France Lake Wilderness Lodge
Yukon Wilderness Lodge

Indian Summer Hiking Tungsten



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Are you dreaming of hiking through spectacular fall colors, combined with an eventful stay at a comfortable wilderness lodge in the great Canadian north? If so, we have the right package for you!

In a motorhome we travel along the scenic Tungsten Road. We will spend seven days along this road enjoying Indian Summer in the Logan Mountains. We spend the nights in the camper and go for day trips hiking from the road. Possibilities for excursions are manifold, views from mountain tops breathtaking and chances for wildlife viewing excellent. At the end of the road, across the border in the Northwest Territories we visit Tungsten, a remote mining town where the mineral of the same name is mined. The local hot springs offer a well deserved dip! Afterwards we drive to Frances Lake, where you spend four days at our comfortable wilderness lodge: relaxing, exploring by yourself or join our guided activities. Finally we return by motorhome via Ross River and along the South Canol Road (yet another scenic back-country road) to Whitehorse.


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: After breakfast we pick you up from the hotel and drive by motorhome east along the legendary Alaska Highway. Interesting stops are the Wildlife Museum in Teslin, the Rancheria Falls and the Sign Post Forest or the Northern Lights Center in Watson Lake. From now on, the entire remainder of the trip will be on little frequented but good gravel roads, penetrating deep into the scenic back country. We continue north along the Campbell Highway to Simpson Lake, where we spend our first camper night on the campground.

Day 3 - 7: Soon we turn off the Campbell Highway and start our drive along the rarely traveled Tungsten Road. The drive takes us over 200 km between two charming mountain ranges through the lovely Hyland River Valley up to the Northwest Territories border. Ever changing spectacular mountain views open up while crossing the border over a high mountain pass. A little down the other side is Tungsten, the most significant tungsten mine of the entire western world. Tungsten is used as steel hardener and thus plays a very important role in today’s politics and economy. However, much more attractive to us than the inconspicuous mineral are the hot springs, which are located nearby. A good excuse to soak in there while relaxing our tired limbs!

Along the entire drive, depending on weather and down to your whim, we will go for strolls and hikes into the surrounding mountains. Ponds, creeks, peaks, bush, plants, animals, dramatic weather patterns and breathtaking fall colors - take it for granted to experience unforgettable moments while being in this incredibly wild and remote corner of the Earth.

Day 8: The days along Tungsten Road are over. We drive back to the Campbell Highway and on to Frances Lake. A 30-minute boat ride brings you to our wilderness lodge. Welcome at our home! Upon arrival at the lodge, you'll be shown to your private cozy log cabin. Later, you will enjoy dinner in the main building which boasts great views of the Logan Mountains, the area we have been exploring previously. Thereafter you can relax in the bright and comfortable living room with a well-stocked library and a small bar.

Day 9 - 10: Enjoy relaxing days at the lodge, participate in guided excursions, go fishing, paddle in the sheltered bay or stroll along the lake's beach. A visit to the abandoned Hudson’s Bay Company trading post carries you away into past times. Enjoy the comforts of your cabin as well as take advantage of the shower, sauna and a soft bed - not to mention our great home-cooked meals!

Day 11: Time to say good bye to this great place. By boat we return to the camper and continue our drive along the Campbell Hwy to the Indian settlement of Ross River. After a visit to the impressive Lapie Canyon we turn into the South Canol Road leading across the Pelly Mountains. We camp at a nice spot.

Day 12: Today we have time to explore this mountain region on a short stroll. Then we continue south along the winding road crossing a high plateau, driving along meandering creeks and passing little lakes. We enjoy the solemn atmosphere while dusk falls and spend our last night out in the camper.

Day 13 - 14: After breakfast we drive the remaining distance back to Whitehorse and bring you to the hotel where you spend the following two nights. The days in Whitehorse are at your leisure or can be spent under our guidance. The vibrant city has a lot to offer, such as a visit to the historic steamer “SS Klondike”, the Beringia Museum or a promenade along the Yukon River.

Day 15: We bring you to the airport or you may go on by yourself.


THINGS TO KNOW:

  • This tour is well suitable for people without wilderness experience. However, you should be able to walk several hours a day in trackless terrain. Please bring sturdy hiking boots and weatherproof clothes (jackets and pants)! Details see Equipment List Lodge and Equipment List Tours.
  • 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: 15 days from/to Whitehorse
Dates: August 31 - September 14, 2010 (or by reservation)
Rates: for 3 to 4 guests $3720 CAD + GST per person (double occupancy)
  for 2 guests $4190 CAD + GST per person (double occupancy)
  Single supplement $300 CAD + GST

Terms of Participation

RATES INCLUDE:

  • All accommodation (8 nights in motorhome, 3 nights at lodge, 3 nights in hotel)
  • All transportation by motorhome and boats (as described in the program)
  • All meals during the trip in the camper and at the lodge
  • 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
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (the lodge is licensed and has a selection in stock)
  • Angling licence (can be purchased at lodge)
  • Personal insurance (trip cancellation, medical insurance): We strongly recommend to arrange for sufficient coverage before the start of your trip.