Primrose Safari Trip (Yukon territory)
Emerging from the eastern shadows of the St. Elias Mountains, North America’s most impressive chain, the Primrose River flows through a series of magnificent lakes and rugged canyons in Canada’s Yukon Territory. The only expedition of its kind to combine whitewater rafting and sea kayaking to traverse a river-lake system, this unique whitewater safari offers comfortable beach camping and a nearly bug-free climate while traversing a wilderness home to Dall sheep, grizzly bear, wolves, bald eagles and moose. Besides whitewater rafting and sea kayaking, a predictable tail wind allows kite kayak sailing. Paddling through a dramatic sheer-walled canyon, only accessible by helicopter, is one of the many highlights of this unique journey.
Trip Dates: June 27- July 5th 2027
$4,600/PERSON
Trip Details
Trip Dates & Rates
2027 Trip Dates: June 27 – July 5
$4,600 USD/PERSON
Why Earth River On The Primrose
- Earth River has been leading wilderness river expeditions across Canada for decades. Our experience in remote northern environments ensures guests travel safely and confidently through the wild landscapes of the Primrose River.
- The Primrose offers a rare combination of continuous whitewater, dramatic scenery and deep solitude. This expedition delivers a full immersion into the northern backcountry.
- Trips are led by Earth River guides who know and understand northern river logistics. Every detail, from route selection to camp setup, is handled by an experienced team.
- Earth River is committed to responsible travel and river conservation. This expedition is designed to minimize impact while allowing guests to experience one of Canada’s most pristine river systems.
- Small group sizes allow for strong guide to guest ratios, thoughtful decision making and a more personal wilderness experience.
Brief Overview
Trip Type: Multi-day rafting, sea kayaking, safari, camping trip.
Trip Length: 7 days
Total Travel Days: 8 days
Group size: up to 18
Guide/client ratio: 1 – 3
Season: July
Meeting place: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
Accommodations:6 nights camping. 1 night Hotel
Suitable ages:6-80
Activities: Safari viewing, Rafting class 3-4, sea kayaking, parafoil kite sailing (with kayaks), hiking
Private departures: Custom groups of 12 or more participants are welcome. Please contact the office for more details
Trip Highlights
Trip Highlights:
- Wildlife river Safari (moose, wolf, grizzly bear, Dall sheep, mountain goat and eagles)
- Float plane in to starting point
- Exciting class 3-4 rapids
- Parafoil kite kayak sailing across lakes
- Comfortable camping on beautiful beaches,
- A week of solitude (chances of seeing another group is slim)
- Helicopter ride into Primrose Canyon
Who's It For
Age and experience
- Ideal for adventurous families, couples, friends, and solo travelers.
- Suitable for ages 7 to 80 on most activities. Younger participants (7-12) may join Class 3 and 4 sections on an extremely stable professionally guided safety cataraft.
Ability levels
- Class 3 and 4 rapids: accessible for most guests.
- Previous rafting experience is helpful but not required.
Trip difficulty
- Moderate, depending on optional activities
- Daily itineraries blend rafting with sea kayaking, kite sailing, hiking, and relaxing at campsites.
- Guests should be comfortable being active outdoors for 5-6 hours each day
Safety and support
- Professional guides lead every activity adhering to the highest safety standards.
- Guests receive clear instruction and practice before partaking in whitewater activities.
- All gear is provided and maintained to the highest standards
What's Included/Not
What’s included
- 3 nights at Hotels/Lodges
- Float plane into starting point.
- All food and beverages during the trip
- 6 days of guided actives (3 days rafting, 2 days sea kayaking/‘kite sailing)
- All rafting and sea kayaking gear, tents and dry bags.
- Helicopter ride into Primrose Canyon
- Shuttle to float plane dock at start and from take out back to Whitehorse Hotel at the trip’s conclusion.
- Hotel the last night in White horse.
- Farewell dinner final night
Not Included
- Round trip airfare from U.S. to Whitehorse.
- Taxi from Whitehorse airport to the hotel.
- Guide tips (typically 10% of trip cost)
- Fly fishing gear
- Catch up fees for late arrivals including; add. hotel, taxi, charter flights and add. meals.
Travel before of after trip.
Lodging Accommodations
Primrose Lake and Canyon Campsite
Number of nights: 6
Brief description: Fully supported wilderness camping in a remote northern setting. Camps are located along Primrose Lake and through the canyon section of the river.
Whitehorse Hotel
Number of nights: 1 (last night)
Brief description: A comfortable hotel stay in Whitehorse at the end of the expedition, providing a relaxed transition from wilderness to town. This final night allows guests to rest, celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner and travel home refreshed.
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: WHITEHORSE / PRIMROSE LAKE
Today, we transfer ten minutes to the floatplane for a beautiful half-hour flight into our first night’s camp on a white sand peninsula beach with magnificent views of the rugged, snow-capped coastal mountains.
DAY 2: PRIMROSE LAKE
After an introduction to sea kayak paddling technique, including the use of sailing with para-foil kites, we paddle and kite sail (the wind tends to blow down the lake) for six miles across the stunning remote lake while watching for Dall sheep, grizzly bear, moose, mountain goat, and eagles.
DAY 3: PRIMROSE LAKE / UPPER PRIMROSE RIVER / ROSE LAKE
This morning, we deflate the sea kayaks and inflate the paddle rafts. We exit the lake and run the swift, nearly continuous, class 3-4 rapids of the upper Primrose River. It is common to see Moose, bears, and eagles along the shore of the narrow waterway. After lunch, we sea kayak down the remaining few miles of the calm but swift river, through prime moose habitat to Rose Lake, with imposing snow-capped Rose Mountain towering above its western shore. We spent the next hour paddling and kite sailing to a beautiful peninsula of white sand for the evening.
DAY 4: PRIMROSE RIVER / ROSE LAKE
This morning, we kayak past a string of beautiful islands to a side creek and hike to a waterfall overlook. In the afternoon, we paddle and kite sail to our beach camp near the eastern side of the lake. Bald eagles are often seen soaring above the lake.
DAY 5: ROSE LAKE / PRIMROSE CANYON / PRIMROSE RIVER
This morning, we are met by a helicopter and make a dramatic helicopter portage over a spectacular 100-foot fall before being dropped off on a tiny island between the dramatic sheer walls of imposing Primrose Canyon. Swift water takes us around a few bends down to the start of a hike, where we pull over. A half-hour hike brings us to a sheer-walled sister canyon of the Primrose. Sometime in its geological past, the river changed course and abandoned this gorgeous, narrow 300-foot chasm. At the bottom, framed by imposing granite walls, lies an intimate lake fed by a wall of melting ice. Back on the rafts, we spend the rest of the afternoon rafting, which includes running two of the most challenging class 4 rapids on the river. We camp on a wonderful island on a miniature lake set beneath high walls deep within the steep valley.
DAY 6: PRIMROSE CANYON / KUSUWA LAKE / WHITEHORSE
This morning, we exit the little lake and raft three miles, including a continuous mile-long class 3-4 rapid, and drift into Kusuwa Lake, where we are met by a motorboat that transports us eight miles to the road. A one-hour drive takes us back to the hotel in Whitehorse. That evening, we have a farewell dinner.
DAY 7: WHITEHORSE / VANCOUVER / U.S.
This morning, we fly to Vancouver and then to our final destination.
Getting There
International Flights
There are no direct flights from the United States to Whitehorse. All travelers connect through Vancouver, which is easily reached from major U.S. hubs with multiple daily flights on several airlines. The flight from Vancouver to Whitehorse is approximately 2.5 hours.
Trip Extension Ideas
Guests can choose to extend their time in the Yukon before or after the Primrose expedition. Whitehorse and the surrounding region offer a variety of outdoor and cultural experiences that pair naturally with the river journey.
Whitehorse
Whitehorse is a lively northern town with a strong outdoor culture. Guests can explore local museums, riverside walking trails and historic sites related to the Klondike Gold Rush. Dining, breweries and local shops make it an easy place to relax and celebrate the end of the trip.
Yukon wilderness and day trips
Short excursions from Whitehorse include scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking and paddling opportunities. Popular options include visiting nearby lakes and rivers, guided hikes or adding a canoe or rafting day on another section of the Yukon River.
Hot springs and relaxation
For recovery after the expedition, nearby hot springs offer a relaxing way to unwind in a natural setting, especially appealing after days spent on the river.
These extensions can be added before or after the expedition depending on travel schedules and guest interests.
Note: Contact Earth River to help coordinate your logistics and extension plans.
FAQs
IS THIS TRIP SUITABLE FOR FIRST-TIMERS?
Yes. This is an excellent introduction to multi day river expeditions for guests who are active and comfortable camping.
WHAT IS THE CAMPING LIKE?
Camping is fully supported. Earth River provides all major equipment, camp infrastructure and meals. Guests carry only personal gear.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Expect warm days, cool evenings and variable conditions typical of northern environments. Guides adjust daily plans based on weather and river flow.
