Ogilvie Pack Trip Yukon Canada This is a raw wilderness adventure, back in time… a trip you will never forget, and will live in your memory forever. Experience the last Frontier, land unspoiled, untouched, with fresh running streams and rivers, mountains of every shape and character, and wildlife including sheep, caribou, moose, grizzly bears, wolverine, wolf and fox. Camping will be in tents and under tarps, and cooking over campfires. A stove will be available if needed. You must be physically fit and have some horse experience so that you can ride your horse up to 5 hours in one day. We will stop for lunch within that 5 hours, so there’s time to rejuvenate and stretch. You are welcome to walk your horse when you need to stretch your legs while we are riding. This trip, however, is not for everyone. You must enjoy and yearn for the true Yukon wilderness and have experience in riding, walking, camping, and enduring all kinds of weather in mountain terrain. We will break camp several times and travel on horseback with all of our gear and food. There will be camp days to rejuvenate in beautiful places where you can sleep in, read, drink tea/coffee, and hike up a nearby mountain. Our meals will be healthy and hearty. Our horses are experienced, calm, and well versed to the terrain. Our equipment is up to date and professional. Our guides are experienced and love what they do! Camping Ride with pack horses Meeting: Whitehorse Airport: Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) Transfer: Whitehorse Riders: Min 2 riders Max 3 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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    GST (VAT)  5%

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers are included from/to Whitehorse airport. The transfer times will be adapted according to clients' flight times.

You will be experiencing the last Frontier, land unspoiled, untouched, with fresh running streams and rivers, mountains of every shape and full of wildlife. This trip, however, is not for everyone, you must enjoy and yearn for the true Yukon wilderness and have experience in riding, walking, camping, and enduring all kinds of weather in mountain terrain.

Each day, you will ride for about 5 hours (including lunch break), going from camp to camp. There will also be camp days to rejuvenate in beautiful places where you can sleep in, read, drink tea/coffee, and hike up a nearby mountain.

We will travel on horseback with all of our gear and food to last us for the entire trip.


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1:
Day one is a driving day up to the Ogilvie Mountains passing Carmacks, Pelly Crossing, Stewart crossing and driving along the Yukon River. Then we will take the famous Dempster Highway which goes all the way up to the Arctic Circle and Tuktoyaktuk North West Territories. Once on the Dempster Highway it will be a 1.5 hour drive through the Tombstone Mountains/Tombstone National Park finally arriving at the trail head, where we will set up camp for the night.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping off Dempster Highway

Day 2: Ride to Blackstone River
The second day of the tour will begin with breakfast, coffee and packing up all the gear to go on the horses. Once the horses are packed we will begin our trip into the Ogilvie Mountains. Day two takes us over Austen pass a beautiful plateau pass that occasionally holds grizzly bear, dall sheep, wolves and Caribou then finally down into the Blackstone River; a well known river in the Yukon. After roughly 5 hours of riding we will make camp on the gravel bar of the Blackstone River, dinner over the fire, tents set up and off to bed.
~5 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Blackstone River

Day 3: Ride to Seela Creek
This day is a beautiful day that takes us up over another pass out of the Blackstone River valley and into Seela creek valley. This pass is unique for its tight but gradual pass and often only used by wild game. We will stop for lunch in a nice grassy meadow overlooking Seela creek then make our way into another valley to set up camp that overlooks where we have traveled that day. Approximately 5 hours of riding this day. Everyone sets up their tent, dinner over the fire and time for bed.
~5 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Seela Creek

Day 4: Ride to Kit Lake
Day four is a beautiful day with a good majority of the day high up in plateau, above the tree line. This wide valley of plateau is a common migration route for the Porcupine Caribou herd which is the herd that migrates all the way to and from Alaska every year. Making our way over the plateau and stopping for lunch in a desired location you will finally arrive at Kit Lake which is a lake just big enough to land a float plane on. Approximately 4-5 hours of riding this day. Everyone sets up their tent, perhaps some may want to bath or swim in the lake, dinner over the fire and time for bed.
~4-5 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Kit Lake

Day 5: Rest day at Kit Lake
Day off at Kit Lake with your choice of hiking, riding or taking it easy by the fire. Enjoy a day of swimming. Tell stories by the fire, drink coffee/tea and look out for animals passing through.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Kit Lake

Day 6 Ride to Olsen Flats
On this day you finally drop down in elevation enough to see some spruce trees and ride pass them as you make your way to Olsen Flats, a shallow yet spread wide creek with many small channels. This day is a shorter day with approximately 4 hours of riding and camping near Olsen creek, where there has been moose and seen before. Clients are welcome to bath in the creek, have dinner over a fire and enjoy a soothing sound of water flowing as they fall asleep.
~4 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Olsen Flats

Day 7: Ogilvie Mountains
This day consists of another gradual pass that takes you in to a now a days untouched valley, our very favorite valley of the whole trip. This riding day is approximately 5 hours long with some amazing view of the Ogilvie Mountains and as far North as your eye can see. Once dropping down off the pass you will follow a creek that takes you to our camp in the middle of the valley where there tends to be many caribou, sheep and occasionally a grizzly bear. The caribou in this valley are Woodland Caribou, which tend to be darker in color and a bulkier/bigger build to them, with magnificent antlers. Once in camp, clients are welcome to hike up the small peak in the middle of the valley or help with chores. Dinner over the fire, tents and bed.
~5 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Ogilvie Mountains

Day 8: Rest day, or ride.
Day eight will be a day off with a extra long coffee in the morning, breakfast and the possibility of a hike or a ride if the group desires it. Stories and tea by the fire, then to bed.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Ogilvie Mountains

Day 9: Ride to Olsen Creek
This day will involve a bit of back tracking to get back over to the Olsen Flats valley. Once arriving at Olsen creek we will start heading up it and find a nice camp by the creek where everyone is welcome to bath, wash laundry and laugh by the fire. Tents set up and bed time. Time riding for this day approximately 5 hours.
~5 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Seeley Valley

Day 10: More wildlife
This is a slightly shorter day however the views are quite different but raw at the same time, the mountains on this day have a different look and atmosphere to them, with a green tinge of the Caribou moss it makes you feel like your in medieval times. This day you have a decent chance of seeing moose, sheep, caribou, wolf and especially grizzly bear. Where the camp is located is up on a bench which is the beginning to a high basin filled with lots of caribou trails and moss, with a oasis like creek you camp beside. Keep a look out for animals this night because you are able to see the main stream of wildlife right from your door step. Approximately 3-4 hours of riding this day with lunch. Tents set up and bed.
~3-4 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near a creek

Day 11: Loop back to Seela Creek
On this day you will notice you have made a big loop and will start to remember your surroundings and footsteps when you hit them that evening. A majority of the day is over grassy plateau and common sightings of the Porcupine Caribou herd and hopefully a moose or two in one of the many willow draws/dried creek beds you ride through. Camp at Seela Creek or up in the hidden pass.
~5 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping at Seela Creek or up in the hidden pass

Day 12: Final ride
The last day of the tour, with a slightly longer day riding for Approximately 6-7 hours, along the Blackstone River and up over Austen pass, finally arriving back at the truck. Dinner over a fire for the last time, tents set up, reminisce about the amazing adventure you just had and finally spend your last night in a tent in the Yukon.
~6-7 hours riding
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner also included if you wish to stay at the cabin)

Day 13: Back to base camp
Get a decent start in the morning so you can enjoy the evening back at base camp. Load the horses in the horse trailer after breakfast and coffee and make your way down the Dempster Highway to the North Klondike highway where you’ll turn towards Whitehorse. Once at back base camp you’ll have a nice dinner either in town or at the house, chat about the trip, take everything in and finally pack your stuff for the following morning when it is time to depart.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at base camp in Whitehorse

Day 14 Departure
Drop off to the airport or your hotel in Whitehorse after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            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.

We provide all camping equipment, horse equipment, horses, all food, and first aid. We will rent sleeping bags and thermarests for you if needed (extra fee applies).

Mountain weather can be at least 10° colder than Whitehorse weather anytime of year, please bear that in mind when packing. Your gear depicts your happiness on the trip and we want all clients to be comfortable. You can always layer down on your clothing.

All gear including sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow cannot exceed 12 Kilos or 26.5 lbs.

All luggage and items not needed on the trip can be stowed away in a secure location for the duration of the trip.

It can hail, rain and even snow/sleet. This advice is based on historical weather data. Please check the forecast before you go to ensure you pack the right clothes.

You must wear a hard hat when riding your horse with us. There is always a slight risk that your checked luggage may be delayed. We do advise, therefore, that you wear your hiking boots and carry essential riding equipment so that in the unlikely event of luggage delays you can continue to ride.

Mandatory clothing items:

• 1 or 2 pairs of good quick dry pants (jeans not allowed)
• 2 quick dry shirts; 1 long, 1 short, 1 cotton shirt is allowed if necessary
• 4 pairs of merino wool or pure wool socks (8 pairs maximum)
• 1 pair of water proof hiking boots, (shoes not permitted) 
• 1 pair of camp shoes
• Rain jacket and rain pants, must be waterproof if it were submerged in water for 1 hour (thicker the better but still lightweight)
• 1-2 down coats, lighter and heavier
• Water resistant or fleece sweater/hoodie (no cotton)
• 2-4 pairs of underwear
• 1 pair of long johns/long underwear
• 1 pair of gloves (wool, leather or fully water proof)
• 1 buff/neck warmer
• 1 cap; ball cap or toque
• Half chaps or gaiters; leather does not keep you dry so we recommend fully waterproof polyester or neoprene gaiters
• Dry bags for clothes: waterproof or water resistant (all clothes and sleeping gear will be placed into water proof duffle bag during travel days on the trip)

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodation
This is a progressive pack trip so nights will be spent in several camps in the mountains. 

Description
We will spend our nights camping in tents and under tarps, cooking over campfires.
As we are sleeping in the wilderness, there are no toilets or showers available during the ride. We usually wash ourselves with a sponge to freshen up. There are lakes and streams along the way if you want to freshen up.

Single travelers will have their own tent.


Meals
All your meals are included.
 
We usually carry along a box of wine with us for the duration of the trip.

Dietary Restrictions
Dietary concerns or differences will be acknowledged and accommodated if notified in advance.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Draft cross
Pace:		Approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle per day | Walk |
Level:		(3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 18
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 3 riders

Our pack trips are not like travelling on a clean park trail with wood chips. There are wild trails which involve; steep inclines, rocky terrain, hummocky terrain, river crossings, willow patches and rain, even snow. A person must be physically fit and want to have and enjoy a wilderness experience, and be comfortable around horses. Sponge bathing and helping with chores are also part of the experience!

You must be able to walk up steep grades at times, endure wind, rain, and even snow. You must be physically fit and have some horse experience so that you can ride your horse up to 5 hours in one day. We will stop for lunch within that 5 hours, so there’s time to rejuvenate and stretch. You are welcome to walk your horse when you need to stretch your legs while we are riding.

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.