Liard River Wilderness Canoe Trip

Easy Paddling, Fine Vistas, Good Camping
Fishing in Crystal Clear Waters

The Liard River is one of the great names in Canada’s north. Starting in the southern Yukon, the river sweeps through northern BC and into NWT, where it joins the MacKenzie River near Fort Simpson. The upper reaches are rarely travelled and accessed by float plane from Whitehorse. A true wilderness adventure, the upper Liard has it all: big-river flat water, easy paddling, fine vistas, good camping plus fishing in crystal clear waters. Trip pace is comfortable, allowing time to explore the upper lakes and for occasional hikes en route. If you want instant access to wilderness – this is the trip, no long overland journeys, just a quick flight and you are on the water. Wildlife abounds, moose thrive in this domain and buffalo are known to roam through the valley from Northern BC. In June the midnight sun and carpets of wildflowers are a magical combination. August and September are a time for spectacular fall colours, campfires and with luck an early glimpse of the northern lights. And all this nature is yours – as it’s unlikely you will see another canoe on the trip!

Liard Canoe Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Whitehorse airport; meet your guide and transfer to downtown hotel.

Day 2: Fly by float plane to headwaters of the Liard River. Flight offers good views of Southern Yukon, Teslin and Nisutlin Rivers plus Cassiar mountains. Camp at Caribou Lakes, our base for exploring surrounding lake system.

Day 3 to 10: Time to familiarize with canoes, gear and headwaters region; day spent exploring upper reaches of Liard River. Good fishing for Northern Pike, Arctic Grayling and Bull Trout in both lake and river systems. Once in the main river, increased flow will add momentum and get the paddling trip underway. The river is predominately flat water with no rapids or portages. The upper Liard is seldom travelled which assists in our chances of spotting wildlife; moose, grizzly and black bear and dall sheep inhabit the region along with eagles. A mountain hike will take us above treeline for stunning panoramic views of entire Liard valley.

Day 11: Our last day on the river brings us to the small native settlement of Upper Liard, near Watson Lake on the Alaska Highway. Here we load the gear and drive back to Whitehorse this afternoon. Hotel accommodation is reserved in downtown.

Day 12: Transfer to airport is provided. Conclusion of the Liard River expedition.

OPTIONAL YUKON VISIT EXTENSION - INN ON THE RIVER

Day 11: Inn on the River is conveniently located along your return route to Whitehorse, on the Teslin River. You will be dropped off for a three night stay with an airport transfer provided.  Inn on the River is one of Visit Yukon’s featured properties; comfortable rooms with private bath, fine cuisine, great ambiance plus lots of activity options to keep you busy – make this a highly recommended option.

Day 12 & 13: Two full days to relax after the Liard canoe trip or plan for more activity. Local fishing trips, canoeing and 4-wheeler trips are available to guests or you can join one of the guided fishing or hiking excursions by bush plane to smaller lakes nearby (additional cost applies). Surrounded by nature, Inn on the River has a perfect location and typifies true Yukon hospitality.   

Day 14: Transfer to airport; departure mid-afternoon.

All trips START / END in Whitehorse.