Spend long, relaxed days canoeing or kayaking, camping in tents and eating by the campfire under the midnight sun in the Yukon's paddling playground. Combine all that with wildlife viewing, beautiful mountain vistas and gold rush history, and you have a paddling paradise like no other.

Read on to discover some of the incredible waterways and paddling outfitters in Yukon Territory, in Canada's north-west.

1. The mighty Yukon River

The Yukon is home to 70 wilderness rivers, with the classic Yukon River being one of the most popular, easily accessed as it runs right through the capital city of Whitehorse. This historic waterway, named “great river” in Gwich'in, is perfect for all levels of ability, including beginners and even children, as the river current allows kayaks and canoes to naturally drift downstream.

Try This: For families and travellers new to paddling, a full or half-day guided tour with Up North Adventures is just the thing. Enjoy a guided canoe or kayak escapade along the beautiful Yukon River, drift past centuries-old sites of First Nations fish camps and meeting places, and take your time over a genuine 'northern' lunch.   

 Fun fact: The Yukon River runs from south to north and eventually ends in the Bering Sea, west of Alaska State.  

2. Tatshenshini River 

The famed Tatshenshini River serves up a diverse range of rafting, canoeing and boating expeditions, perfect for exploring the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Wilderness Park, the wild heart of one of the largest bio-preserves in the world.

Your river adventure carves its way through the St Elias Range, taking you past vast glaciers and lakes filled with massive icebergs. Look out for bald eagles, grizzlies feeding on spawning salmon, and even the rare blue glacier bear. Test yourself with Tatshenshini Expediting on class 3 and 4 whitewater rapids, or take it slow and soak up the scenery.

Try This: Advanced paddlers can join a guided two-week tour with Up North Adventures on the Snake River in heart of the Yukon, one of the most famous rivers of the Peel Watershed, accessible by float plane. Its closeness to the Arctic Circle means you'll experience the wonders of the midnight sun and can use those extra daylight hours to hike the surrounding mountains for incredible vistas over the vast valley and beyond. As you paddle down river, watch for soaring peregrine falcons, caribou, dall sheep and grizzly bears.

3. Multi-day adventures 

Once you've had a taste of the Yukon's diverse wilderness waterways, you'll never want to leave. Exploring for a few days with one of the local professional outfitters is a great way to discover the region's history and wildlife, while reconnecting with nature and remembering what it means to feel truly alive.  

Try this: Spend 7 days on the Kanoe People Yukon River Guided Trip, a 208 kilometre adventure, including a float plane ride, effortless down-stream currents, outstanding fishing for grayling and northern pike, and cosy camping that will make you feel like a true Yukoner.

4. Blazing foliage and northern lights

It doesn't get better than this. Spend a stunning day in late summer or early autumn paddling the Takhini River, taking in a glorious panorama of gold and yellow forests and snow-drenched mountains in the distance. As the sun sets, gather around a crackling beach bonfire and sip on hot chocolate as you witness the dancing ribbons of northern lights overhead reflected in the water.

Muktuk Adventures offers summer and autumn paddling tours on the Takhini River, with glamping cabins available on the shores of the river, just 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse.

How to get there

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada.

More information, including travel guidelines, visit travelyukon.com