Itinerary
The Upper Stikine makes a 225-kilometre (140 mile) journey with an elevation drop of 303 metres (909 feet) from the top of the Spatsizi Plateau to the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. The Plateau country is panoramic and dramatic. We will encounter rapids that will require a short portage to negotiate safely.
The following is a tentative itinerary. Daily changes and adjustments are likely as we explore the valley and adapt to weather and river demands.
Meals included:
Breakfast = B | Lunch = L | Dinner = D
Day 0
Your journey north will be a refreshing departure from everyday life. You’ll fly over the incredible coast mountains of BC, pass through quieter airports, meet friendlier service personnel, and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.
The scheduled flights arrive in Terrace throughout the day. Aim to arrive by 6 p.m. Please make your way to your hotel and plan to rendezvous with your guides for a pre-departure orientation at 7pm. There will be a chance for last minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details.
Day 1 (L/D)
We’ll drive to Iskut on Tahltan territory to catch our charter flights into Tuaton Lake. Winging over the Spatsizi Plateau, you’ll wan to keep your camera handy. By evening we should have everyone in camp on the picturesque shore to the long mountain lake.
Day 2 (B/L/D)
Following the ridge from the lake, we’ll hike into the alpine country of Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park. The open ridges afford panoramic views, wildflowers and hopefully sheep, woodland caribou and other wildlife.
The Upper Stikine makes a 225 kilometre (140 mile) journey with an elevation drop of 303 metres (909 feet) from the top of the Spatsizi Plateau to the upper end of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. The Plateau country is panoramic and dramatic. We’ll encounter rapids that will require a short portage to negotiate safely.
Day 3 (B/L/D)
In the morning we’ll begin our paddle down Tuaton Lake. As we traverse the lake, we’ll review strokes that will be necessary to negotiate the rapids once we reach moving water. Camp will be in the vicinity of the stream linking Tuaton Lake with Laslui Lake. Fishing in these waters is likely to be rewarding.
Day 4 (B/L/D)
Another hiking day will take us into the ridge country among the peaks to explore further.
Day 5 (B/L/D)
We’ll paddle the length of Laslui Lake, making our way to the mouth of the Stikine River and engage the river, taking us to Fountain Rapid portage.
Day 6-10 (B/L/D)
The river will now rule our days with swift excitement. Scenery will change with each bend in the river. Scouting from the river, we will negotiate the Class II and low Class III rapids.
Day 11 (B/L)
On the final descent of the river prior to the Grand Canyon of the Stikine, we’ll savor our final day of the river. After reaching the canoe take-out at the Cassiar Highway bridge, we’ll make our way back to Terrace for supper and a good night’s sleep. (Accommodation and meals while in Terrace are each participant’s responsibility. Lunch on this day is the last meal provided.)
Day 12
This is the day that you’ll be able to catch your flight home., unless you are awaiting the Lower Stikine expedition.
