10-Day Tatshenshini River Expedition

Journey Through the ice Age of Yukon, British Columbia and Alaska

Canadian Outback Rafting Canadian Rafting Adventures 1-866-565-8735 1-888-670-8853 [email protected] [email protected] www.canadianoutbackrafting.com www.canadianraftingadventures.com 2

PLANNING YOUR TRIP...

Thank you for choosing a Canadian Rafting Adventures trip powered by Canadian Outback Rafting. We are very excited that you will be joining us as we raft through the pristine mountains and valleys of the Tatshenshini region. The Tatshenshini River, rated as one of the world’s top ten most scenic rivers, drains the northwest corner of B.C. and southwest corner of the Yukon Territory. The river joins the Alsek River just before the Alaskan border and continues through the top of the Alaskan panhandle to drain into the Pacific Ocean at Dry Bay.

We have prepared this Trip Planner to help you get ready for the adventures that await us in this truly unspoiled part of the world. We have tried to anticipate questions you might have concerning travel arrangements, what to bring, and getting in shape. We also provide some basic information about the diverse regions of the Yukon, British Columbia and Alaska and about things to do in Whitehorse before and after your trip.

If any of your questions remain unanswered, please don’t hesitate to call. We strive to prepare you fully for what to expect on trip so you can spend your vacation thinking more about the scent of old growth cedars or a field of alpine wildflowers, than about whether or not you brought the right pair of shoes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10-DAY TATSHENSHINI RIVER EXPEDITION ...... 1 PLANNING YOUR TRIP...... 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 3 THE TERRAIN WE COVER...... 5 GETTING IN SHAPE ...... 5 SAFETY ...... 5 CAMPING STYLE ...... 5 EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT ...... 6 ACTIVITIES ...... 6 Rafting ...... 6 Hiking ...... 6 Wildlife Viewing ...... 6 Photography ...... 7 Fishing ...... 7 THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 7 WEATHER ...... 7 WHAT TO TAKE ...... 8 Equipment Provided ...... 8 Personal Equipment List ...... 8 Why you bring it ...... 9 Equipment Notes ...... 10 Extra Luggage ...... 12 GETTING INSURED ...... 12 Carrying Valuables ...... 12 MAKING YOUR TRAVEL PLANS ...... 12 RENDEZVOUS ...... 13 AFTER YOUR TRIP ...... 13 Things to do in Whitehorse ...... 13 FURTHER USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION...... 14 Car Rentals ...... 14 Currency ...... 14 Language ...... 15 Travel Documents ...... 15 Water ...... 15 Electricity ...... 15 Time Zones ...... 15 Etiquette ...... 15 Telephone and Fax ...... 15 Emergency Phone ...... 16 Tips and Tipping ...... 16

MORE INFORMATION??? ...... 16 READING FOR THE ROAD ...... 17 ON THE WEB ...... 18 MAPS ...... 19 THE DETAILS ...... 19 Prices ...... 19 Reservations ...... 19 Cancellation & Refund ...... 19 Liability Waiver ...... 19 OUR RAFTING TRIPS ...... 20

THE TERRAIN WE COVER

When asked to describe the Tatshenshini in one word—a nearly impossible task—we arrived at the word “dramatic,” which is defined as “a situation or place capable of stirring up the imagination and emotions deeply” (Oxford, 1978). The Tatshenshini has long been regarded as one of the top ten scenic rivers in the world. The conservation efforts to save this river system are considered one of the greatest success stories of the North American environmental movement, having resulted in the protection of a wilderness area spanning over 22 million hectares. Fed by the massive glaciers of the St. Elias range, this river system spans separate valleys before converging at the Alaskan border. The river then takes the name “Alsek” and continues to flow to the sea, covering a total of 160 miles from source to mouth. Along its course, it can be over a mile wide—a mass of confusing channels and gravel bars stretching from valley wall to distant valley wall—or it can get squeezed through canyon walls a stone’s throw apart. Our journey will take us through alpine tundra, towering mountains, unparalleled wildlife populations and extraordinary bio-diversity, with ecosystems ranging from sea level to 15,000 feet. The Tatshenshini is ours to experience by raft or by foot, and it is during this journey that you will be reconnected with the depth and scale of our earth’s wilderness.

GETTING IN SHAPE

Our trips are designed for people who enjoy the outdoors rather than for fitness fanatics. Still, they are active holidays. Age is unimportant when it comes to your ability to do the rafting, walking and/or hiking—your physical condition is the most important consideration. If you haven’t attempted the kind of exercise levels required by our trips within the last couple of years, please be aware of the sort of trip you’re taking. It’s an active one and you’ll enjoy it more if you’ve prepared by getting in shape before you go. No previous river experience is required.

SAFETY

British Columbia is home to the most stringent guide licensing regulations in the world! You can travel without worry, knowing your guides are highly trained in advanced wilderness first aid, river rescue, and boat handling skills. All our river expedition guides are very experienced in the outdoors and well versed in dealing with the unexpected. Your guides will give you an orientation to safe rafting and expedition practices on the first day and teach you all the basic skills that you’ll require to enjoy the trip safely. You will be supplied with a life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD) that you are required to wear whenever we are on the river. Our prime consideration is to provide you with a trip that is as safe and comfortable as possible, while maintaining the integrity of a wilderness experience.

CAMPING STYLE

We view rafting as a perfect vehicle for discovery, at a pace that allows the best perspective on the world. And when it comes to the Tatshenshini River, it’s the only means of experiencing this unique region. Our four-season (warm) expedition (tough) tents are also spacious to ensure your comfort in the wooded riverside sanctuaries where we camp. We also supply a sleeping pad, sleeping bag and pillow for night comforts. Travellers will enjoy a wide variety of fine meals created by our guides and a selection of beverages that has been brought along to aid campfire philosophy deep into the night. The guides take care of setting up and taking down the group camp and kitchen, and guests setup and take down their own tents. All help is appreciated and travellers should be prepared for group living in an outdoor environment. The best part of the camp tasks is that they are strictly voluntary.

EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT

We use 18’ long, state-of-the-art self-bailing rafts as our main mode of transport. These four-to six- person rafts are oared by your guides who are assisted by paddling where required, but for most of the time travellers can just sit back and soak up the views. Life jackets (PFD’s) are provided and must be worn at all times when we are on the river. We are committed to the “leave-no-trace” style of camping; so all our equipment comes with us on the rafts from one camp to the next. Your personal gear will be with you at all times in the raft, packed away in two waterproof personal gear bags supplied by us. In times of inclement weather, we deploy a series of Chlorophyll tarps that cover the kitchen and dining areas to create a more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. We are equipped with a full propane kitchen, Dutch ovens for baking, chairs for relaxing in camp, and a portable privy! On occasion it will be possible to heat water for personal washing and on layover days we may be able to set up shower facilities.

ACTIVITIES

The Tatshenshini River expedition is a true adventure vacation. By definition, an adventure is a “daring enterprise; an unexpected or exciting experience”—our activities throughout the trip fit this description!

Rafting After picking your raft and guide for the day, climb in and enjoy the big, comfortable ride. On the Tat, we spend about four hours in the rafts on each of the seven days we are on river. The movement of the river is steady but exciting, with some fun rolling and splashing sections livening up our down-river progress. The biggest waves are on the first day; everyone will be encouraged to help the guide manoeuvre the raft by paddling hard! Each day is interspersed with breaks to stretch your legs, eat a picnic lunch and do some riverside exploring. The guide and the river will ensure your forward propulsion, but feel free to ask your guide if you want to take the oars for a workout!

Hiking The spectacular beauty of this region begs to be explored on foot as well as by water. Every day will present opportunities for short hikes to explore the areas nearby to camp so that we can get to know the land and its inhabitants. Longer, more challenging hikes will be an option on all layover days, and will include opportunities to experience the classic alpine flowers and tundra of Sediments Creek, the “Nose” of the Alaskan border, and a trip to view an active glacier! Each person will pick their activities according to their interests and fitness level. We encourage everyone to lace up his or her boots and come along.

Wildlife Viewing The Tatshenshini River Valley is renowned for its undisturbed and diverse wildlife populations. Because these animals are largely unaccustomed to seeing humans—meaning they don’t link our presence with free and easy food—they will not make a point of finding us. While we will attempt to find environments conducive to wildlife viewing, we must remember that we are visitors in the animals’ backyards, and we will not disturb or harass animals by pursuing them. Most animals don’t look to the water for signs of danger, so one of the huge advantages of floating past them is that often they will not even notice us as we observe them from the safety of our rafts. Wildlife sightings have included grizzly and black bears, moose, Dall sheep, mountain goats, wolves, and lots of different bird species, including the majestic bald eagle. On the right day you may be privy to the wildlife viewing of a lifetime.

Photography Bring your camera and lots of batteries and memory cards! Many of our travellers can’t stop taking pictures and find themselves out of battery or memory halfway through the journey, just when it gets really incredible! Lots of stops during the day, astounding vistas, camp fun and, of course, the famed midnight sun, all lend themselves to prolific photo shoots. Many of the world’s great outdoor photographers have frequented this area and come away astounded by its beauty, including the legendary Art Wolfe. For a glimpse of what to expect, check out “Tatshenshini River Wild” by Ric Careless (see “Reading for the Road” for details). When on the river you can carry your photo equipment in your waterproof day bag; for expensive specialized equipment, bring a “Pelican” waterproof case, which can be purchased at any good outdoor store.

Fishing The Tatshenshini is one of the North’s most prolific salmon habitats and commercial fisheries. It has massive sockeye salmon runs and is a spawning ground for spring and Coho salmon. However, because of the glacial run-off from the world’s largest non-polar ice fields making the river silty, the fishing is not great. If you plan on staying in the Yukon before or after your expedition, there are a number of wonderful char, grayling and trout fisheries in the region. If you wish to fish, we suggest you bring a rod with a case and the smallest of tackle boxes with the appropriate lures or flies. A fishing license is required and can be purchased in Whitehorse before our departure for approximately CDN$40.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Conservationists now have a rule of thumb—make a protected area large enough to accommodate a viable population of the top predators, and you more or less capture everything else in the ecosystem. This would include the top predators’ prey species, such as moose and caribou, the plants upon which they and many other species depend, and the soil and microorganisms, which account for the fundamental richness of the system as a whole. But the key is big wilderness, and that, above all else, is what the Tatshenshini area embodies. We are committed to the preservation of wilderness habitats in the Pacific Northwest. Our trips are designed to promote an understanding of this unique region’s delicate ecosystems and to preserve its natural integrity. We take a low-impact, self-contained, leave-no-traces approach, carrying in what we need and carrying out all garbage and human waste. After enjoying such incredible natural beauty, we want to be sure that we’ve left the environment unspoiled for future generations of explorers.

WEATHER

The weather is one of the few details we can’t control. We plan our trips at times when the likelihood of getting warmer weather and enjoying the midnight sun is greatest. However, we are in the North and the weather can roll in quickly and fiercely. There are days when we are completely surrounded by ice fields and glaciers, and the temperatures combined with wind factors can be chilling. Your ten-day trip will likely expose you to every combination of weather imaginable. Following our recommended clothing list should ensure that you remain comfortable in sunny stretches and downpours alike. Whitehorse Month High Low °F / °C °F / °C July 69 / 21 54 / 12

WHAT TO TAKE

Equipment Provided Before embarking on your Tatshenshini expedition you will receive the following equipment at the pre- trip meeting in Whitehorse. All this equipment will be yours for the duration of the trip. □ One Large waterproof gear bag for your clothing (110 litres) □ One Small waterproof gear bag to serve as a “day-bag” (55 litres) □ One sleeping bag □ One self-inflating camp-mattress □ One pillow □ A splash jacket, wetsuit, wetsuit booties, helmet, and lifejacket □ One pair of rubber boots □ A set of rubber rain gear (both jacket and pants) just like the guides wear □ A high-end expedition tent (one per 2 guests) is provided but will be distributed on the river

Personal Equipment List Here is a list of personal items that we recommend you pack for the trip. Footwear □ 1 Pair medium weight high-cut hiking boots (worn in) □ 1 Pair river sandals (Chacos are great) □ 3 Pairs hiking socks □ 5 Pairs warm wool socks or polypropylene or other moisture-wicking socks

Upper Body □ 2 Long-sleeved shirts (synthetic or wool) □ 2 T-shirts (cotton) □ 2 Medium weight long underwear tops (synthetic or wool) □ 1 Pile or fleece jacket (heavy weight) □ 2 Pile or fleece pullovers (medium weight) □ 1 High quality waterproof rain jacket with hood for hiking (3-layer Gore-Tex is good) □ 1 Down jacket (Optional, but recommended)

Lower Body □ 2 Medium weight long underwear bottoms (synthetic or wool) □ 2 Pair shorts (quick-drying) □ 2 Pairs long pants (quick-drying) □ 1 Pair insulating pants (pile or fleece) □ 5 Pairs regular underwear (ideally 2 synthetic or wool for on-river).

Head & Hands □ 2 Warm hats (synthetic or wool) □ 1 Sun hat or visor □ 2 Pairs warm gloves (synthetic or wool)

Additional Gear □ Passport - MANDATORY □ Water bottle (good idea to drink 1 litre of your own water per day on the raft) □ Insulated coffee mug (we have cups but your own is always nice)

□ Day pack that holds approximately 30-35 litres □ Personal toiletries kit (personal medications, toothbrush, etc.) □ Towel and swimsuit □ Sunscreen, lip salve □ Extra prescription glasses or contact lenses (if necessary) □ Sunglasses with safety strap □ Small flashlight with fresh batteries or head torch □ Pocket or Swiss Army knife or multi tool □ Stuff sacks to separate clothing (clear/small garbage bags & zip-locks work well!) □ Notebook, journal, reading material □ Binoculars and camera (don’t forget to bring lots of batteries!) □ Waterproof Pelican case for camera (Optional) □ Head Mesh for insects (Optional)

If you get chilled easily, increase the amount of thermal underwear, bring heavier weights of garments, and consider bringing extra fleece vests or a down jacket.

Why you bring it Vacationing in the outdoors presents more challenges than other holidays when it comes to having the right gear. We might take part in several different activities during a day, and the optimal clothing choice will vary for each of these activities.

To handle the exposure to Mother Nature’s elements, we recommend using the well-known layering system. To help you understand the functions of the different types of clothing in your personal equipment list, a description of what you might choose to “layer up” in during some activities has been given. Activity: Rafting Clothing: Medium weight long thermal underwear, Warm wool socks Heavy fleece jacket or pullover Rubber boots (provided) Rain jacket (or splash jacket provided) Warm gloves Quick-dry long pants A warm hat Splash pants or rain pants (provided)

On the first day on the river there are some large splashes in a class 3 canyon. A splash jacket, a “farmer John” wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, wetsuit booties, and helmet will be provided by us. The splash jacket is made from waterproof nylon and has seals at the wrists, neck and waist. It can be used in place of your Gore-Tex or rubber rain jacket while rafting any day you like. The rubber rain jacket will be better on rainy, non-white water days and the Gore-Tex jacket will be more comfortable on cool, days with light showers.

Activity: Hiking Clothing: Light weight long top thermal underwear Good hiking socks Cotton t-shirt Medium weight high-cut hiking boots Medium weight fleece pullover Gaiters 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket Warm gloves Quick-dry long pants A warm hat

The lightweight thermal top will wick perspiration away from the body. A t-shirt is good for keeping cool if hiking on a warm day, but you will cool down rapidly when you stop moving. Have a pullover and jacket handy in case a breeze picks up. Wearing a hat and gloves is an easy way of regulating heat loss during a hike, as these are areas that experience rapid body heat loss.

Activity: Camp life Clothing: Long sleeve synthetic shirt or t-shirt Warm socks Fleece pullover or down jacket Hiking or rubber boots, or sandals Rubber rain jacket and pants (provided) Warm gloves Quick-dry or fleece pants A warm hat

A lot of reading, walking, talking, exploring, eating and drinking go on around camp. Usually the dress code is dictated by the weather and time of day, so it’s important to have plenty of options. A down jacket is a great comfort item to bring along, although not absolutely necessary (guides will wear them).

Activity: Sleeping Clothing: Optional! Medium weight long thermal underwear, top and bottom Warm socks

The sleeping bags we provide are high quality four-season bags that, if used correctly, will keep anyone warm. The trick is not to wear too much clothing, as this restricts the heat of the body from reaching the sleeping bag’s insulating layers and fully warming you. NOTE: If you are someone who gets chilled easily, increase the amount of thermal underwear, bring heavier weights of garments, and consider bringing an extra fleece vest and a pair of fleece pants.

Equipment Notes The personal equipment list we provide you with has been developed through years of practical experience. It is important that the clothing you bring can withstand the rigors of the trip. Your personal equipment should not weigh more than 40 pounds and most clothing should be quick-drying and ideally made of synthetics or wool. Warmth and comfort are the main objectives of our outline. Weather conditions can vary considerably in the North so it’s important to dress in layers; this way you can maintain a comfortable body temperature no matter what Mother Nature may have in store. The inner layer should move perspiration out to where it can evaporate, the intermediate layer should insulate, and the outside layer should act as a barrier to wind and rain.

Cotton You’ll notice that we haven’t recommended any cotton items for rafting. When cotton is wet, it draws heat away from the body core nine times faster than other materials, leaving you cold. Wearing a wet t- shirt in cold weather is the fastest way to develop hypothermia. The only cotton we suggest you bring is in the form of t-shirts for comfort wear around camp.

Rain Gear A good set of rain gear can make the difference between an amazing and a miserable experience. The guides will all have two jackets: one three layer Gore-Tex and a rubberized jacket. The Gore-Tex is for camp, hiking, and windy days; the other is for heavy rain days. We provide you with a full set (jacket and pants) of good rubberized rain gear for the trip. These are better than Gore-Tex garments for everything but hiking as the Gore-Tex tends to leak through after some time.

Fleece Jackets All outdoor clothing companies have a wide range of fleece jackets and pullovers. A heavy weight jacket with a “wind stopper” layer is best for maximum warmth, while style and comfort can be the major considerations for your lighter pullovers.

Long Underwear Synthetic materials like polypropylene and polyester and natural fibres like silk and wool are best. They will keep you warm and comfortable even when wet, and tend to draw moisture away from the body. DO NOT bring cotton long underwear.

Quick-dry Clothes Most quick-dry shirts and pants are made of nylon. Choose your clothing for comfort while walking and moving about—it should be loose fitting and the bottoms should have articulated knees and gusseted crotches. “Ex-Officio” carries some stylish lines.

Footwear The importance of good footwear cannot be underestimated. What may seem like a good shoe at home could leave you with sore feet on your trip. Given that our trails are often gravely and sometimes muddy, you need a good quality medium-weight hiking boot with a firm sole, good ankle support and a degree of water-resistance. Ask your local retailer about treating your boots with a sealant. If you buy new hiking boots for the trip, make sure you break them in well before you go. We will provide you with rubber boots to use during the trip. The river sandals are for warm days around camp or on the boats. Most sandals can be worn with a sock as well. You know your feet best, but it may be a good idea to bring along some additional items such as foot powder, cushioned pads, and bandages to place inside your footwear…just in case. Another worthwhile product is something called Spenco Second Skin, which provides cushioned comfort with an antiseptic for blistered and sore feet.

Laundry For obvious reasons laundry service is not available, but warm water can be provided if an item of clothing needs to be rinsed.

Sun Protection Since you will be spending a good portion of your day outside, we recommend you bring skin protection cream with the appropriate SPF. Sun or baseball caps and sunglasses are also a good idea.

Bug Repellents Occasionally we will have to deal with mosquitoes and other bugs. We provide insect repellent at camp, but if you are particularly sensitive it might be worthwhile to bring along a head mesh. They can be purchased at any good outdoor store.

Some Extras Walking Sticks: These can be useful when hiking on uneven trails. Binoculars: Each trip leader will have a pair of binoculars. However, if you want to ensure access to a pair at all times it would be a good idea to bring your own. Binoculars should be waterproof, compact and rugged. We recommend 8x32 binoculars. Compass: A fun thing to have for the avid map-reader. We carry a full set of topographical maps. Pedometer: For the insatiably curious, though they tend to be fiddly and somewhat inaccurate.

Extra Luggage Your guides will meet you in Whitehorse the night before your departure. At this time, we will give you waterproof gear bags into which you should transfer your personal equipment. Any luggage or clean clothes for immediately after the trip should be stored at your hotel in Whitehorse. When we arrive at the headwaters the next morning, we will transfer the gear bags into the rafts. The gear you’re taking on the river should not weigh more than 40 pounds.

GETTING INSURED

We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation and medical evacuation insurance. We recommend a package that includes coverage for evacuation and has additional medical insurance. Ensure that the insurance covers you in both Canada and the USA. If you require an evacuation for any reason the expenses will be billed to you. Due to the remote locations of our trip an evacuation could cost over $20,000. We cannot officially recommend an insurance provider, however many of our previous guests have used Uniglobe who have a Whitehorse location and a high level of experience in Tatshenshini expeditions.

We also strongly recommend that your policy includes trip cancellation insurance. If not, it is possible to get a separate policy to cover trip cancellation. Our preparations for your expedition require a great deal of planning sometimes months or years before your trip date. Because of this we maintain the policy that no refunds are available within 30 days of your departure date. You therefore risk forfeiture of all moneys paid if you cancel within 30 days of departure, you risk forfeiture of 50% of the trip price if you cancel your trip within 59-30 days of departure, and you risk forfeiture of 25% of the trip price if you cancel your trip at any time after paying your deposit.

Please make sure you understand what the insurance will and will not cover. Please consult the policy for exact coverage, details of other risks insured, and for other benefits and limitations of the insurance.

Carrying Valuables Please leave your valuable belongings such as jewellery at home. We cannot take responsibility for the safety of your personal belongings. Everywhere in the world, no matter how safe, tourists are amongst the most easily targeted for theft. If you want to bring your valuables, make sure they are covered by your personal insurance policy. Be sure to check your coverage for the specific country you will be visiting. We assume no responsibility for personal belongings in your possession, left in a hotel room during a trip. Additionally, hotels will not compensate their guests for theft from the hotel premises. That is why we strongly urge you to leave valuables at home, and to review your personal insurance policy to make sure you are adequately covered for the belongings you do plan to take with you.

MAKING YOUR TRAVEL PLANS

Now that you’re packed and ready to go, the following may help you get to the start of your trip, with a few pleasant adventures along the way. Your trip starts and ends in the city of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

Arriving in Whitehorse The most common way to get to Whitehorse is by air via Vancouver. Air North, Air Canada and West Jet all have regular flights into Whitehorse from many places in Canada. There are many other ways to access Whitehorse, including driving the Alaska Highway, entering through Skagway via cruise ship, or the Alaska State Ferry System and taking the train to Whitehorse.

Flight & Accommodation Arrangements Our trip starts and finishes in Whitehorse, Yukon. Unless you have pre-trip plans elsewhere in the Yukon or Alaska, you will want to fly into Whitehorse via Vancouver in time for our 7:00pm rendez-vous in Whitehorse on Day Zero. Your flight and accommodation reservations should be made as far ahead of time as possible. Please contact your agent or the airline and hotel of your choice as soon as you have decided on travel dates to avoid last-minute inconveniences. We also suggest leaving room between your flight date and the river launch and take-out dates to allow for any delays due to weather, etc. As with all popular destinations, space on Canadian flights and at hotels can be limited at peak times and fares tend to increase as you near the departure date. If you are planning to use a frequent flyer program or other discounted fare, please take extra precautions to make your plans in advance, as airlines only allocate a limited number of seats for this type of travel and may impose restrictions or extra costs on changes to travel arrangements.

Air North – Yukon’s Airline You can now book your Whitehorse flights at a discounted rate with our partner airline Air North. Two options are available for you: an international connector flight within 3 days of your international flight, or a discounted rate at 15% off on online flight prices from June 18th to September 2nd. International connector flights can be booked over the phone at 1-800-661-0407 at a rate of $172 one-way or $407.88 round-trip. Discounted online rate flights from June 18th to September 2nd can be booked online with promo code RAFT02-18. Note that both options are based on flight availability.

Northern Vision Development – Whitehorse Hotels You can now book your Whitehorse hotel stay at a discounted rate with our partner hotels the Edgewater Hotel, the Best Western Gold Rush Inn and the Coast High Country Inn. To make your hotel reservation please call the hotel directly and make sure to mention you are travelling with Canadian Outback Rafting to receive 25-40% off your hotel stay.

RENDEZVOUS

You will be sent a “where we meet” letter 60 days prior to the departure date that will outline the hotel we will have our pre-trip meeting at. Usually this is also the recommended hotel for you to stay at, but wait for us to send you this before you make your reservations. We rendez-vous in the lobby of the Designated Hotel at 7:00pm on Day Zero of your trip in order to go over last minute details, give out waterproof gear bags, sign waivers, and prepare you for the next day’s departure.

AFTER YOUR TRIP

We spend the final night of the trip back in Whitehorse where you will have the option to gather with everyone one last time for a delightful and entertaining dinner in Whitehorse, followed by a night on the town (if you desire). The next morning your hotel can arrange a shuttle to the airport in time for your flight back to Vancouver.

Things to do in Whitehorse Historic Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, was the home of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, and there is an excellent museum with relics dating back to the Gold Rush era. Here are some activities and entertainment options for your time in Whitehorse.

Frantic Follies (867) 688-2042, www.franticfollies.com In the evening you can go see “Frantic Follies” which presents a re-enactment of the entertainment shows of days gone by.

Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre (867) 667-8855, www.beringia.com Like many things in the far North, this centre took about five years to be constructed. However, for naturalists or geology enthusiasts, it was well worth it. The centre has unusual hours of operation so we advise you to call in advance. It is located on the Alaska Highway, adjacent to the airport.

Yukon Transportation Museum (867) 688-4792 Also on the Alaska Highway (at mile 917), this museum is perfect for transportation buffs.

McBride Museum (867) 667-2709 This museum will whet your appetite for our adventure down the river. Located at the corner of 1st and Wood streets in downtown Whitehorse.

Yukon Arts Centre (867) 667-8575 Located at 300 College Drive, the centre has a 424-seat theatre and 4500 square foot gallery. Call ahead for their weekly schedule.

White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (867) 668-7245 A beautiful but long day trip (or a leisurely two-day trip), combines a train ride and bus tour through some spectacular terrain south of Whitehorse to Skagway, Alaska.

If you’re looking for something a little more enchanting, we recommend a fly-in wilderness getaway or guided fishing and hiking itinerary.

FURTHER USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION...

Car Rentals AVIS BUDGET HERTZ 1-800-331-1212 1-800-527-0700 1-800-263-0600 www.avis.com www.budgetrentacar.com www.hertz.com

If you need a car for part of your travels before or after your trip, reservations can be made easily through your Travel Agent or directly with the major rental companies. Make sure you have your driver’s licence with you, but there is no need for you to obtain an international driver’s licence. Be sure to check with your credit card provider before leaving home to verify whether collision damage insurance for car rentals is included in your credit card benefits. Many companies do offer such coverage (especially for gold and platinum cardholders) and it can represent considerable savings.

Currency The Canadian monetary unit is the Canadian dollar (CDN). Like American currency, coins are the penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and—unique to Canada—the dollar or “Loonie” piece and a two-dollar coin. The most common bills are in 5, 10, and 20-dollar denominations. Avoid carrying large sums of cash at any time during your holiday. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially VISA and MasterCard. ATMs are everywhere, and many stores allow direct debit payments. American dollars and traveller’s cheques are accepted almost everywhere in British Columbia, and U.S. dollars are often accepted in shops, though at exchange rates that thieves envy. When converting

American to Canadian dollars, you’ll get the most favourable rates at banks. We suggest you bring at least enough Canadian dollars in cash to cover such items as taxis and tips when you first arrive.

Language Canada is officially a bilingual nation, with English and French as the two recognized languages. However, the chances that you will hear any French spoken out west are slim. Once you are “oot” and “aboot” on your Canadian holiday, you shouldn’t have any language problems, eh?

Travel Documents U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Canada. All guests must have a passport with them as entering and exiting Alaska is complicated by crossing the border in a remote location. All the details are worked out but you must bring your passport and provide all the information requested in the registration form. Citizens of other countries should check with their Travel Agent or local Canadian embassy. Water You’ll be hard pressed to find better water anywhere in the world than in the Tatshenshini drainage. The water we use comes out of clear feeder streams that run directly from the mountains. To ensure cleanliness, we filter the water, so it is potable.

Electricity The Yukon has the same voltage requirements as the United States. We might be overstating the obvious, but remember that there is no electricity once we push off from Kluane National Park headquarters. If you plan to use a video camera, remember to bring extra batteries

Time Zones The Yukon is on Pacific Standard Time, which is the same as Los Angeles.

Etiquette On our Tatshenshini trip we’ll be travelling through some environmentally and historically sensitive areas. Our excursions are designed to promote an understanding of the delicate ecosystems that make this part of the world unique, while preserving their fundamental integrity. We ask participants to share our concern for the environment by practising low impact touring in this sensitive area. We operate on a “no trace” policy, meaning we travel in a self-contained manner, carrying in what we require and carrying out all garbage.

We believe the survival of the natural environment and the wildlife it supports depends on establishing an economy beyond simple resource harvesting. Our goal is to immerse our guests in the vast natural beauty of the region in the hope that this will, in turn, promote eco-tourism and contribute to the local economy.

Telephone and Fax Operator Assistance Directory Assistance: 411 MCI Direct: dial 102 2200 Local and international: dial 0 Emergency Help: 911 AT&T Direct: dial 102 8800

Phoning and faxing in Canada is the same as in the United States. Coin-operated public telephones are the norm in Canada, and there are also phone card-operated machines. These machines require a “Quick Change” card, which are sold in $10 and $20 dollar amounts and can be purchased at many convenience stores. To make a local call using coins, the cost is 25¢. Local phone numbers consist of 7

digits, and the area code for the Yukon is 867. For Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, the area code is 604 or 778. For international calls, you begin by dialling 1, and overseas calls begin with 011. Most cities and towns throughout BC and the Yukon including Whitehorse have cell service and depending on your carrier, yours should work in Whitehorse.

Emergency Phone While on the river, our guides will be carrying satellite communication for emergency purposes. The phones are battery-powered and have limited standby and talk times. They are used for medical and evacuation purposes only, with no exceptions to this rule. Should you need a phone at your disposal, you should plan for your own satellite communication. Because of our remote location, cellular phones are not an option.

Tips and Tipping Tipping is common in Canada and fairly similar to U.S. practices. Of course, there are some exceptions, which we have noted.

Taxis 5% is appropriate for good service and 10% is generous.

Restaurants It is appropriate to leave 15% before tax. Since Canada’s GST and British Columbia’s Provincial Sales Tax (PST) added together equal 13%, it is usually appropriate to tip just over the amount as the tax total on your bill.

Our Guides If you wish to thank your guides for their hard work, the “tradition” is to give the gratuity to the Trip Leader who will then divide it equally amongst the team. 5% of your total trip price has become the approximate norm. Please note that tipping is not required and any show of thanks (financial or otherwise) is greatly appreciated.

MORE INFORMATION???

When you’re planning your trip, it’s great to have as much information as possible in advance to help you decide what to do (or not to do) before and after your trip. The Tourist Offices listed below can be very helpful in providing general information about a region, as well as specific information such as special permit requirements and guides to accommodations and sightseeing. Tourism British Columbia: Tel. 1-800-663-6000 Greater Vancouver Tourism: Tel. (604) 683-2000 Tourism Yukon: Tel. (403) 667-5340 Tourism Whitehorse: Tel. 1-800-661-0494 Alaska Division of Tourism: Tel. (907) 465-2012 As always, feel free to call your Travel Agent or our office if you’re having difficulty finding information or if you need help in making your travel plans.

READING FOR THE ROAD

Our team members are many things, but first and foremost, we’re a group of dedicated travellers. We’ve put together this list based on what books have really opened a region for us, from novels to great guidebooks. Many of these works capture the special qualities of a region and will give you a much deeper sense of its history and people. We hope these books will bring the region alive for you even before you leave home. Check your library, online bookstore or local bookstore for the titles listed below. If an order number is quoted, you may also enlist the help of Magellan Travel Books to access these great titles. Simply call from anywhere in North America 1-800-303-0011 and quote the number (#) listed. They keep all books in stock and delivery usually takes 5-7 days (may take longer for Canadian orders).

Guidebooks Exploring the Alaska-Yukon Border country: John Page and Jill De La Hunt, 1994 Insight Guides: Canada The award-winning Insight Guides bring every region to life. Wonderful background reading on the history, people, and culture, as well as details on each region. Spectacular colour photography throughout Includes a well-organized section of practical information, perfect to enjoy before and after your trip.

Also in this series: Vancouver & Surroundings, #M-1941 Michelin Green Guide: Canada Michelin Guides are respected worldwide. They can be outdated, however, so be careful of wrong phone numbers, and recent closings. #M-1266

Northwest Best Places: Restaurants, Lodgings, and Touring Stephanie Irving, 1997 A great overview of the Pacific Northwest, although some of the sections have errors and, as always, you should phone to confirm first.

Field Guides and Natural History Field Guide to the Birds of North America: National Geographic, 1999 (3rd edition) A comprehensive National Geographic field guide especially strong on geographic variation.

Birds of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Nancy Baron & John Acorn, 1997 Descriptions and illustrations of more than 250 of the most common birds along the Pacific Northwest Coast from British Columbia to Oregon. Vivid, full colour illustrations throughout enhance your enjoyment of the rich variety of West Coast bird life. #M-4365

The Natural History of Canada: R.D. Lawrence, 1994 This best-selling book is now available in paperback. Lavishly illustrated with colour photos, original artwork, maps and line drawings, this volume is a blend of personal narrative and scientific detail. Entertaining as well as informative. #M-2615

Field Guide to North American Mammals National Audubon Society, 1996 This is an excellent resource book and covers many of the mammals that we may encounter.

Backcountry Bear Basics: Dave Smith, 1997 Short and easy to read, this book has valuable information for anyone going into bear country.

After the Ice Age: The Return of Life to Glaciated North America: E.C. Pielou, 1991 This is the fascinating story of how a harsh terrain that resembled modern Antarctica has been transformed gradually into the forests, grasslands, and wetlands we know today.

History The Klondike: Pierre Burton, 1958 Legendary Canadian author, who grew up in the Yukon, shares the stories of the famous Klondike Gold Rush. A fascinating read!

The Yukon Fact Book: Mark Zuehlke, 1998 Everything you ever wanted to know about the Yukon. Read this and you’ll be the trivia star at the campfire!

Background Reading Tatshenshini: A River Wild: Ed. Ric Careless, 1993 If you pick up only one book about the Tatshenshini, make sure this is the one. It’s a collection of essays and stunning photographs documenting the conservation effort to save the Tatshenshini.

The Complete Guide to the Tatshenshini River: Russ Lyman, Joe Ordonez and Mike Spears, 2000 The latest Tat guide book. Full of excellent and easy-to-follow information that will give you the full picture of what to expect on your trip.

Alaska Bound: Michael Dixon, 1996 Adventures in the North described with humour and a sense of vast enjoyment.

Tatshenshini Wilderness Quest and Other River Adventures: Ken Madsen, 1991 Madsen was one of the key players in the quest to preserve the Tatshenshini.

Notes from the Century Before: A Journal from British Columbia: Edward Hoagland, 1995 Originally published in 1969, this is a wonderful account of a 1966 trip when the author talked to old- timers about their days as trappers, prospectors, traders, and explorers. #4130

ON THE WEB

The Internet is an invaluable reference tool for a variety of industries, and travel is no exception. The following are sites that we’ve found to be particularly useful. www.bctour.com A great source for information on all of the national and provincial parks located in British Columbia. Has a great article on Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. www.hellobc.ca This is the official tourism site of British Columbia. www.tourismvancouver.com This is the official tourism site of Vancouver. https://www.yukonwild.com/ Yukon Wild is a gateway to accessing information on the many wilderness experiences available in the area.

www.touryukon.com This site, sponsored by the Yukon government, has all kinds of information about the Yukon, including things to see and do while you’re there, how to get there, and a calendar of special events. www.travelalaska.com This is the website for the Official Tourism Marketing Organization for the state of Alaska. You can learn about Alaska’s history, culture, climate and weather. Or you can take one of their virtual tours, which cover subjects like the Northern Lights and the Million Dollar Bridge.

MAPS

Topographical Information We carry a full set of maps, but if you wish to have your own set contact either of the following offices: Geographical Survey of Canada: 100 West Pender St, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1R3, Tel. (604) 666-0271 Canada Map Office: 130 Bently St, Nepean, ON K2E 6T9, Tel. (613) 952-7000 Scale: 1 to 250,000 Map #115-A (Dezdeash Range) Scale: 1 to 250,000 Map #114-P and 114-I (Tatshenshini River) Scale: 1 to 250,000 Map #114-O (Yakutat)

THE DETAILS

Prices We guarantee that our published trip prices will not change. Our prices are in Canadian dollars.

Reservations To reserve your trip, we require a deposit of 25% of the total trip price per person. To confirm your reservation, you must complete the Reservation Form provided and return it to our office at least 60 days prior to your trip departure; otherwise your reservation will be cancelled and the cancellation terms below will apply. The balance of payment is due 60 days before departure. We accept payment via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc), bank transfer, e-Interac transfer.

Cancellation & Refund If we receive your notice of cancellation more than 60 days prior to the start of the trip, you will forfeit your deposit. Cancellations made within 59 to 30 days of your trip will result in a cancellation fee of 50% of the total trip price per person. Cancellations made within 30 days of your departure date will result in the loss of the complete trip price. We strongly recommend cancellation insurance. In rare instances we must ask a traveller to switch to another trip from one that has too few participants. If this happens, we will attempt to notify you at least 60 days before the departure date. However, we reserve the right to cancel any trip, for any reason, at any time prior to departure. In such a case, refund of any payments received shall constitute full settlement. We do not recommend non-refundable, advance-purchase air tickets, as we cannot assume responsibility for any loss you may incur on account of such tickets.

Liability Waiver To participate in our rafting expedition, you will be required to sign a liability release waiver. A sample is provided for you to read and become comfortable with ahead of time but you will be required to sign an original in Whitehorse in the witness of one of our staff members.

OUR RAFTING TRIPS

Multi-Day Rafting Expeditions 10-Day Tatshenshini River Expedition, Canada-US 6-Day Babine River Expedition, Smithers BC, Canada 2-Day Rafting Wilderness Expedition, Squamish BC, Canada

Day-Trip Rafting Tours Wet & Wild Elaho Exhilarator, Squamish BC, Canada Family-Friendly Cheakamus Splash, Squamish BC, Canada Squamish Scenic Twilight Float, Squamish BC, Canada Winter Eagle Viewing Float, Squamish BC, Canada