Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature?
The weather can range from hot on land to chilly on the water and downright cold by the wind-swept glaciers. Certainly sunscreen, in any case, is as much a must for the gear list as a rain hat! It is not unheard of to have 30 degree Celsius sunshine during the days with the evening dropping to 5 degrees. Not to worry though, our crackling fire and steamy sauna will keep you warm and cozy.

What kinds of flowers will I see?
Flowers bloom early in profusion, washing gravel bars with fuchsia river beauty and the nodding yellow heads of avens. Purple lupines, pink roses, white bedstraws, yellow cinquefoils all add to the colours of the shorelines. On hikes to the alpine we wade through gardens of purple larkspur, blue forget-me-nots, yellow arnicas, red columbine.... In midsummer we will also be enjoying the first fruits – soopallalie, highbush cranberries, red elderberry, huckleberries and more - many of which we can incorporate into our pancakes and desserts!

What kinds of birds will I see?
Through the summer months, migratory birds fill the airways and nest everywhere from sand hollows to the heights of spruce spires. In the interior forests, sandpipers bob along the gravel bars, waxwings zag above in search of insects and kingfishers rattle scalloped flight-paths from one overhang to the next. Closer to the coast, hermit and Swainsons thrushes fill the mornings with melodies and arctic terns entertain through the evening in great acrobatic style. Bald and golden eagles, trumpeter swans, harlequins and other ducks, and many songbirds keep the enthusiast busy with the binoculars.

What kind of wildlife will I see?
On any of the rivers the potential to see big game wildlife is tremendous. We have had moose tiptoe right through our quiet campsites. The more elusive wolves, black bear and grizzlies can often be sighted skirting the rivershores or foraging on verdant hillsides. Beavers work the banks at dawn and dusk, porcupines waddle their weaponry up into the conifers to work on bark buffets, and sure-footed goats scrabble along imperceptible cliff ledges. Caribou migrate through the deep valleys of the Arctic joined occasionally by the wooly Musk Oxen. Turtles and javalina’s peep around corners and slide their way down the banks of the Rio Grande.

What about insects? Insects are not a big problem on northern coastal rivers. The valleys are steep and not conducive to the marshes needed for mosquito breeding. On the rivers, breezes prevent mozzies and flies from alighting. Only on hikes and occasional tenting in heavier coastal forests is repellant recommended. We suggest you come prepared with a small bottle of repellent.

What kind of raft do we travel on?
The Explorers League rafts are spacious 18 foot expedition craft, centrally oar-mounted to be handled by a trained guide each. These are state-of-the-art rafts, which even have self-bailing inflated flooring. Each raft is multi-chambered and, even in the unlikely event that a pontoon should puncture, the many other chambers continue their stable support.

Are the rafts comfortable? Typically four to five participants comfortably share each of four rafts. We rest easily on the pontoons, or against the soft stack of waterproof personal gear bags.

What level of fitness is required?
The Explorers League accommodates abilities of all ranges. We have had adventurers join us ranging in age from 7 to 77. For those of you who have the burning desire to reach the top of a mountain to get a full panorama of pristine valleys, we will give you that chance and lead you there - even if it takes us a full day! For those of you who wish to investigate a short distance only, we will organize a guide to accompany you to that point and keep you company on the return.

Of course we will always have at least one guide remain at camp to get supper ready for the rest of us, and that guide is always happy to have the company of participants who prefer not to do anything more strenuous than stretch out in the sun with a good book and a cold drink! You can be as active as you, yourself, decide.

Our trips are leisurely, allowing participants excellent opportunities to slide under the perch of a majestic bald eagle, or to slip silently past a browsing moose, or to work the currents like the mergansers and trout. A typical day on the water includes about four hours of travel. We stop regularly, however, for waterside lunches, and to take advantage of brief hikes to investigate alluvial fans or views from tempting hillocks.

What kind of camping is involved?
Our accommodation along the rivers is, of course, in temporary tent villages. Our guides are happy to cater completely to our guests’ needs: If anyone wants help erecting their tent, we will do that. Likewise, we are pleased to swing bags from the rafts to the participant’s chosen ‘yard’ for the night. However, in our experience, participants enjoy the chance to ‘do their own thing’. Raft-camping is about the easiest camping possible, as we can carry gear not likely for canoes or hiking.


In the event that summer skies cloud over with rain, a “Big Top” tarp is ingeniously raised above the kitchen and social camp area to keep us dry and happy. On layover days, we can and do alternatively mold this same tarp into an equally ingenious Finnish-style sauna for a pampering steam bath!

Is there more than wieners and beans to eat?
There is no reason not to be decadent while in the wilderness: We delight in surprising our guests with the most extraordinary meals created over the campfire!

Not to give away all of our secrets, still we’ll tell you that we will spoil you with the likes of eggs benedict breakfasts with lots of fresh fruit, buffet lunches of deli meats, avocado and cheeses, and suppers with an international flair: Greek salads with minted lamb and tabouli; Fijian coconut chicken; Italian pesto seafood linguini and Caesar salad.... always with wine, and fresh baked desserts that range from strudels to chocolate cakes. We try to ensure that no one loses a pound while with us; in fact, in our experience you will be glad for the chances to hike it off! All dietary needs are happily accommodated – whether you are vegetarian or have allergy restrictions. Guests are welcome to be involved in meal preparation, but it is neither expected nor necessary.

Is there any natural history interpretation?
The Explorers League is committed to including researchers and naturalists on board its expeditions. As well as gathering important field data on the wildlife and geography to contribute towards decisions of wise land-use management, the area is recorded in its pristine splendor for higher profile in the outside world. All participants - depending on their own whims - can get involved with the researchers and naturalists to learn and contribute. A mobile library of natural and human history books of the area is supplied for guest use.


What does "Low-Impact" camping mean?
The Explorers League is committed to lowest impact travel and camping. Non-motorized rafting -likewise canoeing and kayaking - has been crowned the least obtrusive means of exploring wilderness areas. Rafts ride upon nature’s natural routes, at the pace of the land, leaving no debris and no scars. We cut no wood that is not already drift. We place a firepan under our coals and remove all ashes from our camps. All garbage that is not burnable is taken off the river for recycling. Even human waste comes off the river with us for sanitary disposal in regulated sites.

What levels of first aid and safety are employed?
In every instance safety is our highest priority. Participants are instructed in rafting protocol and briefed to deal with unexpected emergencies. All guides are trained in wilderness first aid. In an event that we should have to make contact with civilization, we can do this through either a high power, high frequency radio or satellite phone that travels with us. The Explorers League has an unblemished safety record, and works hard to keep it that way.

What are the level of rapids? For the most part the rivers run steady with little whitewater – primarily class I and II. However, there are some fun and exciting rapids that punctuate the overall leisurely pace: class III on the Turnagain, and up to class IV on the Taku and Whiting.

What gear and equipment will I need?
A comprehensive list of suggested gear is forwarded to participants for their ease in packing. Travel suitcases will remain in storage at the staging town hotel. Waterproof duffel bags are supplied for each participant. Top quality tents, mattresses and sleeping bags are available for rent.

Do I really need to bring rubber boots?
This tops the list as our most frequently asked question! We absolutely recommend to all of our guests that they bring along calf high rubber boots with removable felt insoles. Even if you only need them for one day – your warm and cozy toes will be thanking you! Many guests enjoy wearing water sandals such as Tevas, however on a colder day rubber boots are a wonder to slip in to.

What is included in the expedition price?
Prices include all raft and guide services, applicable charter flights, boats, helicopter lifts, use of river-bags, and gourmet meals (with wine) while on river. Not included are flights to our staging town, hotel accommodation, or 5% Canadian goods and services tax.