whitehorse.

Day 2: Whitehorse to Skagway / Chilkoot Trail

The adventure begins today with a drive to Carcross and over the White Pass to Skagway, the staging point for the gold rush stampeders. There is plenty of time for an optional ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (not included in tour price). After a visit of historic Skagway, the group will continue on to Dyea and the Chilkoot Trail. Today's hike is to Finnegan's Point (4.9mi / 7.9km, approx. 3 hours hiking time), where the group will set up camp. Overnight camping.

Day 3: Hiking the Chilkoot Trail

After breakfast, the adventure continues through the coastal rain forest. En route visit the remains of the long abandoned Canyon City town site before continuing on to Sheep Camp (8.1mi / 13.0km, approx. 5 to 6 hours hiking time). Follow the banks of the Taiya River amid the lush rain forest. Overnight camping.

Day 4: Hiking the Chilkoot Trail

The hike begins very early this morning with a climb above tree line for superb views of surrounding mountains and glaciers. Along the trail are many relics from the stampede - one might wonder at the incredible amount of goods that had to be carried over this mountain pass. Later in the day cross the border between Alaska and Canada, over 3,700 feet (1,100 meters) above sea level! From here, the path descends over snowfields to the inland portion of the Trail. Passing small lakes, creeks and rock outcrops, the group will reach "Happy Camp" (7.5mi / 12.1km, approx. 6 to 8 hours hiking time) in late afternoon. Overnight camping.

Day 5: Hiking the Chilkoot Trail

The Trail winds its way along rivers and lakes, providing incredible views of gorgeous scenery. It gradually descends to Deep Lake and further into the forested area of Lake Lindeman (5.5mi / 8.8km, approx. 4 to 5 hours hiking time). Here the group will spend another night in a pristine wilderness setting. Overnight camping.

Day 6: Chilkoot Trail to Whitehorse

Today, continue trekking to Bare Loon Lake - a nice swimming hole in hot weather - and on to Lake Bennett where the Chilkoot Trail ends (7.0mi / 11.3km, approx. 4 to 5 hours hiking time). There will be time to visit the old train station and the partly renovated log church in Bennett. A float plane will arrive by late afternoon for a spectacular flight back to Whitehorse. Transfer is provided to a downtown hotel in Whitehorse. Overnight Whitehorse.

Day 7: Departure Day

Transfer is provided to the airport for your departure flight.

• Everyone must carry part of the load, which is approximately 40lbs (18kg) of your own gear, some camping gear and a portion of the food. Other belongings can be safely stored 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.

• As this tour crosses into Canada, all participants will need to have a passport and the appropriate visas (where applicable). Please be certain to have these documents arranged well in advance of the tour departure date.

Airport transfers in Whitehorse. Van transportation to Skagway and Dyea with sightseeing in Skagway. Float plane flight from Lake Bennett to Whitehorse. 2 nights hotel accommodation in Whitehorse. 4 nights accommodation in tents while on the Trail. All meals on the Trail including non-alcoholic beverages. All equipment such as stove, dishes, tents, etc. except for sleeping bags and sleeping pad. Chilkoot Park fees and licenses. Local driver / knowledgeable guide for duration of the journey.

• Meals other than noted above.

• Alcoholic beverages.

• Optional excursions.

• Park/admission fees other than noted above.

• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

• Gratuity.

2009 Departure Dates: June 14, 19, 28; July 3, 12, 17, 26, 31; August 9, 14, 23.

*Canadian GST is NOT included and will be charged in addition to the above rates!

Rates are in Canadian currency! Payment will be converted and charged in US dollars.