Wild Spring in the Far North

This exceptional journey immerses us in the heart of the boreal spring, a unique time when life intensely reawakens in the vast wilderness of the Yukon.

In this season of light and renewal, the boreal forests and alpine valleys awaken under the midnight sun. The days almost never end, offering golden hours ideal for wildlife observation and photography. It’s birthing season: young grizzly bears cautiously emerge from the forest, moose accompany their calves through the waterways, and migratory birds repopulate the lakes and marshes in a symphony of songs.

Flowers, vibrant buds, low-angle light, and an endless sky create a striking backdrop, changing with the hours like a living painting.

Each day is an immersion into a vibrant and fragile world, where every encounter with an animal becomes a rare moment: a curious lynx, an eagle in flight, a playful fox, or a grizzly mother attentive to her cubs.

A journey of wonder and deep connection to nature, imbued with the magic of the Arctic spring.

Trip highlights:

  • Continuous light (Midnight Sun)
  • Small group for a unique experience (max 6 people)
  • Spring births and behaviors
  • On-foot exploration in a wild setting
  • Experience life in the Far North in a cozy cabin setting

Itinerary:

Day 0 – Arrival in Whitehorse

Participants arrive in Whitehorse the day before the tour date and spend the first night at the hotel (included), to rest from the journey and prepare for the adventure.

Day 1 – Departure to the wild heart of the Yukon

After a warm welcome at the hotel and a presentation of the trip, we do some last-minute shopping for final preparations before heading to the lodge. Located in the heart of nature, it will be our base for nine nights. Settle into the cabins and enjoy a first immersion in the magnificent surrounding landscapes.

Days 2 to 9 – Total immersion in the wilderness

Each day is organized according to the rhythm of light and wildlife. We depart early in the morning and late in the day to maximize our chances of observation and beautiful light.

The immediate surroundings of the lodge, regularly traversed by local wildlife, already offer excellent photographic opportunities: moose, lynx, bears, raptors, and bighorn sheep.

We will also explore the surrounding trails on foot, sometimes by vehicle, always on the lookout for a track, a movement, a presence.

One day can be dedicated to a floatplane excursion (extra), above the glaciers and towards the mountains of Kluane National Park. A unique opportunity to photograph spectacular landscapes, perhaps with a clear view of Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak.

Each evening, returning to the lodge allows us to share the day’s images in a warm and serene atmosphere.

Day 10 – Return to Whitehorse

We leave the lodge midday to return to Whitehorse. A final night at the hotel is planned before departures the next day.

Included

  • 2 nights hotel in Whitehorse in a double room
  • 9 nights at Kluane Lake lodge in a double room
  • Led by a local photographer, naturalist, and bilingual (Fr/En) guide
  • All meals except those on the first and last evening (Day 0 and Day 10)
  • On-site transportation and transfers (except between the airport and the hotel)
  • All group safety equipment

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Single room supplement (on request / extra)
  • Dinners in Whitehorse on Day 0 and Day 10
  • Hotel - Airport transport
  • Drinks, alcohol
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • eTA for Canada
  • ESTA for USA entry
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Your personal equipment
  • More generally, anything not covered in the previous section.
This trip is suitable for anyone ready to immerse themselves in a natural and wild environment. Access to observation sites is generally not physically demanding. The only exception is the mountain excursion to observe bighorn sheep: accessing their territory may require a steep climb on rugged terrain. Good physical fitness and appropriate footwear are therefore recommended for this excursion. For the rest of the trip, each drive and walk becomes an exploration in itself, with stops whenever a remarkable animal, light, or landscape presents itself.

Weather:

In Spring/Summer, temperatures can vary between 5 and 25°C, so pack clothing accordingly. The weather changes rapidly, so it's best to be prepared for all conditions. Suitable footwear, such as hiking boots, is highly recommended.

Photo Gear:

Camera body:

Please bring at least one camera body that you are used to using. Your guide will be able to help you adjust it or use it differently if needed. A second camera body is a convenience, allowing for better responsiveness to different situations and preventing dust from entering your camera when changing lenses.

Lenses:

All focal lengths from 16 to 600mm will be useful to you. Wide-angle lenses for landscapes and the Northern Lights. A large aperture like f/2.8 will help you get better results for night photos. As for animals, we will sometimes be able to make a good approach, so lenses between 70-200 and 600mm will allow you to take beautiful pictures on any occasion. I recommend at least a 300mm Consider the multiplier offered by smaller sensors; this will allow you to increase your focal length.

Memory Cards:

It is easier to travel with multiple memory cards so you will not be restricted in your image capture. We will be returning each evening, so if you come with your laptop and an external hard drive, you can download your images and reuse your memory card the next day.

Batteries:

I recommend having several spare batteries depending on how often you use your device, as the battery can run out quickly. As with memory cards, we will have access to electricity every night, so remember to recharge your batteries as soon as possible. Don't forget your charger and a North American plug adapter (two flat prongs). *Tip: You can keep your batteries in your coat with a hand warmer during our outings to help their longevity.

Accessories according to your choices:

  • A pair of binoculars
  • Using flash photography is not recommended, so as not to disturb the wildlife.
  • A tripod/monopod
  • A cleaning kit (microfiber cloth, brush, blower)
  • A bean bag (rice bag) to help you stabilize your device on the ground or on a stand. It is possible to buy rice on site.
  • Insulating protection to shield your device and lens from the cold.

Suitcase and bag:

It is recommended to come with a backpack and a suitcase. If you are on any medical treatment, I recommend that you keep it with you in the cabin along with your prescriptions, in case of delay or loss of your luggage by the airline. The same applies to your photo equipment and batteries (never in hold). However, any other accessories such as tripods and monopods must be in the hold. WARNING: Be mindful of the weight of your luggage so as not to exceed the limit required by your airline (an additional fee may be charged).

Passport:

Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months after your stay. Don't forget to apply for your ETA before your arrival.