March 2003

Canadian Heritage River System
Business, Tourism and Culture
Cultural Services Branch

The Thirty-Mile Section of the Yukon River

The Thirty Mile section of the Yukon River is so named because it is a thirty mile long stretch of the river famous for its twisting canyons and fast, clear water that was treacherous to navigate for historic paddlewheelers. There are a number of wrecks still visible.

The Thirty Mile section of the Yukon River was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1991. A management plan was developed at that time in partnership with the Ta'An Kwäch'än Council, and the governments of Yukon and Canada. The management plan identifies natural and cultural resources for protection. The signing of the Ta'An Kwäch'än First Nation Final Agreement (2002) more clearly defines ownership of certain properties and management responsibilities along the Thirty Mile.

The Government of Yukon owns a small portion of the historic site of Lower Laberge, where the Thirty Mile River begins at the outlet of Lake Laberge, as well as the historic sites of Hootalinqua and Shipyard Island at the end of the Thirty Mile River, opposite where the Teslin River enters the Yukon River. Hootalinqua, being at the juncture of the Yukon and Teslin Rivers, was an important shipping point, and Shipyard Island provided ways for making repairs to boats and winter storage.

Work began on improvements to, and restoration of, Hootalinqua in 2002. Brush was cleared at Hootalinqua and nearby Shipyard Island to open up the sites for camping and viewing. This also provided some protection for historic resources including several buildings and the hulk of the SS Evelyn paddlewheeler.

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