Photo credit: Meinrad Humm, Tincup Wilderness Lodge
The Short Answer: No — Not Even a Little
Tincup Wilderness Lodge sits on one of the Yukon’s premier lake trout lakes, and yes, the fishing is exceptional. But fishing is an option, not a requirement.
Many guests come because their partner loves fishing. Others come specifically not to fish at all. Tincup is designed so both experiences feel complete, intentional, and equally rewarding.
This isn’t a fishing lodge with “extra stuff to do.”
It’s a wilderness lodge where fishing happens to be world-class.
Here’s what a non-fishing day actually looks like.
Morning: Wildlife, Light, and Stillness
While anglers head out early, non-fishing guests often choose slower, quieter starts.
Wildlife walks and naturalist outings
- Moose spotting in wetlands and shoreline areas
- Bear viewing from safe vantage points
- Bald eagle and loon watching
- Wildflower identification and boreal forest ecology
Photography-focused mornings
- Landscape photography as mist lifts off the lake
- Wildlife photography at peak activity hours
- Macro photography (wildflowers, textures, insects)
- Northern Lights photography in late August and September
Solo, self-directed time
- Canoeing or kayaking on calm morning water
- Coffee on the cabin deck
- Birdwatching from the Lodge or shoreline
No alarms. No schedules. Just choice.
Midday: Unstructured Wilderness Time
This is where Tincup really separates itself.
Midday isn’t “filler time.” It’s the point.
Guests often spend it:
- Using the wood-fired sauna and hot tub (towels and slippers provided)
- Relaxing in loungers (you’ll find these on the Main Lode deck, and sauna and hot tub deck)
- Exploring informal trails with a lodge map
- Journaling, sketching, or photographing details
- Taking an unapologetic wilderness nap
Nothing is mandatory. Nothing is rushed.
Afternoon: Water and Movement
As the day warms, options open up again:
- Canoe or kayak exploration of the lake
- Cold-water swimming (brief, invigorating, unforgettable)
- Joining a fishing boat purely for scenery
- Optional second hike or wildlife outing
You can be active—or not. Both are valid.
Evening: Shared Experience
Evenings bring everyone back together.
- Family-style dinners with other guests
- Fireside conversations (weather permitting)
- Stargazing under dark northern skies
- Northern lights viewing late season
- Board games, storytelling, and quiet connection
Fishing stories and non-fishing stories carry equal weight here.
"But Will I Feel Left Out?"
This is the most common concern—and the easiest to answer.
You Won’t Be the Only One
Tincup hosts up to 10 guests at a time. In most groups, at least 1–3 guests are non-anglers or casual fishers.
The Experience Adapt
Tincup's hosts are naturalists as much as anything else. If you’re more interested in animal tracks, ecosystems, or photography than trout, they adjust accordingly.
Separate Schedules Work
Sleep in while your partner fishes.
Meet for lunch.
Spend the afternoon paddling while they’re on the water.
Reconnect over dinner.
This isn’t a tour.
You don’t follow a group — you follow your curiosity.
Photo credit: Meinradd Humm, Tincup Wilderness Lodge
A Real-World Non-Angler Day at Tincup
7:00 am – Coffee on the deck as mist lifts off the lake
8:00 am – Breakfast with the group (partner heads out fishing)
9:00 am – Wildlife hike
11:30 am – Sauna session
12:30 pm – Lunch at the Lodge
2:00 pm – Solo paddle across the lake
4:00 pm – Sketching and journaling on the dock
6:00 pm – Scenic boat ride back to the Lodge
7:30 pm – Dinner with the group
9:00 pm – Campfire and, in late season, northern lights
Different days. Same sense of awe.
What’s Included for Non-Anglers
All activities below are included in your stay.
- Hiking (lakeside walks to ridge hikes)
- Wildlife viewing (moose, bears, eagles, birds)
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Photography opportunities
- Wood-fired sauna and hot tub
- Relaxation spaces (lounging chairs on the Main Lodge deck, and the sauna and hot tub deck)
- Northern lights viewing (late August–September)
- Naturalist interpretation
- Stargazing under pristine dark skies
What’s Not There (By Design)
- No spa services
- No shopping or nightlife
Most guests don’t miss any of it.
What Past Non-Angler Guests Say
"I was worried I'd be bored while my husband fished all day. I wasn't. I had the most restorative week of my life."
— Guest review, TripAdvisor
"I didn't fish once. I kayaked, hiked, read three books, and saw the northern lights. Worth every penny."
— Guest review, TripAdvisor
"We came for the fishing. My wife came for the silence. Tincup delivered for both of us."
— Guest review, TripAdvisor
Photo credit: Meinrad Humm, Tincup Wilderness Lodge
Can I Change My Mind and Try Fishing?
Yes — and many guests do.
Non-anglers often decide mid-trip to give it a try because:
- Lake trout action is fast and accessible
- Catch-and-release keeps it pressure-free
If you might want to try fishing at any point, get your Yukon fishing licence before you arrive. That’s the only requirement.
Quick Non-Angler FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will I be the only non-angler? | Unlikely. Most groups include multiple non-fishers. |
| Can I ride in fishing boats without fishing? | Yes. Scenic rides are welcome. |
| Are there activities for non-anglers? | Yes — wildlife walks, naturalist outings, and photography support. |
| Can I change my mind and try fishing? | Absolutely. All gear included. |
| Does not fishing reduce the value of the stay? | No. All activities are included regardless. |
| Is there enough to do for 4–5 days? | Yes. Many guests spend the whole time hiking, paddling, and relaxing. |
The Bottom Line
You do not need to fish to enjoy Tincup Wilderness Lodge.
Fishing is one way to experience the wilderness — not the only way.
Silence, wildlife, water, light, and space do the rest.
If you come open-minded, you won’t feel like you skipped anything.
You’ll feel like you finally arrived.