The
Campbell Highway was built in the late 1960s along the original fur
trade route from southern Canada to central Yukon. It is named after
the legendary fur trader, Robert Campbell, who explored this route in
the 1840s on behalf of the Hudson's
Bay Company.
As you drive this route, you'll be following along Campbell's tracks
from Carmacks to Watson Lake, crossing the Yukon Plateau. The highway
leads through extensive forests, along the Yukon, Pelly and Frances
rivers and passes the Little Salmon, Finlayson, Frances and Simpson
lakes. The highlight of this journey is the 4-night stay at Frances
Lake Wilderness Lodge, a secluded place nestled on the shores of
pristine Frances Lake.
ITINERARY
Day 1: You will arrive in Whitehorse and pick up your rental
car. 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.
You'll spend the night at a good downtown hotel.
Day
2: In your rental car, you'll leave Whitehorse behind and
head up the North Klondike Highway to Carmacks. Along this route you
skirt the edge of beautiful Fox Lake and may want to stop at Braeburn
Lodge, home to the world's biggest cinnamon buns! Shortly after
Carmacks you will reach the junction of the North Klondike and the
Campbell Highways. However, before you turn onto the Campbell for your
unforgettable drive, we recommend a visit to the Yukon River's famous
Five Finger Rapids, located just a few kilometres north of the
junction. Once on the Campbell Highway, you'll find the newly paved
road follows the course of the Yukon River for a while, and later
skirts along the lovely Little Salmon Lake. Enjoy the great scenery
until you arrive at the day's final destination: the remote and
beautiful, small town of Faro. You'll stay the night in a charming bed
& breakfast.
Faro is a former mining town. In its heyday, it was
home to about 2500 people. The zinc-lead-silver mine, which provided
employment to most of Faro's residents, closed down in the late 1990s.
Today only 400 or so residents remain in Faro, enjoying and caring for
the town's idyllic setting. Explore this special place along various
hiking trails and pay a visit to the interesting Visitor Information
Center to learn about local wildlife and the town's history.
Day
3: You'll continue your wilderness drive along the Campbell
Highway, making your way towards Frances Lake. You will now be on a
well-maintained gravel road. Some of the highlights include crossing
Lapie Canyon and the Continental Divide near Finlayson Lake. You'll
want to take a short side-trip off the main road to visit the First
Nations village of Ross River and marvel at the little orange ferry and
the wobbly swing bridge which both cross the mighty Pelly River.
Further east, at the Hoole River bridge, it's worthwhile to take the
short access track down to the confluence with the Pelly River. Later
in the day you'll arrive at Frances Lake, where we will pick you up for
the half-hour boat ride to Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge.
Days
4 – 6: Your days at
Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge offer a wide variety of options. Relax at
the lodge or participate in guided excursions, go fishing, paddle
around the sheltered bay or stroll along the lake's beach. Join us on a
sightseeing trip by motorboat to the scenic East Arm of Frances Lake,
which boasts a rambling shoreline, countless bays and hidden ponds. A
visit to the abandoned Hudson’s Bay Company trading post carries you
away into past times. Discover a hidden waterfall and explore a vast
river delta teeming with birdlife. Watch for bald eagles, loons,
beavers and moose, as they are often seen around here. Or you may
simply want to relax, enjoy your private, cozy log cabin and admire the
stunning views across the bay.
Day
7: Your journey continues along the last section of the
Campbell Highway to Watson Lake. Here, you can visit the famous Sign
Post Forest and the Northern Lights Center. Also worth seeing is the
exhibition about the construction of the Alaska Highway at the Visitor
Information Centre. After that, you'll pull onto the Alaska Highway and
head west back to Whitehorse. You will want to stop and see the
Rancheria Falls, as well as the nice sandy beach at Morley Lake. The
Wildlife Museum and the George Johnston Museum, both in Teslin, are
worth visiting too. In the evening you'll reach Whitehorse, where
you'll stay in a downtown hotel we have booked for you.
Day 8: In the morning you will
drop
off your rental car and leave Whitehorse by plane or continue your
Yukon
adventures by yourself.
THINGS TO KNOW
- We speak English, French and German.
- Bring good shoes and weatherproof clothing (jacket
and pants) with you. For more information, see What to
Bring.
- Canadian legislation requires you to sign a release
of liability and waiver of claims form prior to the beginning of your
visit.
- Frances Lake Wilderness Lodge & Tours is
a licensed business under the Yukon Wilderness Tourism Licensing Act
and member of the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIA) and
the Yukon Wilderness Tourism Association (WTAY).
DATES AND RATES 2020
| Duration: |
8 days from/to
Whitehorse |
| Dates: |
Mid-June to mid-September |
| Rates: |
from 2 guests |
$1640 CAD + GST per person
(double occupancy) |
| |
Single occupancy surcharge |
$500 CAD + GST |
| |
Extra lodge day(s) |
Rates available on request |
Terms
of Participation
RATES INCLUDE
- All accommodation (4 nights at lodge, 2 nights in
hotel, 1 night in B&B)
- All meals at the lodge
- Breakfast in Faro
- Guided day trips at the lodge
- Use of all lodge amenities including sauna,
library, canoes, kayaks and angling gear
- Detailed road book
NOT INCLUDED
- Rental car (we gladly give advice and make a
reservation for you)
- Meals in Whitehorse and en route
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (the lodge is
licensed and has a selection in stock)
- Angling licence (can be purchased at the lodge)
- Personal insurance (trip cancellation, medical
insurance). We strongly recommend our guests arrange for sufficient
insurance coverage before the beginning of their trip.