All pictures of white water rafting are credited to Tatshenshini Expediting.

Kluane National Park is located in the southwest corner of the Yukon. It is a vast land of grandeur mountains, massive glaciers, pristine lakes, gushing rivers, and abundant wildlife. It is also home to the highest mountain in Canada – Mt. Logan. People from all around the world visit Kluane NP for a variety of activities like kayaking, canoeing, hiking, mountaineering, backpacking, skiing, flightseeing tours, white water rafting and many more.

In the first part of the two-part series, I would like to share my experience of white water rafting on Tatshenshini River and visiting the Million Dollar falls. Rafting trips on Tatshenshini River are conducted by Tatshenshini Expediting. They offer various day tours, multi-day expeditions and paddling courses in the Yukon.

This post details the Tatshenshini River day trip experience. It is a full day excursion on the river. There are class III/IV rapids that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The river meanders through big canyons and sightings of grizzly bears, black bears and bald eagles is common.

Everybody is scheduled to meet at the upper Tatshenshini at 10:30am from where the rafting trip begins (driving directions are provided at the end of the post). Wetsuit, boots, paddles and helmet are provided by Tatshenshini Expediting. The river is glacier fed, hence water is usually very cold.

After brief instructions on paddling is given to the entire group, you’ll be on the river by 11:00am. The first section of the trip is a gentle float on Blanchard River for about an hour. There is a lunch stop just before a point where Blanchard River meets with the Tatshenshini River. Sandwiches, cheese, cookies and chocolates are served for lunch. No drinks are provided as you are not allowed to pee in your wet suits. 😜

After lunch, you’ll continue down the river. This is the longer half and where most of the rapids are.

After an adventure filled day, you will reach to the get-off point anytime between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. From here, they will take you back to your car at the starting point on a bus.

While heading out, you can stop by at the Million Dollar falls, which is only 15 minutes drive from where your car is parked. There is also a campground at the falls with the same name if you wish to camp for the night after a long day on the river.

It is a short 0.5 km boardwalk trail from the campground to the falls. The boardwalk is well built and easy to walk with nice viewing decks.

For more things to do at the Kluane National Park, check out my post on hiking King’s Throne Peak here.

Driving Directions

Driving Direction for Tatshenshini Expediting

Tatshenshini Expediting meet-up point is approximately 250 km from Whitehorse. Get onto the Alaska Highway from Whitehorse continue on it until you reach Haines Junction. Continue straight onto the Haines Highway from here for another 101 km. As soon as you cross the Yukon-British Columbia border, you will need to take a sharp right on Blanchard River Rd. You will see a sign board for river rafting trips here.

Driving Direction for Million Dollar Falls

Million Dollar falls are 15 km from the Blanchard River meet up point, while heading back to Whitehorse.

More Pictures