Welcome to the Yukon.

After meeting in Whitehorse, we begin the drive toward our remote wilderness cabin in the Kluane region, one of the wildest and most spectacular landscapes in Canada.

Home to Canada's highest peaks, massive icefields, and vast stretches of undeveloped wilderness, Kluane offers the perfect environment to learn the foundations of backcountry travel. Much of the region has few established trails, meaning route finding, navigation, and decision-making become part of the adventure.

Our remote cabin will serve as expedition headquarters for the week. It's where we'll spread maps across tables, learn new skills around the wood stove, share meals, and prepare for the days ahead.

The first day focuses on building the foundation for the week. We'll get organized, dial in gear systems, discuss how experienced backcountry teams operate, and introduce the skills we'll begin developing throughout the program.

FIELD TOPICS

• Expedition mindset & systems
• Gear organization
• Layering for northern conditions
• Pack fitting & adjustments
• Cabin systems & camp life
• Introduction to the week ahead
  

EVENING

After a shared cabin dinner, we'll gather around the campfire to discuss the week ahead, review maps of the region, and talk about what makes wilderness travel in the Yukon different from almost anywhere else in Canada.

Tomorrow, the real learning begins.

Today we focus on one of the most important backcountry skills: finding your way.

In a place like the Yukon, trails are often limited and route finding becomes part of the adventure. Throughout the day, we'll learn how to navigate using maps, terrain features, compasses, GPS devices, and observation while working through practical exercises in real Yukon terrain.

By the end of the day, you'll start looking at the landscape differently and understand how experienced backcountry travelers make decisions in the field.

FIELD TOPICS

• Topographic maps
• Terrain interpretation
• Compass fundamentals
• GPS basics
• Route planning
• Navigation exercises
• Wilderness decision-making
  

EVENING

Back at the cabin, we'll review the day's navigation challenges, compare route choices, and discuss how terrain, weather, and judgment all work together in real wilderness travel.

Today we focus on the systems that make multi-day backcountry travel efficient, comfortable, and safe.

Great backpacking isn't just about carrying a pack. It's about knowing how to organize gear, manage food, choose campsites, read weather, and make good decisions before small problems become big ones.

Throughout the day, we'll break down the practical systems used by experienced backpackers and expedition teams while preparing for tomorrow's overnight field expedition.

FIELD TOPICS

• 
  Backpack organization
  
• 
  Efficient packing systems
  
• 
  Wilderness food systems
  
• 
  Bear-safe travel
  
• 
  Camp selection
  
• 
  Water treatment & management
  
• 
  Weather awareness
  
• 
  River crossing theory
  
• 
  Group travel dynamics
  

EVENING

Tonight, expedition mode kicks in.

Gear is sorted. Food is packed. Routes are discussed. Teams begin preparing for tomorrow's overnight field expedition as we get ready to leave the comfort of basecamp behind and put our new skills to work in the field.

Tomorrow, the learning gets real.

Tomorrow, we leave basecamp behind.

Today is all about building the final skills, systems, and confidence needed before heading into the backcountry. Throughout the day, we'll focus on campcraft, leadership, emergency preparedness, and the practical realities of operating as a small expedition team in remote environments.

Participants will begin taking more ownership of navigation, planning, and decision-making while practicing the systems that keep wilderness travel safe, efficient, and enjoyable.

FIELD TOPICS

• Camp setup
• Route leadership
• Navigation in real terrain
• Cold-weather systems
• Outdoor cooking
• Team movement
• Expedition decision-making
• Survival basics & emergency thinking
  

EVENING

Tonight, the cabin feels a little different.

The wood stove is going. Packs are spread across the floor. Food gets divided. Route options are debated. Teams are divided into expedition groups of 3–4 participants, each responsible for planning their own overnight field expedition.

Tomorrow, guides take a step back and participants step forward.

For the first time all week, you'll be making many of the decisions that shape the journey ahead.

No pressure. 😉

Just a small team, a map, a plan, and some of the wildest terrain in Canada waiting outside the cabin door.

Today, the training becomes real.

Working in expedition teams of 3–4 participants, you'll head into the backcountry and begin leading your own overnight wilderness expedition. Using the skills developed throughout the week, teams will navigate through real terrain, make route decisions, manage camp systems, and work together to solve challenges as they arise.

Guides remain nearby for mentorship and safety oversight, but today participants take the lead.

FIELD TOPICS

• Route planning
• Navigation
• Team communication
• Camp selection
• Expedition decision-making
• Leadership rotations
  

EVENING

Tonight, you're sleeping in the backcountry.

No cabin. No wood stove. No backup plan a few steps away.

Just your team, your camp, and a night in the Yukon wilderness.

And honestly, this is usually where some of the best stories begin.

After breaking camp, we continue deeper into one of the defining characteristics of travel in the Yukon: going where there isn't a trail.

Today focuses on moving efficiently through rugged terrain while learning how experienced backcountry travelers manage risk, conserve energy, and make decisions in changing mountain environments.

FIELD TOPICS

• Scree & talus movement
• Off-trail navigation
• Group pacing
• Terrain hazards
• Risk management
• Route adjustments in changing conditions
• Efficient mountain travel
  

OPTIONAL DEMONSTRATIONS

• Rope systems
• Knots
• Belaying concepts
• Rappelling techniques
  

EVENING

Back at the cabin, it's time to celebrate a week well spent.

A hot meal. Dry gear. Good stories. Maybe a few laughs about mistakes made along the way.

And if we're lucky, the northern lights might join us for one final Yukon evening.

The final morning arrives a little faster than anyone wants.

Over coffee and breakfast, we'll reflect on the week, revisit key lessons, and discuss where these skills can take you next.

FINAL DEBRIEF TOPICS

• Future expedition pathways
• Gear progression
• Continued learning opportunities
• Personal development goals
  

Participants will receive their Yusquatch Field Program Certificate before we begin the drive back to Whitehorse.

A week ago, most participants arrived as strangers.

Today, they leave with new skills, new friendships, and a lot more confidence in the backcountry.

And if we're being honest...

The Yukon has a habit of following people home.

The minimum age to book with YuSquatch Mt. Adventures is 18 years old unless accompanied with a legal guardian on the tour.

This expedition follows a custom payment and cancellation policy due to the extensive advance planning, permits, logistics, transportation coordination, and preparation required for remote Arctic travel.

Cancellation Terms

• The initial 20% booking payment is non-refundable once your spot is confirmed.
• Cancellations made before July 1, 2026:
  20% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
• Cancellations made after July 1, 2026 and more than 3 months before departure:
  60% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
• Cancellations made within 3 months of departure:
  100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
  

Please Note

• This expedition involves remote Arctic logistics, local partners, permits, transport coordination, and significant advance preparation. For this reason, the standard Yusquatch Mountain Adventures cancellation policy does not apply.
• Yusquatch Mountain Adventures reserves the right to modify, delay, reroute, or cancel the expedition when deemed necessary for safety, environmental, weather, operational, transportation, permitting, or logistical reasons.
• Refunds are not guaranteed for itinerary changes, weather events, transportation delays, missed flights, government restrictions, natural disasters, community access limitations, or other circumstances outside of our control.
• If a participant voluntarily leaves the expedition early, no refund will be provided for unused portions of the trip.
• We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, including:
  
  trip cancellation,
  trip interruption,
  emergency medical,
  evacuation,
  and travel delay coverage.