Adventure and Northern Lights in Yukon


Come and live the ultimate Yukon Winter experience!
6 fabulous days loaded with activities:

1-Pilot your own snowmobile across frozen Lakes, along and into the Grandeur of the Yukon’s Coast Mountains.
2-Experience snowshoeing and ice-fishing.
3-Mush your team of huskies.   
4-Photograph Yukon’s animals at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.
5-Relax in the soothing waters of the Takhini Hot Springs. 
6-Spend two unforgettable evenings of guided Northern Lights viewing.  

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Whitehorse

    Whitehorse We'll greet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel in downtown Whitehorse where you'll be staying for the duration of this tour. All stores, banks and important sights are within easy walking distance of the hotel, so you may explore this lively northern town on your own. Night at the River View Hotel or similar.

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 2 Whitehorse

    Whitehorse Today we'll show you the capital of the Yukon and the surroundings to give you a first impression of this wonderful country: During the city tour you'll see the old train station of the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, the Log Skyscraper, old Log Church and the paddle wheeler SS Klondike. We'll also show you some residential areas and we'll stop at the Visitors Reception Centre. On the way to the Takhini Hot Springs we'll stop at the Wildlife Preserve where you'll see most of the wildlife seen in the Yukon, such as Moose, Caribou, buffalo, Dall Sheep, Big Horn Sheep, Musk Oxen and others. Time for a leisurely swim in the hot waters at Takhini Hot Springs. First night aurora viewing: 21h30 pm. A cozy, heated cabin or wall tent with hot drinks and snacks will make your Aurora viewing even more enjoyable. Return to hotel around 2h00. Night at the River View Hotel or similar. (B)

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 3 Whitehorse

    Whitehorse This is the day for our snowmobiling adventure: Our van will take us up to Fish Lake, just over half an hour away from the hotel. Here we'll get our instructions about snowmobile safety and any further instructions we'll need and off we are across the lake and into some of the most beautiful mountains you may imagine! Lunch will be served on the trail and by late afternoon we'll return to Whitehorse. Second night aurora viewing: 21h30 pm. Return to hotel around 2h00 am. Night at the River View Hotel or similar. (B, L)

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 4 Whitehorse

    Whitehorse Day at leisure or Optional day trip to Haines Junction. We'll drive west on the world famous Alaska Highway and will reach Haines Junction in about two hours. Just outside the town we'll start our trek on the beautiful Auriol Trail. Since we'll be slower on our snowshoes we'll head out at leisure, have a break amidst a gorgeous winter wonderland and return to our van. In Haines Junction we'll break for coffee before heading back to Whitehorse. Third night aurora viewing: 21h30 pm. Return to hotel around 2h00 am. Night at the River View Hotel or similar. (B)

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 5 Whitehorse

    Whitehorse Another highlight of this tour will be this full day dog sledding tour along the Takhini River and into the Ibex Valley west of Whitehorse. First we'll be introduced to the many dogs and instructions will be given about mushing and safety on the trail. Then we'll be assigned our team of from 4 to 6 dogs and off we go! We'll follow well prepared trails and our guides will make sure that we are always in control of our teams. Lunch will be served along the trail when both, we and the dogs need a well deserved break. By late afternoon we'll return to the kennel for a mug of coffee or hot chocolate before we'll return to the hotel. Fourth night aurora viewing: 21h30 pm. Return to hotel around 2h00 am. Night at the River View Hotel or similar. (B, L)

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 6 Whitehorse

    Whitehorse Morning at leisure. After a short drive to a frozen lake we'll show you how to walk on snowshoes. With our fishing equipment, we'll walk onto the ice of the lake where we'll fish through a hole in the ice. Night at the River View Hotel or similar. (B)

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 7 Whitehorse

    We’ll bring you to the airport in time for your flight home. (B)

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price

From C$2,595

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

  • R/T transfer from the airport as well as between activity sites
  • Warm and personalized airport meet and greet
  • Guides for the included activities· Recent 500cc snowmobile for 1 day
  • Unlimited mileage for 1 day, gas and oil
  • Accident insurance for snowmobile (2500$ cdn deductible - 500cc only)
  • Snowmobile trail permit· "Extreme Cold" clothing : snow-suit, boots, helmet and gloves
  • 1 dog-sled team for 2 people for 1 day· Snowshoes and ice fishing gear
  • 4 evenings of aurora viewing, including hot drinks and snacks
  • City tour of Whitehorse
  • Admission to the Yukon Game Farm
  • Admission to the Takhini Hot Springs
  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 8 meals (see abbreviations)
  • Applicable taxes

Not included

  • Air travel
  • All meals other than the ones mention above
  • Drinks (excluding coffee and tea with meals included)
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guides

International flights

On request, ask your advisor at canada@altaibasecamp.com

Terms and conditions

See the Sales Conditions section

Insurance

On request, ask your advisor at canada@altaibasecamp.com

Practical info

Food

All meals are not included in your stay. Enjoy all the restaurants and snacks you will come across during your stay.

Budget & exchange

Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. You can also change euros. 1 Euro = CAN $ 1.50 to 11/04/2019

Tips

In the United States and Canada, the service is never included in the price. In bars, restaurants and all places where a service is provided, it is expected that you leave a tip between 15 and 20% of the total amount. Know that many employees in the service trades are paid only with tips. It would be very badly perceived to give nothing, or not to give enough. Even when paying by credit card, you will indicate the amount of the tip you want to leave. On this type of trip, it is customary to leave $ 6 per person per day for the driver guide and $ 20 per group for city guides.

Vital equipment

From head to toe

  • A pair of warm shoes or a pair of padded boots
  • Slippers or light sneakers for the chalet
  • Pair of wool socks
  • Anorak
  • Warm trousers
  • Warm sweaters or fleece furs
  • Underwear made of fine technical fibres
  • Swimsuit
  • Gloves, hat, scarf (depending on the season)

Material

  • Toilet bag
  • Pair of sunglasses
  • Sun protection cream (face and lip)
  • Pocket knife
  • Flashlight or front light with spare batteries
  • 1.5 litre minimum flask, light and isothermal.
You can also provide a 2-litre water bag. The latter has the advantage of allowing direct consumption thanks to its pipette. So you don't have to drop the backpack to grab the flask. This way you drink more regularly and in small quantities, which is recommended for a good hydration. Tip: having two containers allows you to consume one while the other is being processed.

Helpful equipment

  • Waterproof pocket for your passport and/or identity card
  • Your driver's license, your vaccination record
  • Your travel insurance brochure
  • Your currencies
  • Your credit card and personal papers
  • Plastic bags to guarantee the waterproofness of your belongings
  • Cameras and clothing Dirty laundry bag
  • Earplugs
  • Notepad and pen Book, card game....
  • Walking sticks (optional). They are a precious help to save your knees during the descent (up to 30% of your weight + that of your bag are supported by the poles) and support your effort during the ascent (the arms help in addition to the legs)
  • Pair of binoculars
  • Camera and battery charger
  • Adapter for electrical plug

Luggage

Plan:
A flexible travel bag with side zipper giving easier access to its contents than a sailor bag, it will contain the things you will not use during the day a small backpack (capacity about 40L) for your daily stuff such as sweaters, spare tee shirts, water bottles, glasses, lunch picnic etc. In case of delay in your checked baggage (toothbrush, t-shirt, walking shoes, etc.), please bring something to the cabin to "survive" the first few days.

Passport

Consular formalities for Europeans and Swiss nationals: 

Upon your registration, please transmit your passport information (name, first name, passport number, date of issues and expiration). Currently, to stay as a tourist for less than six months, a visa is not mandatory and a valid passport is sufficient with a validity exceeding by one day your stay in Canada.

Travelers must imperatively have an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. You will have to fill the form online and individually (one application per person) on http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/ave.aspIt is essential that you have a valid email address. The 7 CAD fees are payable by Visa, Mastercard or American Express credit cards. The eTA is granted in just a few minutes but we advise you to apply for it as soon as your trip is confirmed. The eTA is an electronic document linked to your passport and stays valid for 5 years or until the expiration of the passport, depending on the first of these eventualities to occur. You must then travel with the passport used to apply for it. 

CAREFUL: for French women, the eTA must be filled with your maiden name. Hence, to facilitate the check-in at the airport, we ask travelers in Canada to indicate their maiden name for the booking of their tickets.

You travel with children:
Children and adults are submitted to the same obligations regarding passports and visa described above. Registration of minors on parents’ passports is now impossible; children must hold an individual passport. It is compulsory to apply for an eTA for each child individually. 

CAREFUL, from January 15th 2017 onwards, for all French minors traveling abroad alone, an authorization to leave the country is compulsory.
The child will have to submit the three following documents:
- The minor’s valid passport
- A photocopy of the signatory’s identity card, valid or expired for less than 5 years and the birth certificate
- The form, signed by one of the legal guardians, available online on https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1359 

Concerning other nationalities, seek the Canadian consular authority of your country.

ARRIVAL IN CANADA VIA A TRANSIT THROUGH THE UNITED STATES :
CAREFUL, we can exceptionally use American airlines for travels bound for the American continent (North and South). 
They stop over in the US: you must possess an electronic or biometric passport which is still valid 6 months after your departure from the US (under ‘’passport’’, a rectangle under a circle meaning a secure symbol). 

You must also apply for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) on the official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Valid for a duration of two years or until the expiration of the passport, this authorization must be requested at the latest 72h before your departure: we advise you to apply to it as soon as your trip is confirmed. It has to be paid for (14 USD online by credit card). The name you put on the form must be the same as the one that figures on your plane tickets and must of course appears on your passport. If the name used on the ESTA form is different from the one on your tickets, the airline can deny your boarding. Minors must also fill out an ESTA authorization. 

The Visa Waiver Program allows French nationals to enter the American territory without a visa, either via transit or for a stay of 90 days to the maximum. A visa is nevertheless necessary if you only have an emergency passport. Furthermore, travelers who went to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen or Soudan since March 11th 2011 and people who are national of Iran, Iraq, Syria or Soudan cannot benefit from the Visa Waiver program anymore: more information on http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/etats-unis/

ARRIVAL IN THE US OR TRANSIT THROUGHT THE US :
Upon your arrival, the immigration service will take your photo and fingerprints. You’ll have to wait behind the yellow line and not cross it unless you’re told to, it can take some time. Customs controls will take place at the first access point to the territory (in case of a transit through a Canadian airport, it will be considered as a first access point to the US and the following process must be applied). Once you’ve been through the immigration service, you’ll get your luggage back from the conveyer belt and go to the customs. In case of a continuation of your trip, you’ll have to get your luggage back and bring them the baggage conveyer which serves.

Health information & recommendations

Pharmacy :
It is suggested that participants bring their own medication:
  •  Aspirin
  • Intestinal antiseptic
  • Small scissors
  • Tricosteril
  • Sun protection cream for face and lips
  • Mosquito repellent cream or lotion

Also think of your feet : elastoplast, eosin etc.

Recommendations : No vaccination required.

Hygiene : Tap water is safe to drink.

Weather

In Quebec, in summer, weather conditions are very changing and unpredictable and have a considerable influence on the level of the circuits. On average, in winter, the temperature is -10 degrees and -19 degrees at night. A trip indicated as easy will therefore require more effort if the appropriate weather conditions are not met. You must be ready to face the snow, the wind and even the blazing sun... Some activity may change due to conditions and lack of snow.Spirit of the trip: This trip is participatory: your help will be requested to load and unload the equipment necessary for the smooth running of the trip as well as for its cleaning; on itinerant tours, you must regularly set up and dismantle the camp. All this will not take much time on your entire journey, your guide knows the circuit well, but your involvement helps to create a climate of mutual support and establish links between you and your guide, for a friendly and peaceful atmosphere. 

For more information: https://www.meteomedia.com/ca

Electricity

As everywhere in the US, voltage runs at 110 Volts/60 cycles. New electric devices can be adapted o the current. It’s preferable to check whether or not your device is equipped with a current transformer. In general, it is a black box located between the electric plug and your device. If your device isn’t compatible with the 110-volt current, you’ll need to get a current transformer sold separately. As electrical plugs are flat, you’ll also need an adaptor to plug your device in. you’ll find it easily on the spot or before departure in a shop specialized in travels. A waterproof Zip Lock bag is a good way to keep your equipment in a dry place.

Sustainable tourism

Since the outset, Altai works for an eco-tourism and an organization of trips that respects equitable and sustainable principles.  

The harmonization of practices assures:
  •  A fair economical repartition
  • The improvement of local teams’ working conditions and their awareness of the protection of the environment
  • The information of travelers about respecting the local population and environment and the collection of their feelings at their return. 

You can also act in favor of an eco-tourism by adopting simple green gestures during your trips:
  • Avoid letting waste out, throw it in the trash can or bring it with you
  • Use potable water sparingly (take a shower instead of a bath and report any leaks) and avoid wasting it (use biodegradable soap to wash yourself)
  • Avoid damaging cultural sites: don’t touch the statues, don’t move the stones and objects
  • Exchange instead of giving (too Important gifts can destabilize the local economic stability of the country depending on their living standards)
  • When taking a walk, especially in some fragile ecosystems, observe the fauna from afar, do not go beyond beaten roads, limit stamping and do not bring any souvenirs: give up picking rare flowers picking fossils...
  • In some hotels, you can have  individual air conditioning. It is advised to systematically switching it off when you’re out of the room to avoid energetical overconsumption and greenhouse gas emission.
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Region
Northern Canada
Activity
Nature - Adventure Winter
Duration
7 days
Code
HIVER-10
Price
From C$2,914
Level
2/5
Comfort
3/5

Strengths

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