Wind River - Yukon (Map)

The Wind River flows through the heart of the Mackenzie Mountains and Peel River plateau in Yukon's northern reaches. It is characterized by swift water, sharp bends, and some Class II sections. As a result the paddle is best suited for adventurers with river experience or previous canoe instruction.

The 200 km paddle from McClusky Lake to its intersection with the Peel River follows some of the Yukon's most remote and pristine wilderness areas. The scenery is outstanding with inviting ridges along its length for some day hiking.

The habitat supports an abundant wildlife population that includes woodland caribou, Dall sheep, moose, eagles, peregrine falcons, and bear.

One of the many highlights of this canoeing adventure is the red cliff walls at the entrance to an incredible canyon on a portion of the Peel River that marks the end of our trip.

ADDITIONAL WIND RIVER FACTS

* Access to and from the Wind River is via charter air from Mayo, Yukon.

* One of the Yukon's most tragic historical episodes was the death of four Northwest Mounted Policemen during the winter of 1910 played out in the Wind/Peel. Their story is told in the "Lost Patrol" by Dick North.

* The Wind has some of the clearest water one can ever hope to see.

* "Wind City" near the confluence with the Peel River was the winter 1898/99 site of some 70 Klondike Goldrushers who attempted to reach Dawson via a land route from Edmonton. They spent a miserable winter in which a number of them died.