Basecamp

Basecamp 2026 will be open for winter use from February 27th through March 16, 2026 and is located approximately 11 km from the Franey Mountain Trailhead. Set in a place we call the Saddle, this sheltered hardwood stand sits in a small valley overlooking the Clyburn River Valley, offering protection, solitude, and a true sense of being deep in the Highlands. This is the same proven location we use for our White Hill and Cross the Highlands expeditions.

All access to Basecamp is guided. Guests will travel in and out with our team on scheduled departure and return dates from Ingonish, ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-coordinated experience from start to finish. Basecamp is cold camping only at this time due to Parks Canada undesignated camping regulations. Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates and details.

What’s waiting for you at Basecamp:

• Spacious mess tent for gathering and meals

• Cooking equipment and fuel provided

• Pre-Set Up sleeping tents

• Solar power and charging banks

• Thunderbox toilet

Pack your skis, plan your route, and make Franey Basecamp your home in the Highlands this winter.

What’s included in your booking (special packages include more):

• Parks Canada undesignated camping permits

• Parks Canada undesignated camping daily fees

• Admin & Processing Fees

• Professional Guide

• Cooking fuel, stoves, and all cookware at Basecamp

• Water access at Basecamp

• Coffee and tea at Basecamp

Not included:

• Group food *can be included for extra cost

• Personal clothing

• Personal Gear

Optional add-ons & rentals:

• Snowshoes

• Trekking poles

• Sleeping Bags and Pads

2026 Basecamp will be open from Friday, February 27th to Sunday, March 16th, 2026.

All guests using basecamp must be guided in and out. Below are our scheduled departures and returns between Basecamp and Ingonish. *note private group trip dates can be arranged. See booking form below.

Scheduled Departure Dates

• @ 0900 Every Friday, Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday *with exception of private trips

Schedule Return Dates

• @ 0900 Saturday, Sunday, Tues, and Thurs *with exception of private trips

Private Trip dates and duration can be arranged for groups of 4 or more people.

Please take time to review the rates below. Base cost is for use of Basecamp and associated fees only. Guided trips include food and gear and are outlined below. Fees are listed as total cost and on a per-day, per-person basis.

• Single Night (Friday and Saturday Only) - $179.99+hst

• Two-Day Rate (any day of the week) - $259.98+hst ($129.99/night)

• Three or more nights - $109.99/night

PACKAGES

White Hill Package

Everything included in the Basecamp Pass plus:

• Professional Guide

• Safety plans

• Sleeping bags and pads

• Food

Additional Rentals and Add-ons

• Sherpa fee (load the guide up and let them suffer hauling gear) $50/day

• Snowshoe and Pole Rental $25+hst/day

• Sleeping Bag and Pad Rental $30+hst/day

• The journey into Basecamp is an adventure in itself. Expect approximately an 11 km approach by ski or snowshoe, typically taking a full day — around 6–7 hours — depending on group pace and conditions. Snowshoe travel is naturally slower than skiing, and we plan the day accordingly.

• Basecamp is set deep in a protected valley, offering natural shelter from most winds and reliable access to water — an ideal winter refuge once you arrive. From here, White Hill makes for a rewarding day trip, with plenty of surrounding terrain to explore by cross-country ski and even nearby downhill lines for those looking to push a little further.

• Reaching Basecamp does require a solid level of fitness. While larger tents and much of the group gear are already staged at camp — and your guide can carry additional equipment on a pulk — you’ll still need to travel in and out with your personal gear and food. We strongly recommend training ahead of time with a weighted pack and snowshoes to get comfortable moving with your winter kit.

• Winter conditions in the Highlands can change quickly, ranging from mild, sunny days to deep cold with temperatures down to -30°C and winds reaching 100 km/h or more. This variability is part of the experience and demands preparation and respect for the environment.

• Wildlife sightings are always possible along the route, as we’ll be travelling through prime moose and coyote habitat, though encounters can never be guaranteed.

• Camping at basecamp is cold camping only. Although we’ll have a group shelter with stoves running, basecamp is a backcountry cold camping experience. Properly rated gear is required.

• To help you prepare, we’re happy to provide a detailed personal gear checklist so you arrive confident, capable, and ready for the journey.