A great combination of relaxing in the
wilderness and enjoying river paddling. Start your trip at our
wilderness lodge, where you tune in to the peace and quiet of a true
wilderness setting. Enjoy your own cozy log cabin, relax, practice the
necessary paddle strokes and learn about wilderness travel and other
useful skills for your river adventure. We head out to paddle the Dease
River, located in British Columbia, north of the Stikine drainage. The
Dease River flows north through the Cassiar Mountains into the Liard
basin near the BC – Yukon border. An easy river to paddle with stunning
mountain views, great fishing and good wildlife viewing opportunities.
River Difficulty: Easy, WW-Class I (two
short sections II)
Paddling Experience: Limited paddling skills
suggested but not required
ITINERARY:
Day 1: We pick you up at the
Whitehorse Airport and bring you into your downtown hotel. Spend the
remainder of the day as you like: go for a relaxing stroll through the
charming city or take the chance to go shopping to complete your gear.
Day 2: Today, we drive the
famous Alaska Highway to Watson Lake and north on the Campbell Highway
to Frances Lake (620km). From here, we take you on a 30-minute boat
ride to the lodge. At the lodge, your hosts will show you to your own
cozy log cabin - your base from which to explore the incredible beauty
of this area - before inviting you to the main lodge for a flavorful
and hearty dinner. The lodge boasts an awesome view of the Logan
Mountains and also features a bright and comfortable living room
equipped with a small library.
Day
3 - 5: Your time at Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge will be
filled with an introduction to paddling and wilderness travel but you
have also the opportunity of an exciting variety of adventures to
enjoy: Take a guided excursion by boat to an abandoned trading post of
the famous Hudson’s Bay Company.
Explore old trapper cabins, scenic bays, quiet ponds, and meandering
rivers along the way. Use your paddling skills and explore the area
around the lodge in one of our canoes or kayaks. Take advantage of the
ample viewing opportunities to see bald eagles, loons, beavers and
moose that live in the neighborhood. Discover a hidden waterfall and
explore a vast river delta teeming with an exciting variety of
bird-life. Hike the well-marked trails intersecting the area close to
the lodge. Relax with a good book in the living room or the wood fired
sauna, compose a letter, or just luxuriate in the magnificent view
while sitting beside a crackling fire at our open-air rest area. Enjoy
an excellent meal - prepared by our professional chef - after a day
filled with exciting adventures.
Day
6: We pack up all the necessary gear for our river adventure
and drive to Watson Lake. Here we have the possibility of visiting the
famous Sign Post Forest or the Northern Lights Center. Then we continue
driving along the scenic Cassiar Highway south until Dease River
Crossing. Here we spend the night on the campground before we head on
the river the following morning.
Day 7 -11: We paddle through the
stunning Cassiar Mountains. The stages will require paddling times of 4
to 6 hours a day. That leaves us plenty of time for swimming, fishing
and to enjoy our wilderness tent camps every night. The river has a
steady flow and we have to stay alert for sweepers and strong under
currents. Two short rapids will spice up our ride with waves, a
whirlpool and some splashes.
Day
12: The last morning to pack up our camp and push our canoes
off shore. We got accustomed to the rhythm of river paddlers, making
camp, breaking camp, what a simple but enjoyable live! At French Creek
we have to say good bye to the river. We take out and drive back by car
to Whitehorse, where you stay the night in a hotel.
Day 13: We'll drive you to the
airport for your flight home or you leave on your own for your next
Yukon adventure.
THINGS TO KNOW:
- For this tour you should be in good health and able
to paddle four to six hours every day. Please bring sturdy footwear and
weatherproof clothes (jackets and pants)! Details see Equipment
List Lodge
and Equipment
List Tours.
- The Dease River is a class I to II rated river (two
short and easy rapids). This trip is well suited for novices and people
with limited paddling experience. No prior wilderness experience is
necessary.
- It is possible to book the river trip only without
lodge stay.
- Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge & Tours is
member of the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIA) and the
Yukon Wilderness Tourism Association (WTAY).
- Canadian legislation requires you to sign a release
of liability and waiver of claims form prior to the commencement of the
arrangement.
- Our guides are well trained in wilderness travel
and first aid.
DATES AND RATES:
| Duration: |
13 or 9 days from/to
Whitehorse (with/without lodge) |
| Dates: |
August 10 - 22 / August 29 -
September 10, 2010 (with lodge) |
| Rates: |
13 days Dease R. with
lodge |
$3120 CAD + GST per person
(double occupancy) |
| |
9 days Dease R. without lodge |
$2555 CAD + GST per person (double occupancy) |
| |
3 to 7 guests (single
supplement and price for 2
guests on application) |
Terms
of Participation
RATES INCLUDE:
- All accommodation (4 nights at lodge, 2 nights in
hotel, 6 nights camping)
- All meals during the canoe trip and at the lodge
- Transfer from/to Whitehorse
- Equipment: canoe, paddles, life vests, waterproof
bags/containers, camping gear (except sleeping bags
and pads)
- Guided day trips at the lodge
- Use of lodge amenities such as sauna, library,
canoes, kayaks and angling equipment
- Professional guide service by licensed wilderness
guide
NOT INCLUDED:
- Meals in Whitehorse and Watson Lake
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (the lodge is
licensed and has a selection in stock)
- Angling licence (can be purchased at lodge)
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Personal insurance (trip cancellation, medical
insurance): We strongly recommend to arrange for sufficient coverage
before the start of your trip.