Yukon and Alaska Multisport
Six days. Challenging cycling through remote passes with river rafting, kayaking and one night of camping in the midnight twilight.
This spectacular mountain ride is known locally as the Golden Circle and loops through Alaska, British Columbia and the Yukon. The route travels through remote regions of unparalleled beauty and includes rafting thrills on the Tatshenshini River, one night of wilderness camping in the midnight twilight, kayaking, optional hiking, as well as all the challenges and rewards of picturesque mountain passes. It abounds with wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Begin in the Yukon capital of Whitehorse; a crossroads on the infamous Alaska Highway where you will meet your guides for a transfer and hear about the days to come. The adventure starts with an exciting day of rafting. Keep your eyes open for grizzlies and bald eagles as you ride through the upper canyon of the Tatshenshini River. A full day of adventure finishes with a wilderness BBQ and a night of camping in the midnight twilight. Next you will cycle through the alpine heights of the Haines Pass, crossing the Canada-U.S. border into the Alaskan town of Haines. From here you will enjoy kayaking on Chilkoot Lake, or optional hiking up Mount Riley to the highest point on the Chilkat Peninsula, and then take the ferry through the inside passage for a night in Skagway. You’ll need a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast for the cycling through White Pass; this is a double black diamond climb for avid cyclists in search of a humbling challenge. For the rest, there is a quick van boost to the Canada-U.S. border summit and exceptional cycling on the long ride into Tagish. Repose tonight at the world famous Inn on the Lake; elected one of the ‘Top Places to Stay’ by National Geographic Traveler. Your final day of cycling brings you to Whitehorse where more northern adventures await.
The Plan:
Day 1: Meet in Whitehorse, YK
Today you will meet your guides in Whitehorse at ~13:00 for a complimentary transfer to Haines Junction. Upon arrival there will be a quick safety briefing and an opportunity to test your rental bikes before enjoying the welcome dinner where you can discuss details for the coming days and get excited about your adventure. D
The Raven Hotel, Haines Junction. www.ravenhotelyukon.com
Day 2: Tatshenshini River Rafting
After an early breakfast you will depart Haines Junction driving south, following Kluane National Park to the upper canyon of the Tatshenshini River. This exciting grade II to IV paddle is very popular with locals and visitors alike and includes gear and instruction. You will raft through stunning wilderness surrounded by mountain views, rock cliffs, and racing glacial water stopping halfway through the run to have lunch. Return warm, dry, safe and invigorated by mid-afternoon to enjoy a wilderness BBQ as your guides make camp for the night near Million Dollar Falls. BLD
Wilderness Camping, Million Dollar Falls.
Day 3: Cycle Haines Pass ~80km
Today you will ride south through a corner of British Columbia, over a high scenic mountain pass and then descend into the lush rainforest of the Alaskan Panhandle. As we drop in elevation the trees grow in size and the vegetation become dense and impenetrable. Passports are required for the border crossing, so don’t forget! Tonight in Haines you can enjoy an independent dinner with many excellent seafood selections. Depending on when you travel it may be possible to go for a bear viewing drive after dinner, to observe grizzlies feeding on the local salmon run in the Chilkoot River. BL
Hotel Halsingland, Haines. www.hotelhalsingland.com or
Beach Roadhouse, Haines. www.beachroadhouse.com
Day 4: Chilkoot Lake Kayaking and the Inside Passage
After breakfast you will head over to scenic Chilkoot Lake for a guided paddle on this glacier fed mountain lake, just minutes from town. Linger over a picnic lunch on its shores before returning to Haines for an afternoon of independent activities. There is much to choose from: local artisan shops, cozy cafes, cycling along the sea, sightseeing flights over Glacier Bay National Park, day-hiking up a local peak, or simply relax. After your day of adventure you will return to Chilkoot Lake for a barbecue dinner before catching a 20:30 sailing through the famed Inside Passage of Alaska. The ferry will travel north on the Lynn Canal, a massive mountain fjord surrounded by 6000ft mountains capped in snow with numerous waterfalls crashing down into the ocean below. The journey is just over an hour in length leaving just enough time for an evening stroll through the town of Skagway. BLD
Westmark Hotel, Skagway. www.westmarkhotels.com or
Chilkoot Trail Outpost, Skagway. www.chilkoottrailoutpost.com
Day 5: Cycle White Pass ~100km
Today begins with a choice. Cyclists seeking a challenging double black diamond climb will ride from Skagway to begin the 23km ascent to White Pass. Those interested in a boost will be transferred to the summit to begin their journey towards Tagish. A transfer takes you to your resort for a night of luxury before your final day of riding. BLD
Inn on the Lake, Marsh Lake.
www.exceptionalplaces.com
Day 6: Cycle to Whitehorse ~50km
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before heading north along the Alaska Highway for the final leg of your journey. You will skirt large natural lakes on the ride to Whitehorse where your frontier adventure draws to a close. B
The Details:
| Start: | Whitehorse, Yukon, ~14:00, Day One. |
| Finish: | Whitehorse, Yukon, ~12:00, Day Six. |
| Guided Cost: | $3295 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, river rafting gear, camping gear, kayaking gear, park entry fees, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes) |
| Self Guided Cost: | Self guided option is not available. Call 800-672-0775 for Private Guided rates. |
| Single Occupancy: | $395 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Road: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Jun 20-25; Jul 11-16. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Similar Trips: | Alberta: Waterton to Banff or Newfoundland: Viking Trail |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 5% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
