Yukon Explorer on Horseback Yukon Canada This tour is a wilderness adventure on horseback that will take you into some of the most spectacular back country of the Yukon! Experienced staff will guide you through the pristine wilderness in the coastal mountains of Southern Yukon. Ride across majestic mountain ridges, across creeks and through peaceful valleys. This week is packed with rugged wilderness adventure on horseback. Our trails are not groomed - they are wilderness trails that our Yukon Wildlife use, so expect rocky patches, narrow willow lined trails, tree branches, wet areas, bugs/mosquitoes etc. We do recommend that you arrive the day before your tour. Whether you arrive the day of your tour or days before don't worry we'll take care of you. Pre and Post nights can be booked for you upon request. Highlights of the tour - Bonneville Lakes - the trail leads into the trees and climbs above tree line to witness epic views from every angle. - Jackson Lake - a peaceful oasis from the outside world - Coal Lake Trapper Cabin - a historic trapper's cabin on a working trap line. - Mt McIntyre Ridge - the trails wind through trees and above tree line to spectacular views of Whitehorse on one side and Fish Lake Valley on the other. Guest Ranch Short Getaway Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Whitehorse Airport: Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) Transfer: Whitehorse hotel Riders: Min 4 riders Max 6 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 10 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

    GST (VAT)  5%

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off from hotels in Whitehorse on Day 1 & last day of the trip. Pick-up at 10:00am on Saturdays.

Sample Itinerary: 8-day program - subject to changes

Note: unpredictable circumstances such as weather conditions, extreme temperatures or illness of the horses may force us to change this itinerary. The Safety and well being of our guests and animals takes precedence and our decisions are final.
We strongly suggest that all of our guests consider the purchase of travel insurance for protection against cancellation penalties and many other unforeseeable circumstances such as emergency medical evacuation.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival & Introductory Ride
You will be picked up at 10:00 am by our van from your Whitehorse hotel (pre-tour hotel night is not included but can be booked for you). Here you have the chance to do some shopping for items that you may need for your trip. Once we arrive at the Ranch, you will have a brief tour as you get a feel of the rich history of our Ranch and Fish Lake. Settle into your room and enjoy a light lunch with your guide and discuss the coming adventure. Meet your horse and participate in a brief safety lesson and instruction on the proper care of horses as well as the correct procedure to halter and saddle your horse. Saddle up and head out on your very first short ride. Breathe deeply the fresh mountain air as you stroll through the Fish Lake Valley taking in all the scents and sounds of a summer day.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 2-6 (Sunday to Thursday): Riding  
Each day, after bringing the horses to the main yard and feeding them breakfast, enjoy a "human" breakfast in the main lodge. Next you will pack a lunch, prepare your horse and head out into some of the most spectacular landscapes the Yukon has to offer. Don't forget to pack your camera as this area is a photographers paradise! Take in the beauty as you ride through peaceful valleys, on majestic Mountain ridges, through meadows and across creeks. Wildlife are abundant in the area and you have a chance to see; fox, rabbits, squirrels, lynx, coyote, moose, bear and caribou. Head back to main lodge for dinner and some relaxation.
Riding 5 days on the 8-day tour or 2 days on the 5-day tour
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 7 (Friday): Bonneville Ridge Ride
Spend some peaceful moments in the company of your horse while you tend to their breakfast and head to the lodge for your breakfast. Today we ride next to beautiful Fish Lake and over Fish Creek towards Bonneville Ridge. Head up the trail into the trees and climb above tree line to witness epic views from every angle. Wind across the ridge and down the trail to find a perfect spot for lunch on the shores of Bonneville Lakes. Take this opportunity to take photos and relax before mounting your horse to explore the rolling ridges. End your day back at the ranch where you will give one last hug to your new four legged friend, pack your bag and head back to Whitehorse hotel for your last night. 
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Whitehorse

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Check-out of your hotel in Whitehorse.
Meals included: none



Sample Itinerary: 5-day program - subject to changes
 
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival & Introductory Ride
You will be picked up at 10:00 am by our van from your Whitehorse hotel (pre-tour hotel night is not included but can be booked for you). Here you have the chance to do some shopping for items that you may need for your trip. Once we arrive at the Ranch, you will have a brief tour as you get a feel of the rich history of our Ranch and Fish Lake. Settle into your room and enjoy a light lunch with your guide and discuss the coming adventure. Meet your horse and participate in a brief safety lesson and instruction on the proper care of horses as well as the correct procedure to halter and saddle your horse. Saddle up and head out on your very first short ride. Breathe deeply the fresh mountain air as you stroll through the Fish Lake Valley taking in all the scents and sounds of a summer day.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 2 & 3 (Sunday to Monday): Riding  
Each day, after bringing the horses to the main yard and feeding them breakfast, enjoy a "human" breakfast in the main lodge. Next you will pack a lunch, prepare your horse and head out into some of the most spectacular landscapes the Yukon has to offer. Don't forget to pack your camera as this area is a photographers paradise! Take in the beauty as you ride through peaceful valleys, on majestic Mountain ridges, through meadows and across creeks. Wildlife are abundant in the area and you have a chance to see; fox, rabbits, squirrels, lynx, coyote, moose, bear and caribou. Head back to main lodge for dinner and some relaxation.
Riding 5 days on the 8-day tour or 2 days on the 5-day tour
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Lodge

Day 4 (Tuesday): Bonneville Ridge Ride
Spend some peaceful moments in the company of your horse while you tend to their breakfast and head to the lodge for your breakfast. Today we ride next to beautiful Fish Lake and over Fish Creek towards Bonneville Ridge. Head up the trail into the trees and climb above tree line to witness epic views from every angle. Wind across the ridge and down the trail to find a perfect spot for lunch on the shores of Bonneville Lakes. Take this opportunity to take photos and relax before mounting your horse to explore the rolling ridges. End your day back at the ranch where you will give one last hug to your new four legged friend, pack your bag and head back to Whitehorse hotel for your last night. 
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Whitehorse

Day 5 (Wednesday): Departure
Check-out of your hotel in Whitehorse.
Meals included: none


Non Riders
In case you are traveling with a non-riding companion, they might be able to do some hiking while you are out riding. Inquire for more information and rates. 

                                            Whitehorse area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	9	18	30	44	57	66	69	65	54	40	22	14
Average Low Temperature (°F)	-6	0	9	24	34	42	46	44	36	26	9	-1
Average High Temperature (°C)	-13	-8	-1	7	14	19	20	19	12	4	-6	-10
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-21	-18	-13	-4	1	6	8	7	2	-3	-13	-18
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	5	3	2	1	3	6	7	7	6	6	5	5

Source: NOAA


Seasons
In the Yukon, the weather ranges from sunny, warm summers to cold and snow filled winters. We only operate this tour during the summer.

In the summer, the temperature can rise to over 30 Celsius (86 F) and in winter it can drop to minus 30 Celsius (minus 22 F). Whenever you visit, bring layered clothing options so you can dress appropriately because temperatures can fluctuate and Yukon weather can be unpredictable.

Summer (June, July and August) is an energetic time of long sunny days, and winter (November to March) is cold, bright and snowy. Fall (September and October) is colorful but chilly, and spring (April and May) is marked by late season skiing, swan migrations and early wildflowers.

This is a basic packing list - you can bring other clothing, however these are the necessary items.

- Wind/Rain Jacket
- Wind/Rain Pants
- Hiking Boots
- Rubber boots – high top **
- Wool Socks - 3 pairs
- Long Underwear (pants) - 1 pair – no cotton
- Undershirt - 1 pair- no cotton
- Warm outer layer: Pants & Shirt – no cotton
- Warm jacket
- Water Bottle
- Backpack
- Camera
- Thermos
- Hat
- Light Gloves
- Headlamp (August & September)
- Sunglasses
- Indoor Shoes
- Bug (insect) Spray
- Sun screen

** Leather knee-high boots are ok but not recommended because after rainy days the willows are still wet and brush up against the horses and the guests legs and make their feet and shoes wet.
 

Average ratings from 1 tour feedback (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date fiona watson 9/2/2018

Accommodation
The first 6 nights are spent at the lodge and the last night is spent at a hotel in Whitehorse (Best Western Gold Rush Inn or similar).

Description
We are located approximately 25-30 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, in the Coastal Mountains of Southern Yukon. The Ranch is a true Yukon experience! This “off the grid” lifestyle ranch is serviced by quaint outhouses, has limited cell service, no WIFI, and water is hauled up from downtown. Our buildings are warmed by a wood stove, making for a cozy stay and our lights & appliances are all powered by propane. Bathrooms are shared: 2 outhouses and a gravity-fed shower in the lodge. We have a large Yurt that is a great space for meetings/gatherings of any kind. It has a propane kitchen, open dining and sitting area around a cozy wood stove. It is located in the main ranch yard and close to parking and outhouses. 
We usually start by booking people in the lodge rooms. If you have a preference for a cabin accommodation, an extra fee applies (inquire for rates). All our accommodations are non-smoking and no pets please. Laundry is not available.  

Lodge Option


This big log building has 5 bedrooms all with various bedding configurations, a shared kitchen and dining room as well as a shared sitting room and gravity fed shower. The Lodge is like being in the family home; it's cozy, welcoming and comfortable! The Lodge can sleep 10 people max.

Cabin Option


Aurora Cabin
Certainly a favorite, and it becomes clear why when you see the view! This Cabin has a great deck with a BBQ overlooking Fish Lake. The perfect place to view the spectacular Aurora if it is around. There is a loft bedroom and it can comfortably sleep 4 people max. There is also a fully self-contained kitchen.


Northern Cabin
A cozy little hideaway nestled in a grove of pine trees. It has an equipped kitchen and a gravity fed shower. This cabin has a bunk bed with a queen on the bottom and a single on the top and is comfortable for 2-3 people.

Yurt Option
Our most unique option for staying overnight are two traditional Mongolian Yurts! These buildings are made from a wooden frame with canvas stretched over the top of it and is fast becoming a popular alternative to cabin living in the North. Both of the Yurts have propane lights and stoves, and are warmed by an oil stove.


Fireweed Yurt
Has a beautiful log-framed queen sized bed, a small kitchenette, and your own private fire pit with wood. It is situated in a secluded part of the ranch on a small rise in a clearing overlooking a valley, a short walk away is our Aurora site and everywhere is a perfect spot to view the lights.


Raven Yurt
This yurt is in the main yard - it has two single beds, a small kitchenette and shared outhouse. It sleeps 2-3 people. There is an extra charge per night for a 3rd person.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is only applicable if you are unwilling to share.
Triple occupancy might be possible based on availability. Please inquire.


Meals
All your meals are included except for when in Whitehorse (breakfast day 1 & 8, dinner day 7).

We offer hearty home cooked meals prepared by our guides in our cozy lodge kitchen or our two winter camps. We usually cook things like spaghetti, stew, chili, locally-sourced smokies etc. Breakfast and dinner are eaten in the Lodge and lunches are usually served on the trails - the guide will set up a lunch buffet and guests will make their own lunch.

Beverages are not included. Alcoholic beverages are bought "jointly" before the tour starts or guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol. 
Guests will need to bring their own thermos/water bottle.

Dietary Restrictions
We do not charge for special diets however, we do require a Doctor's note in order for us to cater to any special diet. Space for cooking and food storage is limited and therefore ask that you send Doctor's note with all dietary issues/allergies at least 2 weeks in advance of your arrival so that we can be organized and prepared for your stay.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter/Draft crosses, Morgans and Yukon Mountain Cayus
Pace:		Slow and steady, some long riding days, river crossings and steep trails | Walk |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Good Novice+
Age:		Min 12
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 6 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 10

Riding Experience
Our tours are safe and enjoyable for beginners and experienced riders alike. As we are walking our horses through the mountain terrain for most of the tour we find that our guests are more focused on the untouched landscapes than the speed at which we ride.

Riding Terrain
The trails are animal trails, and although we do groom them slightly they are not wide open pathways. You may be riding through mud, water, branches across the trails etc. This tour is about getting to the best view points and not about speed or showmanship. For these reason we go at a walk only.

Pace
A typical day is approx. from 10 am - 4:30 pm with some stops for photos etc. and lunch on the trail. Our guides do customize the tour to suit the needs of the guests so it may be shorter or longer days depending on the group dynamics. That being said most often the days are a slightly longer at the request of the guests.

Horses
The ranch breeds Percheron, Belgium, drafts, American saddlebred, and thoroughbreds. The horses are hand raised and well socialized from the time of birth. They grow up and range at the wilderness ranch therefore they are accustomed to birds, squirrels, and larger wildlife on a daily basis. This environment has created calm and gentle horses that do not spook easily. We currently have 24 horses on the ranch.

Passports

Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:

(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;

(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;

(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).

Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);

(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.

Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Passport Note

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:

(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;

(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;

(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.

Validity

Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)

Working Days Required

10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	1
USA	2
Other EU	3
Visa Required?
British	No/4
Australian	No
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	5
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.