Yukon River Wilderness Education & Leadership Program
from $3799
Yukon River Wilderness Education & Leadership Program
from $3799
Jun. 14 - Jun. 28 2026
Discover the Yukon: Wilderness Medicine, River Safety & Expedition Leadership
Embark on an unforgettable 14-night journey through the heart of the Yukon, combining wilderness medical training, swift water rescue skills, and a breathtaking canoe expedition down the legendary Yukon River. This program is designed for adventurers, outdoor leaders, and aspiring wilderness guides who want to deepen their knowledge of remote first aid, river safety, and backcountry expedition skills—all while paddling one of North America's most iconic waterways.
Your adventure begins in Whitehorse, where you'll complete a 4-day Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) certification, gaining essential life-saving skills through hands-on scenarios. Next, you'll head to the Takhini River for a full-day swift water rescue course, where you'll learn how to navigate moving water, practice rescue swimming, and master essential river safety techniques.
With your skills sharpened, you'll launch from Minto Landing for a 7-day canoe expedition down the Yukon River to Dawson City, retracing the historic paths of Indigenous traders and Gold Rush prospectors. Along the way, you'll navigate winding currents, camp along remote riverbanks, and explore abandoned settlements steeped in history. Each night, campfires and reflection sessions will deepen your connection to the land, your team, and yourself.
Phase 1: Pre-Expedition Training (WAFA & Swift Water Rescue)
📍 Whitehorse & Takhini River (6 Nights)
Day 1: Arrival in Whitehorse & Expedition Preparation
Welcome & Gear Check: Meet guides and instructors, review personal gear, distribute group equipment.
Introduction to Yukon’s Environment & Expedition Goals
Camp Setup & Cooking in Remote Conditions: Learn efficient expedition camping and food organization.
Evening Campfire & Reflection: Discuss group dynamics and personal goals for the experience.
Days 2-5: Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) Course
Comprehensive Medical Training: Learn patient assessment, wound management, environmental emergencies, and evacuation procedures.
Scenario-Based Learning: Hands-on practice with realistic backcountry emergency scenarios.
Wilderness Medical Ethics & Decision-Making: Discussion of responsibility and risk management in remote settings.
Night Search & Rescue Simulation: Test navigation, teamwork, and medical skills in a nighttime emergency drill.
Final WAFA Exam & Certification on Day 5
Day 6-8: Swift Water Rescue Training on the Takhini River
Introduction to Moving Water Safety: Understanding river dynamics and hydrology.
Rescue Swimming & Self-Rescue Techniques: Practicing safe exits from swift currents.
Throw Bag & Rope Skills: Learning rescue techniques for assisting others.
Capsize & Re-Entry Drills: Practicing controlled wet exits and re-entry into canoes.
Evening Reflection: Discuss risk management and leadership in high-stakes scenarios.
Phase 2: Yukon River Expedition (Minto to Dawson – 7 Nights)
📍 Minto Landing to Dawson City
Day 9: Travel to Minto & Launch on the Yukon River
Expedition Mindset & River Navigation: Review maps, weather considerations, and group paddling strategies.
Paddling Basics & River Reading: Practice strokes, ferrying, and route selection.
Wildlife Observation: Keep an eye out for moose, bears, bald eagles, and beaver activity.
Camp Setup & First River Campfire: Discuss expedition roles and responsibilities.
Day 10: Gold Rush History & Indigenous Trade Routes
Exploring Historic River Routes: Learn about the role of the Yukon River in Indigenous culture and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Visit to an Abandoned Trading Post: Discussion on the impact of European settlement.
Cultural Storytelling at Camp: Share traditional First Nations legends about the land and water.
Day 9: Water Quality & Citizen Science
Water Testing & Data Collection: Measure pH, turbidity, and temperature, discussing implications for aquatic ecosystems.
Wildlife Tracking & Observation: Learn to read animal tracks and behavior along the riverbanks.
Evening Reflection: How does river health impact both local communities and global ecosystems?
Day 11: Canoeing in Changing Conditions
Advanced Paddling Techniques: Practicing group paddling, current reading, and navigating in windy conditions.
Leadership & Communication on the Water: Participants take turns leading the group through different sections.
Riverside Campfire Discussion: The role of self-reliance and adaptability in remote expeditions.
Day 12: Remote Survival & Emergency Scenarios
Shelter Building & Fire Skills: Construct emergency shelters and practice different fire-starting methods.
Wilderness First Aid in Action: Simulated medical emergencies using WAFA skills.
Reflection on Self-Sufficiency & Group Dynamics
Day 13: Approaching Dawson – Final Stretch on the River
Final Full Day of Paddling: Enjoy a long, scenic paddle into the final stretch of the expedition.
Reflection & Sharing: Group discussion on personal growth and takeaways from the journey.
Celebration Dinner at Camp
Day 14: Arrival in Dawson City & Celebration
Dock & Final Gear Clean-Up
Exploring Dawson City: Walking tour of historic sites, visit to the Jack London Museum or the Midnight Dome for panoramic views.
Closing Ceremony: Certificates of completion, personal reflections, and team acknowledgments.
