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Gen Z Travels: Yukon Explorer Canoe Expedition Introductory Training Course
Where Gen Z develops transformative outdoor skills and leadership potential to navigate what lies ahead
This isn’t just a trip, it’s a 406 km canoe adventure through wild beauty and self-discovery. Paddle the Teslin and Yukon Rivers through the land of Gold Rush legends, thriving Northern Indigenous cultures, and wildlife that stirs the soul. This 8-day introductory expedition training course empowers young adults (17–35) to develop their outdoor leadership skills while exploring their connection to land, climate, and community. Just like navigating life itself, every paddle stroke becomes a lesson in balance: lean into the current, trust your team, and keep moving forward.
Built for Purpose-Driven Adventurers
This training course is gounded in the philosophy of outdoor-education pioneer Kurt Hahn, this course embodies his belief in education through adventure. To complement this, we have design this experience to be perfect for those completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or pursuing careers in outdoor education, recreation, or guiding.
You’ll learn:
Climate-change awareness and environmental stewardship
Canoe and expedition leadership skills
Gear selection, trip planning, and risk management
Leave No Trace and First People’s (BC) Principles of Learning
By the end, you’ll have the confidence and baseline experience to co-lead others safely into the backcountry. Maybe you’ll even earn a place on our Fireside team as an intern like so many Fireside participants before you!
DETAILS
Group Requirement: Minimum 8 participants to run the course; a maximum of 12
DATES
June 27–July 04, 2026
LOCATIONS
Whitehorse • Carmacks • Teslin River and Yukon River
AGES
18+ (co-ed)
PRICES
$3099.00 + GST
Deposit: $500.00 CAD + GST
Includes: Return flight (Vancouver–Whitehorse), all ground transportation, meals, canoes, paddles, PFDs, group camping gear (incl. tents), pre-trip check-in
To book a meeting with Jeff Willis, click here
In learning and educating we support and adhere to the First People’s Perspectives and Principles of Learning
More info: office@firesideadventures.ca
Why is this the perfect Gen Z Adventure?
We hear it again and again: Gen Z doesn’t want a touristy holiday where fun comes at the cost of local people and ecosystems. You want meaning, growth, and impact. You want something that is affordable, you want transformative skills for potential employment, you want to help provide a “North Star” in decision-making. And that’s exactly what this course delivers.
Authentic Community Experiences
For 8 days, you’ll form a micro-community on the water, part of a team that laughs, cooks, and paddles together. We replace phones with campfire chats, social media with honest conversations, and a sense of disconnection with collaborative learning. You’ll finish as more than friends; you’ll be an expedition family.
Sustainability in Action
Canoeing is one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel. You’ll glide through pristine wilderness while learning Leave No Trace practices and how climate change and resource extraction shape the North. We will work together to reduce our footprint on the places we visit.
Personal Growth & Leadership
Every participant takes a turn as “Leader of the Day,” coordinating navigation, meals, and group decisions. It’s real-world leadership in real time, supported by your Fireside senior instructor.
Adventure & Exploration
Far from cookie-cutter travel, this is true exploration. You’ll paddle past Gold Rush relics reclaimed by nature, cook under a midnight sun, and fall asleep to the rhythm of a living river. Have you ever felt totally free? Well, you will with us. Oh ya: NO PHONES throughout the experience. Being fully present is our gift to you.
You’ll master camp cooking under a midnight sunset!
Take the lead during your ‘Leader of the Day’ challenge!
Welcome to Your Classroom: The Teslin & Yukon Rivers
Central characters in thousands of years’ worth of stories, the Teslin and Yukon Rivers are master teachers. These rivers are storytellers, carved by time and rich with Indigenous history. They teach patience, humility, and flow, lessons that mirror the currents of life itself. With expert guides, even beginners can safely take on this challenge after a hands-on paddling and safety 101.
A Word from Jeff Willis, Founder of Fireside Adventures
“To me, the Yukon River is the life force of the North — a teacher, a mirror, and a source of renewal. Every year, I return to honour its spirit and let it remind me how to live with purpose and courage. I’m excited for you to experience that same transformation.”
Our canoe route
An exclusive Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Experience
Fireside is proud to be one the few Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ‘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."
Meet your Instructor
Jeff ‘Willy’ Willis, Founder, Owner, 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.”
