3-Day Kluane Glacier Backpacking Expedition Slim's River West (Ä’äy Chù)

We’ll pick you up in Whitehorse at 5:00 AM and begin the scenic drive toward Kluane National Park. As the city disappears behind us, the landscape opens into wide valleys, mountain ranges, and the vast country surrounding Kluane Lake.

After approximately 2.5 hours, we’ll arrive at the trailhead for introductions, a route briefing, and a final gear check. We’ll then divide the group equipment and food among the team before loading our backpacks and setting out into the valley.

Today is a long but mostly flat approach of approximately 23 km. Although there is limited elevation gain, much of the route travels across uneven river flats, sandy terrain, creek channels, and sections without a maintained trail. The distance, off-trail travel, and weight of a full backpack make this a demanding first day.

As we move deeper into the A’äy Chu valley, the surroundings become increasingly remote, with broad riverbeds, open tundra, and the mountains of Kluane rising around us. Once we reach camp, we’ll set up our tents, prepare a well-earned dinner, and settle in for our first night in the Yukon backcountry.

After breakfast, we’ll leave our overnight gear at camp and set out with light daypacks for the ascent of Observation Mountain.

Today is approximately 16 km return with 1,290 m of elevation gain. After crossing Canada Creek, we’ll climb through rugged, off-trail alpine terrain, with your guide choosing the best route based on conditions.

As we gain elevation, spectacular views of the Kaskawulsh Glacier, the A’äy Chù valley, and the surrounding mountains open below us. Our goal is to reach the summit when conditions, timing, and the group allow, while the upper plateau already offers an unforgettable viewpoint.

We’ll then descend back to camp for a well-earned dinner and another evening in the heart of Kluane.

We'll shoulder our packs one last time and begin the 23 km hike back to the trailhead. By now, the valley will feel a little more familiar, your backpack a little lighter, and you'll probably catch yourself already planning your next adventure.

Back at the bus, we'll celebrate the end of the expedition with plenty of high-fives before returning to Whitehorse. You'll leave with tired legs, a camera full of incredible photos, and stories that will be hard to top.

This 3-day backpacking trip is challenging and best suited for adventurous hikers with solid fitness and prior backcountry experience (not required, but recommended).

Before booking, make sure you’re comfortable with the following:

• You regularly hike 12–15 km+ with elevation
• You’re comfortable carrying a 15–20 kg (33–44 lb) pack
• You can hike confidently for 7–9 hours a day over varied terrain
• You’re okay with multiple creek crossings, route-finding, and steep off-trail sections

Cancellation Schedule

• More than 90 days before departure: Full refund less a 4% payment processing fee and $100 CAD administrative fee
• 90 to 61 days before departure: 25% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
• 60 days or less before departure: 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable

If you are unable to attend your trip, please contact us as soon as possible. Subject to availability and operational considerations, we may be able to offer a trip transfer, participant substitution, or trip credit.

Please Note
Trips operate in remote wilderness environments where weather, wildfires, transportation disruptions, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances may impact itineraries or trip operations.

Yusquatch Mountain Adventures reserves the right to modify, delay, reroute, postpone, substitute activities, or cancel trips when necessary for safety or operational reasons.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, and evacuation coverage.

For full details, please refer to our complete Cancellation & Terms Policy.