Photo credit: Meinrad Humm, Tincup Wilderness Lodge
The Short Answer
Yes — for the right age and temperament.
Tincup Wilderness Lodge is best suited for families with teenagers who are comfortable in remote, unplugged wilderness settings. It is not designed as a child-focused resort.
Why Age and Maturity Matter at Tincup
Tincup is a remote wilderness lodge. Days are unstructured, activities are nature-based, and the environment is quiet, communal, and intentionally unplugged. Because of this, a child’s age, independence, and comfort with the outdoors make a significant difference in how enjoyable the experience will be — for both the family and other guests.
Why Tincup Works Well for Teens
1. They Adapt More Easily to Remoteness
There is no cell service; however, the Lodge is equipped with high-speed Starlink internet. While connectivity is available on site, it’s also a great opportunity for teens to unplug and make the most of quiet or unscheduled time.
Rather than needing constant stimulation, they can:
- Read
- Journal or sketch
- Explore near the Lodge
- Participate in activities alongside adults
2. They Can Participate Fully in Activities
Teens are typically able to engage in the core Tincup experience:
- Fishing: Learning to cast, staying engaged on the boat, and understanding basic safety
- Hiking: Participating in walks without constant supervision
- Canoeing & kayaking: Paddling with confidence, sometimes independently
- Wildlife viewing: Sitting quietly and patiently enough to observe animals
These activities are central to life at the Lodge and are far more enjoyable when kids can participate rather than be managed.
3. They Handle Communal Living Better
Meals are shared, schedules are flexible, and cabins are rustic. Teenagers are more likely to:
- Sleep through the night
- Respect quiet hours
- Feel comfortable interacting with other guests
- Enjoy conversations at the dinner table
4. They Remember the Experience
For teens, a stay at Tincup often becomes a defining memory:
- The flight in by helicopter or floatplane
- Seeing wildlife in a natural setting
- Catching their first large fish
- Experiencing true wilderness silence
These are experiences they tend to remember and talk about long after the trip ends.
Why Tincup Can Be Challenging for Younger Kids
No Kid-Specific Programming
Tincup does not offer:
- Kids’ clubs
- Organized children’s activities
- Playgrounds or indoor game rooms
Children are expected to engage with the natural environment or enjoy quiet, self-directed time. Many younger kids struggle with this.
Limited Supervision Infrastructure
There is no childcare or babysitting service. Children must either:
- Join their parents’ activities, or
- Be old enough to entertain themselves safely around the Lodge
This can be demanding for parents of younger children.
Safety Requires Constant Awareness
The Lodge environment includes:
- Open water
- Active boat traffic
- Wildlife
- Rustic cabins and equipment
Tincup is safe when instructions are followed — but it is best suited to children who can reliably listen, understand boundaries, and act responsibly.
Meals Are Family-Style
Meals are shared and thoughtfully prepared, but there is no separate children’s menu.
Families with very selective eaters should plan accordingly.
What Teens Actually Do at Tincup
Morning
- Fish with parents
- Paddle near the Lodge
- Short hikes and wildlife spotting
Midday
- Swimming (weather-dependent)
- Shoreline exploring
- Board games, reading, or journaling
- Learning about fishing and lodge life
Afternoon
- Optional second fishing session
- Wildlife walks
- Sauna and lake plunge (popular with teens)
- Photography or quiet creative time
Evening
- Shared dinners
- Campfire conversations
- Stargazing
- Northern lights viewing later in the season
Practical Considerations for Families
Sleeping Arrangements
Cabins vary in size and layout. Families should confirm:
- Bed configurations
- Cabin capacity
- Proximity if booking multiple cabins
Safety Gear
Life jackets are provided. Families with smaller children should confirm sizing availability when booking.
Fishing Licences
Children under 16 do not require a Yukon fishing licence. Adults do. Families should ensure licences are arranged before arrival.
Cost
Tincup charges per guest. There is no “kids stay free” pricing structure.
Photo credit: Meinrad Humm, Tincup Wilderness Lodge
Will There Be Other Teens?
Some weeks include multiple families with teens. Other weeks may have few or none. Parents should not assume built-in peer socialization and may want to bring books, games, or creative activities.
The "Screen Detox" Benefit (For Teens)
Many parents book Tincup specifically to unplug their teens.
What Happens:
- Day 1: Resistance, complaining, checking phone reflexively (no service)
- Day 2: Adjustment, reluctant participation, better sleep
- Day 3: Genuine engagement, actual conversations, presence
- Day 4: Resistance to leaving
Parents report that teens return from Tincup different—more confident, more present, more willing to engage without devices. The wilderness does something screens can't.
Questions to Ask Before Booking with Teenagers
- Can my child enjoy several days without screens or structured entertainment?
- Is my child comfortable around water and wildlife?
- Can my child follow safety instructions consistently?
- Will my child enjoy quiet, nature-focused days?
- Is my child old enough to remember and appreciate the experience?
If most answers are “yes,” Tincup may be an excellent fit.
Photo credit: Meinrad Humm, Tincup Wilderness Lodge
The Bottom Line
Tincup Wilderness Lodge is a remarkable wilderness experience, but it is not designed for very young children or families seeking a traditional resort environment.
Knowing your child — and the nature of the experience — is the key to deciding whether Tincup is right for your family.