About us

Tatshenshini Expediting LTD was created in 1982 by the Daffe family, whose love for adventure drew them to organizing trips all over the Yukon. The company Tatshenshini Expediting has grown both in reputation and in size, but has managed to retain truly personalized and friendly service.

 

Bob Daffe started canoeing in 1970 and never looked back, running rivers became a career. He graduated from a 13ft Simpson Sears canoe to the aluminum Grumman and built his first whitewater kayaks out of fiberglass. Those were the days when we explored rivers without special equipment, studying maps, trying to figure out what we would encounter. Bob and friends did many first descents in Yukon.

 

In 1989, Tatshenshini Expediting went international, starting running raft trips on the then famous Bio Bio River in Chile. Bob and guides worked on many Patagonians Rivers in Argentina and Chile like the Futaleufu, Fuy, and Gol Gol.

 

In 1991, Bob took a Yukon team to the world-rafting rally in Costa Rica, the team finished 15 overall with Bob placing 8th in a kayak race.

 

Bob and his son Kevin expended business by working in Ecuador, Nepal and Africa. In 2004 they did the first raft descent of Itunda Rapid on the White Nile, huge whitewater portaged by many kayakers. They took a rowing frame down # 9 on the Zambezi River, a rapid also known as commercial suicide.

 

Kevin was part of the kayak Canadian junior team; he competed internationally in world competitions. He has won many races in Canada.

 

Alison and Danielle are also raft guides who have boated in Ecuador, Chile and Africa.

 

Theresa, Bob’s wife, is the first woman to complete Turnback Canyon on the Alsek River. Theresa has won many kayaking competition and is an accomplished raft guide.

 

Our grandchildren, Mickey (7) and Issak (6) started their rafting career in 2010. They spent 6 weeks on the Tatshenshini River, at first tentative, in the end water babies.

 

For the Daffe’s, running rivers is a family affair.

 

Our Staff

Our guides are all anxious to show you the best possible time on your holiday. In addition to working hard to ensure your trip is memorable, our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and the latest river

 

Tatshenshini Expediting takes great pride in its Yukon guides. These experienced and highly qualified paddlers have grown up on Yukon rivers.

 

In 1991, our Yukon guides tested their skill level in Costa Rica at the World Rafting Rally and performed extremely well. Since then, our guides have rafted rivers all over the world.

 

It is important to us that your visit to the Yukon is a memorable experience.

The company sets high standards for their guides. Since 1983 the company has taken the leading edge in guide training. Our staff stays with us for a long time. Owner Bob Daffe and son Kevin Daffe are Rescue 3 International instructor.

 

We are proud to announce:

The third generation of Daffe’s came to the river this past summer 2010.

 

Mickey, 7 and Issak 6 spend a month and a half with Mom, Danielle, rafting the Upper Canyon of the Tatshenshini. At first they were tentative, riding in the rowing frame, but soon became water babies, swimming with the pros.

 

We are looking forward to seeing them out there again next summer.

 

 

 

The Daffe kids, Danielle, Kevin and Alison then and now with Dad, Danielle, Dad, Kevin and Alison.

 

 This is what was said about us in 2009: 

I just wanted to send and email to you guys and I really haven't had a chance.  But, I finally got a moment.  I was in the Yukon at the end of August, and my cousin and I went on a rafting trip with your company. I just wanted to send you an email to say Thank You.  We had the most amazing time.  My cousin has rafted with you guys before because he lives there.. but I definitely had never rafted, never thought about it, and didnt know how much fun it really was.
Kevin was our guides name and he was a great guide.  He clearly enjoys what he does!  I am totally scared of water, drowning and everything that goes with it, but I felt at ease dealing with your company.
I just think that you should always hear the good when someone has had a positive experience, and I wanted to share mine with you.  Great job, and I plan to visit the Yukon in the future, I am even considering moving there for a while, but we shall see... and when I go rafting again on my visit I will choose you without any hesitation, and recommend you to any of my friends that may be travelling there!
THANK YOU AGAIN!
Jennifer

Photo CD has arrived and we are very pleased with the photos Connor took.  Great memories from an excellent adventure.  If we ever get back up that way we'll surely take another trip with you.  If our friends head your way they'll have our reccommendation to see the river with your outfit. 
 
Again THANKS!
David & Tracy Hoover

Lance Lawhorne wrote:
Hey Everyone,  This is Lance from Juneau. I went on your Tat day trip
on Saturday. WOW, what an awesome day that was. You guys definitely
rock. Thanks so much for a perfect day on the river. Dustin is an
amazing guide and he really made the day go well. My seven year old
Zachary had one of the most memorable days of his life so far and I
appreciate that so much. We will be coming back next summer for more
fun. I have to do the Tushi trip and would love to get in on your
kayak classes. Your website is great too and I will be watching for
class info next year. I can't say enough about your whole professional
crew. Everyone worked so hard especially with the low water to make it
a memorable fun day. See you all next summer.
P.S. Alex and Zachary say thanks so much too!

We had a wonderful day rafting with you and your team.
Actually met some people the night we returned from rafting who were going
to be rafting with you the next day.  I mentioned that they were in for a
great day and were in good hands.
Thanks so much again.  Our grout thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Cindy, Scout trip.


 After the 10 days Tatshenshini/Alsek trip:

Hello all from Ottawa,
I arrived back home safe and sound and already miss 'life on the 
Tat'.  What a wonderful experience that
was.  Thank you again for a memorable start to the summer.
We'll be in touch,.
Cheers,
Claus


This is what was said in 2005 about our trips and guides:

My 2 sons and I enjoyed your 1-day Tatshenshini raft ride last Saturday.  The guides were great (Mike, Alison and Ayla?) and contributed to our enjoyment. Thanks for making our vacation such a success! 
Stephen Swatridge
Waterloo, Ontario

 

You guys are incredible... even 3 months after it is over... I am still looking at photos and laughing - and crying and loving every memory.

 

Both Bjorn and I have been raving about our Tat trip and I think the only complaint would be that it was over too fast.
From Hilary's sense of humour to her fabulous and plentiful meals to her guiding skills. She was excellent. She's a remarkable and talented woman.


I feel privileged to have spent time with 3 amazing guides. Gentlemen, and professionals. Knowledgeable and committed to the adventure... To have witnessed the wildlife- bears,  eagles, moose, the mountains and rivers... the glaciers and icebergs... To have been catered to more than I could ever have imagined..

 

Our trips are run as paddle trips. This means that you are not simply rowed down the river by a guide, but you are actively participating in the maneuvering and running of the raft. Over the years many clients commented that their trip was made so much more enjoyable by being active paddling participants. We believe you come away from our trips with a real sense of accomplishment.


The other big difference is our personalized service. We are a local company, having operated in the Yukon since 1983, and we hire Yukon guides. We often assist people in planning their extra days in the Yukon. 

 

It is important to us that your visit to the Yukon is a memorable experience.