The Rivers and the Journeys
Read the Three Rivers Journey trip reports.
Three Rivers Journey
Wind, Snake and Bonnet Plume, Yukon
July 22nd - August 7th, 2003
Bonnet Plume River (July 22nd - August 7th)
Snake River (July 24th - August 7th)
Wind River (July 24th - August 7th)
River Profiles
Wind River
Photo by Robert R.M. Kerr
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The Wind, Snake and Bonnet Plume are three rivers of the Peel Watershed, one of Canada’s most striking and pristine watersheds. The greater Peel River watershed covers about 14% of the entire Yukon Territory. The Wind, Snake and Bonnet Plume watersheds, along with the Hart to the west, make up one of the largest roadless areas in the Yukon. When combined with the Arctic Red River to the east, these rivers anchor a natural area of global importance that has sustained aboriginal peoples through time, and continue to sustain their way of life today. They form the heart of a great mountain ecosystem with a long cultural history, clear flowing waters, free-ranging wildlife and riveting northern beauty.
Wind River
Clear blue-green waters flowing over a carpet of cobble rocks and sand, distinguishes the Wind River from its sister tributaries. Huge dryas fans, attractive limestone ridges and peaks, Dall sheep flocks and wide open hiking make the Wind River a real jewel. The Wind flows into the fabulous Peel River canyon country, home to majestic Peregrine Falcons. The Wind River was an ancient trade and travel route used by the Gwitch’in before it figured prominently in the story of the RCMP Lost Patrol during the 1920s.
Sunset over Snake River
Photo by Juri Peepre
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Snake River
Snakes do not inhabit the Yukon and the correct translation for the river’s name from the Gwitch’in language is “Worm River.” The Snake River winds its way through expansive alpine meadows, along colourful mountain ridges and rugged glaciated peaks. Wildlife such as Dall sheep, woodland caribou, grizzly bear, moose and raptors highlight the river travellers experience. The Snake River is one of the most visually stunning wild rivers in the Canadian North.
Click here for an enlarged map of the Three Rivers region.
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Bonnet Plume River
One of Canada’s premier canoeing rivers, the Bonnet Plume is named after a prominent Gwich'in family leader. The Bonnet Plume River is known for its Selwyn Mountain Range scenery, challenging whitewater, rocky canyons and falls, and good hiking.
It flows out of Bonnet Plume Lake, set amongst high peaks and endless wildflower meadows, then winds through boulder fields created by landslides, to deep green spruce forests which sweep away from the river's edge.
River Journeys
Click here for an enlarged map of the Three Rivers journeys.
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These rivers feature great hiking and wildlife viewing, swift waters and some challenging rapids, along with pristine and beautiful northern wilderness that is sure to inspire the imagination.
Read the Three Rivers Journey trip reports.
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