Hart River, Yukon; Jul 16 - Aug 7; *FULL*

The Hart River is a tributary of the Peel River. It is in the traditional territory of the Tetlit Gwich’in, Tr'ondek Hwech'in and Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nations. The Peel watershed is popular with canoeists but very remote. Bushplane access in and out. We'll start at Elliott Lake with a slog down its tributary creek which could be hard or easy depending on water levels and ends on the Peel with class 3 rapids, ledges and big haystacks.

4 experienced tandem paddling teams sought. Both members should register individually and email me their partner names and credentials for consideration.

WCA members Chris & John Lepard shared their Hart River trip at the 2018 WCS. I have stored their video, UTMs of rapids and camp sites and photocopied sections of topo maps as well as an excerpt of guide book “Wild Rivers of the Yukon’s Peel Watershed”, 2008 ed. in a Google drive that applicants will be expected to peruse carefully before committing a $850 deposit (per canoe). Read the guide carefully so you know what I know and what you are getting into. This is a self-guided trip. Everyone is responsible for their own safety and risk management.

Total cost from Ottawa/Toronto is estimated at $4K, excepting food.

Bush Plane: ‘Alkan Air’ in Mayo. Beaver and Caravan planes; payload is 3100lb, boat weight (on floats) is doubled (ie. 151 lb ea.).
Outfitter: 'Up North Adventures' in Whitehorse.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Hart River, Yukon
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, July 16, 2022 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
May?
Event Duration: 
3 weeks
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
WCA whitewater and northern river enthusiasts with experience
Maximum Group Size: 
4 tandem canoes
Minimum Group Size: 
3 tandem canoes
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

18 days on water which should allow for several hiking days, water levels permitting.

Itinerary:

Sat July 16th, Whitehorse

- participants meet. A rental pickup truck and group AirBnb accommodation is booked starting the 15th for early arrivals.
- errands: groceries, fuel, bearspray, etc.
- inspect rental gear at UpNorth and receive instructions.
- 2 nestable pairs of fully outfitted Esquif T-Formex whitewater boats with spraydeck covers and knee straps, pair: 16.5' Canyon+ 17' Prospecteur expected (75-76lbs without outfit), includes 3 paddles, 2 PFDs spray deck, bailer, sponge, throwbag, lines, and nesting tool kit
- barrel rentals extra: 60L-$49, 30L- $39, harnesses also extra

Sun July 17th, Whitehorse, Mayo

- packing, last minute stuff, leave unwanted luggage at UpNorth, return truck by 1 pm
- 1 pm pick up by UpNorth shuttle for ~4.5 hr trip to Mayo.
- camp at Mayo airport, $0. Potable water, toilets, showers are $5

July 18th, Mayo, Elliott Lake

- 9 am packed and ready at airport for Alkan Air, 10 am flight to Elliott Lake (~ 30 min)
- Obtain take-out UTM from AlkanAir.
- Elliott Lake: assemble canoes, put in, and see how far we can paddle before unloading again

July 19- Aug 4th, Elliott Creek, Hart River, Peel River

- paddle & hike our way to the take-out on the Peel River, somewhere near the confluence of Canyon Creek.
- Aug 4th- nest canoes for air transport

Fri Aug 5th, Peel River, Mayo

- 9 am pick up by Alkan Air at Canyon Creek for flight to Mayo
- this is a flex day in case of flight delay
- Camp in Mayo. Could try for an earlier shuttle to Whitehorse and camp in Whitehorse.

Sat Aug 6th, Mayo, Whitehorse

- morning UpNorth shuttle for Whitehorse ~ 4.5 hrs
- Pick up luggage at outfitter,
- Pick up rental truck
- check in at AirBnb (booked)
- unpack, clean-up and return barrels to outfitter
- pub dinner!

Sunday Aug 7th, Whitehorse,

- fly out,
- return truck (1 pm)
- individual vacations start (check out of AirBnB)

Required Items to Bring: 

personal and share of group camp gear.
Canoes and boat safety equipment are rented.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

personal discretion.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Find a replacement agreeable to the group or pay your share.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Isadora van Riemsdijk
Phone: 
email only