Yukon 700 2026 is an epic and ambitious adventure expedition, testing both physical and mental endurance. It will showcase the courage and fortitude of a team of 10 Grenadier Guardsmen some of whom were injured, both physically and mentally, whilst serving their country.

These wounded veterans served in numerous conflicts around the world, from Northern Ireland to Bosnia to Iraq and Afghanistan. All, and many others, will continue to require support on their recovery journey throughout their lives. The injured members of the group have suffered a variety of wounds, physical and mental, ranging from amputations to severe sight impairment and PTSD. They share in common not just the bonds of comradeship but a determination not to be defined by their injury or disability, and that - if well supported and motivated by all of us in the greater community - they can achieve great things.

Three successful expeditions took place in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The 2026 expedition will see the team take to open canoes and paddle unsupported for 750-1000km in 7 to 10 days navigating their way for approximately 16 hours per day, camping overnight on islands. The final route is yet to be determined but it will be either the Wind River and the Peel River or the Smoke River. Both routes will venture through the wilderness of Northwest Canada, inside the Arctic Circle, over 24hrs from any support and finishing close to Beaufort Sea (Northwest Passage). Using open canoes much like the first pioneers, although made of Kevlar not wood, the team is completely self-sufficient throughout, carrying everything its members need to survive.

It is well documented that such expeditions, by providing both an intense physical and mental team challenge, help the long-term recovery process of wounded soldiers taking part. The individuals involved feel part of a team again, often something missing after they have been discharged from the Army. Above all, the expedition gives give them a sense of real achievement that serves to reinforce their self-confidence and sense of worth.

Mounting these expeditions comes at a cost and we are always very grateful to our sponsors and supporters. A single seat in a canoe on the expedition for one of our veterans’ costs £3,000, with a total expedition cost of approximately £30,000. All funds raised will support the expedition and the Colonel’s Fund in its continued support of our Grenadier wounded, their families and the families of those killed in action.