Yukon Canoe Adventure and Expedition Training Course for Young Adults

Get Duke of Ed for this trip

Where young explorers become confident outdoor leaders

Embark on a thrilling, 406 km journey down the Teslin and Yukon Rivers that will bring you into contact with the ruins of the Gold Rush, ancient and flourishing Northern Indigenous cultures, and wildlife like bears, moose, beavers, and more. During this introductory wilderness expedition training course, designed for young adults aged 19-30, you’ll navigate the pristine northern waters, learn and apply essential survival skills, and forge lasting connections with like-minded adventurers. There’s adventure around every corner in the Yukon!

This course is built upon the philosophy of outdoor experiential education pioneer Kurt Hahn, and is intended to be compatible with young adults participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or who want to become outdoor educators and/or expedition guides. This course embodies Kurt Hahn’s idea of “education through adventure”, with teachables including introductory modules on climate change education, outdoor expedition and canoe skills, gear selection, risk management, and much more. This course will provide you with everything you need to safely lead others into the great outdoors and create exciting, transformative expedition experiences.

Are you ready?

DETAILS
Group Requirement: Minimum 8 participants to run the course; a maximum of 12

DATES
August 1–10 and August 10–20, 2025

LOCATIONS
Whitehorse, Carmacks, Teslin River and  Yukon River

AGES
19–25 (co-ed)

PRICES
$2399.00 + GST (register a friend to get $150 off per friend!)
Deposit: $500.00 CAD + GST

In learning and educating we support and adhere to the First People’s Perspectives and Principles of Learning
More info: office@firesideadventures.ca

What you’ll learn on this expedition

Outdoor Expedition and Wilderness Skills:
Embark on a transformative 406 km canoe journey while learning to create and execute outdoor experiential learning opportunities for others. On this adventure, we will train you in essential outdoor educator skills, ensuring that the knowledge you gain is not only practical in the wilderness but also transferable to future expeditions that you plan to lead. Acquire bushcraft and wilderness expertise, equipping you to share these valuable skills with your students, employer, or even as a future outdoor instructor with us at Fireside Adventures. 

River Expedition Skill-building: 
Beyond general bushcraft and outdoor leadership techniques, we’ll teach you the specialized skills needed to lead long-distance river expeditions in canoes. Enhance your paddling proficiency, delve into risk management strategies, and master river navigation while enjoying an epic Yukon canoe adventure. This immersive experience blends experience and education, equipping participants with the essential skills needed to lead safe and rewarding river journeys.

Connect with other Young Adults:
Part of our goal for this course is to provide a place for young adults to connect with like-minded peers who share their passion for outdoor adventure, skill-building, and the journey toward becoming self-propelled expedition leaders. This collaborative experience fosters a community where individuals not only discover their personal potential but also cultivate the collective strength needed to navigate and excel in the challenges of outdoor leadership. Together, we will embark on a transformative path of self-discovery, building skills that extend beyond the course into a lifetime of empowering journeys.

You’ll master camp cooking under a midnight sunset!

Expert guide Matt teaching the learners how to rescue a canoe.

Introducing the Teslin and Yukon Rivers

Central characters in thousands of years’ worth of stories, the Teslin and Yukon Rivers are steeped in history and master teachers. These larger-than-life creations of the Yukon’s unique geology demand respect and attention, requiring every aspiring expedition leader and adventurer to “let go and lean in”. 

The Teslin and Yukon River experience is magic for those seeking a place off the beaten path, filled with history, and flowing through an abundance of wildlife in the heart of Yukon. With the guidance from our expert and seasoned instructors, these rivers are suitable for beginner paddlers. We’ll provide a quick “paddling and river safety 101” lesson before we take off!

A personal note

“To me, the Yukon River is my way of tapping into the life force of the Yukon. The river is the main artery vein that brings life to the Yukon.  The Yukon River creates a unique and magnetic relationship with myself, becoming the medicine and the zen master of my soul. I return every year to acknowledge its spirit, power, and teachings. This year will be my 12th adventure journey and I am excited to have you join me. The history, geography, legendary stories, and people shape the experience.”

    – Jeff Willis, owner and founder of Fireside Adventures

An exclusive Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Experience

Fireside is proud to be one of two Duke of Edinburgh ‘Trained Activity Providers’ in Canada. The Duke of Edinburgh’s award is a powerful, internationally recognized tool for accelerating your journey into the world of post-secondary education, careers, self-confidence and independence. During this course, participants under the age of 24 have the opportunity to achieve their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Adventurous Journey (both practice and qualifying), or your Gold Project and beyond. Click here to learn how to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

"In the silence of the paddle strokes, find the symphony of self-discovery. The Yukon River is not just a route; it's a transformative odyssey, a canvas for your own story to unfold."

“The Yukon whispers secrets to those who paddle its waters, revealing the beauty of resilience and the strength found in the journey, not just the destination."

Jeff ‘Willy’ Willis (Lead Instructor)

“Since 1991, I have developed and led camps and expeditions throughout Canada, Japan, Germany, Colombia, Ecuador, Yukon, Peru, Italy and the Arctic. My love of outdoor experiential education, years of experience in youth and family work, and passion for environmental education and social justice led me to create Fireside Adventures.”

Ethan Barnes (Second Staff)

“I joined the team as a writer but found myself pulled into the world of outdoor experiential education. I now work for Vancouver Outdoor School as an intensive 1:1 support worker and with Fireside as a guide-in-training. I hold a Master’s of Linguistics from Lancaster University, a BA in Literature and Language from UBC, and I’m currently completing a Master’s of Counselling where I plan to apply the out-of-the-box wisdom I’ve learned from Fireside.”

Bringing Kurt Hahn and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award together at Fireside Adventures Young Adult Courses

Kurt Hahn's educational philosophy, encompassing experiential learning, character development, and outdoor education, has significantly influenced programs like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) in the creation of a powerful framework for young adults engaged in expedition training courses. The Award, founded by Prince Philip in 1956 under Hahn's guidance, aligns with Hahn's belief in “education through adventure”, where challenges and experience are integral to personal development. Both share a commitment to fostering resilience, self-reliance, and a sense of responsibility in young individuals.

Expedition training courses, inspired by Hahn's teachings, provide a platform for young adults enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Hahn's concept of "compassionate service" is mirrored in the service component of the DofE, encouraging participants to contribute meaningfully to their communities. This integration promotes a holistic approach, instilling values that extend beyond personal achievements.

Hahn's philosophy also underscores the significance of wilderness experiences in building character. Similarly, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award incorporates outdoor expeditions as a key component, recognizing the transformative power of nature in fostering teamwork, resilience, and leadership. The expedition training courses become a crucible for young adults, shaping not only their outdoor skills but also their ability to face challenges with courage and adaptability.

Moreover, Hahn's belief in the importance of self-discovery and reflection aligns with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award's focus on personal development. Both emphasize the journey of self-improvement and the acquisition of life skills that prepare young adults for future leadership roles.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, inspired by Hahn's principles, acts as a contemporary expression of his visionary approach to education. As young adults engage in expedition training courses under the umbrella of the DofE, they are not merely learning outdoor skills; they are embodying Hahn's ideals of courage, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, the convergence of Kurt Hahn's teachings with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award creates a robust foundation for young adults undergoing expedition training courses. This dynamic synthesis instills values, skills, and character traits that empower individuals to navigate life's challenges, fostering a generation of self-propelled leaders prepared for both personal and societal success.