ARTEMIS YUKON 2027
Canoeing, skills and time together
Travel the Yukon River with a group of women and experienced female guides. The expedition combines paddling, camping and shared responsibilities, with time to learn about the river and enjoy life outdoors.
Come with friends or family, or join the group on your own. Beginners and experienced paddlers are welcome; the guides teach canoe and camp skills along the way.
Expect to take part in paddling, setting up camp and daily group life. Contact Bella before booking to discuss the demands of the route and any support you may need.
Why the Yukon?
The route from Carmacks to Dawson City takes you through long stretches of northern river country, with opportunities to learn about the places along the way. Fort Selkirk and the river’s confluences are part of the journey.
Paddling and camping together give the group a shared routine: prepare meals, practise skills, make decisions and reflect on the day.
Welcome Package
Itinerary, packing list & trip info.
AGES
16+ years (15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult)
Locations: Whitehorse • Yukon River • Carmacks • Dawson City
Please arrive a day before to get yourself settled in.
Includes:
– Course instruction and guiding
– Canoes, safety equipment, and group camping gear + all meals.
– 8 days of guided paddling on the Yukon River
– Coordination support pre- and post-course
Does not include: Flight to Yukon*, land transportation shuttle to and from Whitehorse* hotel stays in Whitehorse and Dawson City, and anything not mentioned above.
The Youth Companion package applies to a youth aged 17 or younger travelling with a registered adult. It does not apply to youth travelling solo. Each youth companion registration supports our campership program for women facing barriers to attending Artemis.
Group Requirement: Minimum 8 participants to run the course; a maximum of 12
Facilitators: Bella Vedova
*We can book flights and ground transportation by request. Costs will be added to base trip fees. If you’re interested, contact us at office@firesideadventures.ca
Big Adventure? Let’s Talk
Or email: office@firesideadventures.ca
A mother and daughter’s Yukon story
Artemis participant Kendra MacDonald wrote about sharing the Yukon River with her daughter and finding connection among women of different generations.
“There was something powerful about women from different generations and different parts of the country figuring out how to do this together.”
Kendra MacDonald, Artemis Yukon participant
This article was originally published on The Honest Talk.
In our participants’ words
“At the start of the trip I was with 10 perfect strangers by end I was with a group that felt like life long friends and family as if I had known them much longer then the days we were on the river!”
Artemis Yukon participant
“Very proud I was able to do this in my 60’s. And made lifelong memories with a great group of women with two exceptional guides Bella and Rachel.”
Lisa, Artemis Yukon participant
Our Journey
Map legend
Whitehorse, The Wilderness City, where our journey begins (including the airport).
Carmacks, where we will launch our canoes after a 2hr shuttle from Whitehorse.
Fort Selkirk, a living cultural heritage site and a special place for all who come here. To the Selkirk First Nation people, it is part of their homeland and a place for spiritual and cultural renewal.
The mighty confluence of the Yukon River and White River, which flows from its headwaters in majestic Kluane National Park .
Dawson City, home of the Klondike Gold Rush… known long ago as “the Paris of the North”. It stands now very much as it did in 1898, remaining a major cultural and historical hub.
The Artemis experience
Adventure, Growth, Service and Learning guide this course. In practice, that means:
Learning canoeing and camping skills with female guides.
Sharing responsibilities and practising group decisions.
Trying new tasks with instruction and encouragement.
Making time for conversation, reflection and rest.
No previous outdoor experience is required. Bring a willingness to participate, learn and contribute to the group.
Program Highlights
A fully guided multi-day canoe expedition led by experienced female guides
Wilderness leadership and outdoor skills training
Flexible daily plans based on the group’s collective comfort and fitness
Gourmet backcountry meals (yes—truly gourmet!)
Evenings under open skies on untouched river islands
Opportunities to witness the northern lights and long northern sunsets
Instruction in camping, canoeing, navigation, risk management, and more
Time to unplug from phones, work, and daily pressures
A supportive environment anchored in inclusivity, consent, and respect
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
Artemis welcomes women of ALL GENERATIONS (15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult) from every lived experience and identity.
This program is intentionally inclusive of:
Women of all races, bodies, orientations, and gender expressions
Women who are new to the outdoors
Women rebuilding confidence or navigating life transitions
Women seeking connection, mentorship, and community
Women ready for an adventure that feels both grounding and liberating
SPOTS ARE LIMITED
Groups have a minimum of eight and a maximum of twelve participants. See current dates, pricing and deposit options using the View dates & prices button.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR Bella Vedova
Bella has spent her life adventuring and leading outdoor adventures in British Columbia. She is at the heart of Artemis, known for her empathy, enthusiasm, and dedication to creating empowering spaces designed specifically for women and girls.
Bella’s mission is to create an inclusive space for all women to come together, challenge, and grow with one another. From her own experience on women-led trips, Bella knows the deep importance of off-the-grid trips, time for reflection, and exploring new places in nature and within ourselves.
Artemis was built on the belief that women deserve their own space in the outdoors—one that is supportive, inclusive, and guided by community rather than competition. Bella carries that vision forward with clarity, passion, and care.
About Fireside’s Artemis
Artemis brings women together for guided outdoor learning and adventure. The Yukon course makes space for skill development, shared responsibilities and personal reflection.
FAQ:
How intense will the paddling be?
The Yukon River runs at about 10km an hour, while paddling is required to get to our destinations, you will not be required to be pushing all day long, and can let the river do some of the work as well. We have planned this trip so that there is ample time to safely get to Dawson City.
Are there lots of bugs in the Yukon?
Short answer: yes. However, while paddling and on the water, the bugs are much less significant. In our packing list, we recommend thin long sleeves or even gloves to protect the hands from mosquitoes. Bug spray is also very much recommended for around the campsite. We have other ways to prevent bug bites but bugs are apart of this landscape!
Do I need to bring my own food or gear?
As per the packing list, you do not need to bring any gear other than personal gear. This means bring your sleeping bag and sleeping mat, but all other gear is provided. We also have extra sleeping gear if you would like to use ours. All food is provided for the entire trip.
Watch and get excited!
This is a video that Barnsy took while on expedition on the Yukon River in 2021!
