Backpacking On The Chilkoot Trail In Yukon, Canada

On the second day, you will take the trail further south to the Deep Lake campsite for the evening. This is a slightly longer, harder day, with about 9.7 km (6 mi) of travel.

On day 3, you’ll approach the border and the Chilkoot Pass, stopping at Happy Camp. You’ll have the chance explore this area with the tour group after the 4 km (2.4 mi) hike. Later on, you will get ready for a hike to the pass on day 4. 

In the alpine area, tree sizes are small, and the landscape takes on the barrenness of subarctic tundra. You’ll approach the Chilkoot Pass and explore the area on the Canadian side without crossing over the US border. The trail from and back to our campsite at Happy Camp will highlight those features that make a tundra landscape uniquely beautiful. The day-hiking trip (without heavy backpacks) will be about 11 km (6.8 mi).

The remainder of the tour is relatively easy. Although there are stretches of uphill hiking, they are not long or dramatic. As we leave Happy Camp, the trail rises above the valley and follows a ridge along Long Lake, which you’ll have passed on the way in. After a short hike, Deep Lake appears below you. A descent will bring you back below the treeline. The trail skirts the lake and then runs high above a narrow canyon. This is where the river, now known as Moose Creek, cascades from Deep Lake to Lake Lindeman, our campsite for the evening. You’ll travel about 8.8 km (5.4 mi) today.

The trail from Lake Lindeman to Bare Loon Lake is a tiring climb through sparse forest. There are occasional views of Lindeman Lake as a reward for your efforts. Shortly after Bare Loon Lake, the trail begins to descend to Lake Bennett. Here, you’ll be able to appreciate some excellent viewpoints along this stretch. Near the north end of Lindeman Lake, the trail turns to deep sand, parallels the train tracks, and makes its final elevation gain. At the top of the hill, there is a spectacular lookout. In the distance, you will see the Bennett rail station. You will camp here for the night after this 11.3 km (7 mi) final hike.

You’ll have the morning of the final day to explore the area around Bennett Lake. At the time scheduled by the guide, you and the tour group will meet by a floatplane. Then, you’ll take off from Bennett Lake and fly over southern Yukon and the Gold Rush route back to Whitehorse.