Few
experiences can rival a journey to the winter wonderland at Frances
Lake and you'll take everlasting memories with you. Imagine sunlight
cascading through spruce trees onto a virgin blanket of snow — or
lucent ice crystals sparkling in the frosty clean air. Our winter
adventure will stir emotions and lead you into breathtaking scenery.
Make your own snowshoe tracks in the dazzling white snow, or glide on
cross-country skis along charming ski trails. Enjoy your own cozy log
cabin and a crackling wood fire offering comfy warmth. And at night
you'll marvel at the brilliant starry sky and gaze completely
flabbergasted at the northern lights dancing across the canopy. The
incredible silence may only be interrupted by the howling of the
wolves. Another highlight is flying in by ski plane, which will land
and take off right in front of the lodge on the frozen lake. At this
time of year there are no other people out here, but you might spot a
few moose, hares or otters in the vicinity.
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There is no noise, no roads, no other signs of
human occupation, just vista after vista of snowy mountains, fairytale
forests, frozen lakes and rivers — pristine
wilderness as nature intended it. The perfect place to unwind and relax.
Winter openings: Mid-February to late March
Basic itinerary: 1 week (with extension options)
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Your log cabin
Your cozy self-contained log cabin offers plenty of space and time to
experience the northern winter at your own pace. The newly built,
two-storey building is located at the other side of the lodge
peninsula, about 10 minutes away on foot from the other lodge buildings
including our private house. The cabin offers everything you need for
an authentic Yukon winter stay. On the first floor is kitchen and
lounge with comfortable armchairs to relax in front of the wood stove.
A spacious bedroom (1 double bed and 2 single beds) is situated in the
loft with great views out of the window – ideal for watching the
northern lights. You will get your water from the lake through a hole
in the ice and prepare your own meals with the groceries you brought
in. Just behind the cabin is a traditional outhouse for your
convenience.
For a detailed cabin description (summer) see Cabin Rental.
Your stay
After arrival by ski plane, we will bring you to your heated, cozy log
cabin. We will show and explain you everything you need to know that
you'll soon feel comfortable in the new environment. On the first
evening we will have dinner together in our private house. This allows
us to get to know each other and discuss the upcoming week. 
On two days we will take you on a guided trip, during the other days
you'll explore the charming winter landscape on snowshoes or
cross-country skis by yourself.
- Snowshoeing: The idyllic setting
of the lodge offers endless opportunities for shorter or longer
excursions by snowshoes. Use our existing trails or make your own
tracks through snowy forests, go exploring the picturesque bays and
islands of the frozen lake or climb up to exciting viewpoints
overlooking the winter wonderland. You'll be fascinated by the glitter
and sparkle of the snow and ice crystals reflecting in the sun.
- Cross-country skiing: We
maintain a 10 – 15 km network of cross-country ski trails around the
lodge, both for classic and freestyle technique. You're welcome to use
these trails anytime. Also snowmobile trails leading further away can
be used for discoveries by ski.
- Guided
excursions: On two days we will take you on a guided trip to
scenic areas somewhat further away from the lodge. For that purpose we
will cover the first few kilometres on snowmobiles and then continue
exploring by snowshoe or ski. We will be roaming through the Narrows
section of Frances Lake's East Arm with good chances to see river
otters playing in the snow near permanently open water holes.
- Log cabin romance: Enjoy the
time in your log cabin to relax and revive. Read, chat and play in
front of the crackling wood stove – or simply gaze out of the window
watching the snow fall, the dusk setting in or the northern lights
flickering over the sky.
- Sauna: You're welcome to use our
wood-fired sauna at the main lodge. But first we have to haul up water
from the lake…
Getting here
Due to the remote location, in winter our lodge is only accessible by
ski plane. Flying in is possible from Whitehorse (1.45 h) or Watson
Lake (45 min). The scenic flight over endless forests, mountains, lakes
and rivers is an essential part of the entire experience.
CLIMATE
Northern
winters are cold but dry. Therefore, even at cold temperatures outdoor
activities can be performed and enjoyed. In February and March, you can
expect lots of sunshine with day temperatures ranging between -5° and
-30° Celsius. At night, temperatures may drop lower. The ice on the
lake is about 60 to 80 cm thick and covered with a snow layer of 20 to
40 cm. When planning our daily excursions and flights by ski plane, we
will always have to consider weather, snow and ice conditions.
THINGS TO KNOW
- We speak English, French and German.
- All tours are personally guided by lodge owners Andrea
& Martin Laternser.
- We are experienced, licensed wilderness guides and
First Aid-certified.
- In winter we only accommodate one guest party at a
time.
- We gladly advise on your personal winter clothing
and rental places in Whitehorse.
- 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 Mid-February
to late March
RATES in
Canadian dollars (CAD) + 5% GST
| 1 week (for 1 – 2 persons) |
$2500 CAD + GST |
| 1 week (for 3 persons) |
$2850 CAD + GST |
| 1 week (for 4 persons) |
$3200 CAD + GST |
| Additional nights |
Rates available on request |
| Fly-in by ski plane |
see below |
Terms
of Participation
RATES INCLUDE
- 7 nights accommodation in private, self-contained
rental cabin
- Well-equipped kitchenette, propane, firewood
- Bedding and towels
- 1 dinner together
- 2 guided day trips
- Use of wood-heated sauna
- Use of snowshoes
- Use of groomed cross-country ski trails
NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation to Frances Lake (ski plane from
Whitehorse or Watson Lake, see below)
- Meals (bring your own food), except first dinner
- Appropriate winter clothing (we gladly advise or
rent upon reservation)
- Cross-country skis and boots (rental gear available
in Whitehorse)
- Personal insurance (trip cancellation, medical
insurance). We strongly recommend our guests arrange for sufficient
insurance coverage before the beginning of their trip.
FLY-IN BY SKI PLANE
Depending on your place of departure and group size, ski plane charter
rates are very different and subject to change at short notice. Ask for
an individual quote.
| Examples (guiding price for
return flight): |
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| • from
Whitehorse (2 persons)
|
approx.
$3650 CAD + GST
|
| • from Watson Lake
(4 persons) |
approx. $3000 CAD + GST |
OPTIONS (Rates available on
request)
- Multi-day winter trekking on cross-country skis or
snowshoes in the East Arm of Frances Lake, with accommodation in a
heated wall tent.
- We gladly arrange for an add-on dog sledding tour
in the Whitehorse area.
- Hotel reservations in Whitehorse.