Yusezyu River Canoe Adventure

A spectacular float plane trip from Frances Lake will bring us to our campsite on McPherson Lake and the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities of the area. From here, we will canoe this lovely and seldom-paddled river back to the welcome comfort of wilderness lodge at Frances Lake. Enjoy hiking above the tree line in the Logan Mountains, you will see caribou, bears, and eagles in their natural habitat.
At the lodge, your friendly hosts will show you to your own cozy log cabin. The lodge boasts an awesome view of the Logan Mountains and pampers you with nourishing home-cooked meals, a welcome and luxurious change to the days in the bush.

Experience
The Yusezyu River is rated Class I to II, perfectly suitable for the novice paddler.

Yusezyu River Canoe Trip - Itinerary

Whitehorse to Frances Lake
We pick you up at your hotel in Whitehorse and drive the famous Alaska Highway to Frances Lake (620km). From here, we take you on a 30-minute boat ride to the lodge. (Or, if you arranged to see the Yukon from the air, our float plane delivers you to the lodge from either Whitehorse or Watson Lake.) At the lodge, your hosts will show you to your own cozy log cabin—your base from which to explore the incredible, remote beauty of this area—before inviting you to the main lodge for a flavourful 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.

To McPherson Lake
After breakfast we will load our gear and enjoy the scenic 30-minute flight to McPherson Lake. Here we will camp for two nights on a sandy beach where we will explore our surroundings and practice the paddling strokes you will need to know to canoe the river safely. From this camp we can often watch moose, caribou, trumpeter swans and bald eagles.

Canoeing Yusezyu River
Well versed in the use of our canoes, we will begin our trip down the Yusezyu River. This river is exciting, but without the dangers of a larger and faster river. Nevertheless, we'll have to look out for sweepers, rocks and shallow spots. On a gravel bar along the river we will pitch our tents for the night and try our luck at catching grayling for supper. The river becomes easier in the lower section that is also home to moose, beavers and waterfowl. The last night we will camp on a Riviera-style beach at the north end of Frances Lake.

Return to Frances Lake
A short two hour paddle down the most northern part of the lake will bring us to the prearranged meeting point where we will be picked up by the lodge boat. In about an hour we will arrive back to the wilderness lodge where you can 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!

Lodge at Frances Lake
Today you can relax at the lodge or you can participate in a guided excursion, go fishing, paddle in the sheltered bay or stroll along the lake's beach. In the evening we will prepare for our next part of the adventure, the hiking excursion. As you will have to carry your own backpack for this portion of the trip, you will want to make sure to only pack the items that are essential.

Hiking Trip
After breakfast, we’ll leave the lodge for a pleasant boat ride to the east arm of Frances Lake. From here we put on our packs—taking advantage of an old creek-side hunting trail—and climb above the tree line of Mt. Hunt. This three-to-four hour hike brings us to the campsite that will be our home for the next four nights.

Guided day hikes in the northern foothills of the Canadian Rockies will bring us into a rarely seen world of spectacular beauty. You will be treated to vista after vista of mountains, lakes, creeks, and rivers—all teeming with wildlife such as caribou, mountain goats, pikas, and an abundance of birds.

Return to Lodge
After breakfast we will return to the trailhead at Frances Lake and return by boat to our wilderness lodge. You will spend your remaining two days at Frances Lake indulging in the activities of your choice. You may participate in a guided excursion exploring the area, take a visit to the Yukon’s first Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, or fish, photograph, hike, swim in the lake, or read a book from the library.

To Whitehorse
Unfortunately you will have to leave this wonderful place. The lodge boat will return you to the boat ramp, where you will be driven back to Whitehorse on the famous Campbell and Alaska Highways.