Paddling Liard River

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Join this adventurous canoe trip on the rarely traveled upper Liard River! It starts with a scenic flight by floatplane to the Caribou Lakes. Then, a trip of a lifetime awaits you while paddling through pristine wilderness. Experience how a little creek turns into a mighty river. Marvel at great mountain vistas and enjoy the natural way of living and traveling. En route we likely encounter wildlife and catch the ever-plentiful fish to supplement our dinners. The trip ends with relaxing days at Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge, nestled in a remote corner of southeast Yukon (optional). What a great way to experience the northern beauty!

River Difficulty: Easy to medium, WW-Class I-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 fly by floatplane to the headwaters of the Liard River. This flight offers incredible views of the Teslin and Nisutlin Rivers and the various mountain ranges in between. We set up our first camp on the shores of the Caribou Lakes - a great spot for exploring the surrounding lake system.

Day 3 - 10: We practice paddling and play around at the headwaters of the Liard River for a full day before setting off on our canoeing adventure. The first day downriver will be on a small creek where, depending on the water level, we may have to line the canoes at places. Once we are on the Liard, its increased water flow will add momentum to our paddling. We will not encounter rapids or portages but must stay alert for sweepers, log jams and unexpected gravel bars at all times. We have good chances spotting moose, wolf, grizzly and black bears, dall sheep and beaver. There are also many birds such as eagle, geese, ducks and various shore birds.

Day 11: Our last day on the river brings us to the small native settlement of Upper Liard, close to the town of Watson Lake on the Alaska Highway. From here you either head back to Whitehorse, where you spend a last hotel night to finish your trip, or join us on our drive to Frances Lake (190 km / 120 miles). The last part, however, cannot be done by car anymore: we'll travel down the lake by motor boat for half an hour to reach Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge. Upon arrival, you'll be assigned to your cozy log cabin and enjoy the excellent home-cooked dinner served in the main building. Thereafter you can relax in the bright and comfortable living room and read a book from our well-stocked library while enjoying a drink from the bar.

Optional extra days: There are a lot of exciting opportunities to spend your time at Frances Lake. You may join one of our guided day trips, for instance a visit to the abandoned Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, the oldest fur-trading post in the Yukon just a short boat ride from our lodge, which will carry you away into past times. You may head out on your own by canoe or kayak exploring the many bays and isles of the big lake. Or you may choose to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the lodge enjoying a hot sauna with cool-off in the lake.

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 upper Liard is a class I to II rated river, but does not have real rapids. This trip is well suited for people with some paddling skills, but no prior wilderness experience is necessary.
• 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:

Terms of Participation

RATES INCLUDE:

• All accommodation (2 nights in hotel, 9 nights camping)
• All meals during the canoe trip
• Transfer from/to Whitehorse
• Flight to Caribou Lakes by floatplane
• Equipment: canoe, paddles, life vests, waterproof bags/containers, camping gear (except sleeping bags and pads)
• Professional guide service by licensed wilderness guide

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals in Whitehorse
• 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.