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. 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 to finish you 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.
Day 12 - 13: 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.
Day 14: After breakfast
we’ll leave the lodge, first by boat back to the road and then by car
back into civilization. In Watson Lake you have a chance to see the
renowned Sign Post Forest or visit the Northern Lights Center. In the
afternoon we drive to Whitehorse, where you stay the night in a hotel.
Day 14: 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 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.
- 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: |
15 or 12 days from/to
Whitehorse (with/without lodge) |
| Dates: |
July 13 - 27 / August 3
- 17 / August 24 - September 7, 2010 (with lodge) |
| Rates: |
15 days Liard River with
lodge |
$3590 CAD + GST per person
(double occupancy) |
| |
12 days Liard R. without lodge |
$2795 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 (3 nights at lodge, 2 nights in
hotel, 9 nights camping)
- All meals during the canoe trip and at the lodge
- 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)
- 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.
