Our 20th season included launching eight amazing expeditions with 63 intrepid adventurers including HRH The Duke of York, as well as hosting 300 guests at Celebrate Sahtu, a major event which officially “opened” our now completed Canoe North Outfitting Centre & Lodge and the redeveloped North-Wright Air Float Base. The Government of the Northwest Territories invested tourism infrastructure funding in this project and has declared it a Legacy Project. We also welcomed the Canadian Tourism Commission to Norman Wells and partnered in a two-day HD film shoot with helicopter support on the Keele River, one of our favourite jewels of the Sahtu Region. The CTC were so completely overwhelmed by this stunning mountain wilderness, they have encouraged us to start the process of having this region declared a coveted Canadian Signature Experience.

HRH The Duke of York on Horton River, NWT, July 2011

We had a strong media presence at Celebrate Sahtu and had dozens of news clips across Canada, including a blurb in Hello Canada which chronicles activities of the Royal Family. When our son Taylor saw the spread in Hello Canada he exclaimed, “ Dad! Canoe North has hit the big leagues, we’ve made the tabloids!” The CBC news clip with The Duke of York was the number one CBC news item the day after our event in July. Pretty cool stuff!

With the completion of our Outfitting Centre and Lodge, we were able to support twelve self-guided expeditions in 2012 with rental canoes, tripping gear, satellite phones, map consultations, logistical planning, meals and accommodation. It is such a thrill to see our facility utilized by canoe-trippers just as we imagined it would.

Breakfast on the deck of the Canoe North Outfitting Centre, July, 2011

We must thank our senior guide staff Nick Dale, Mike Peake, Walter Brennan, Peter Scott and Dave Hodgetts for providing such fabulous leadership on the river in 2011. Our junior guide staff including Taylor Pace, Matt Casson, Brendan Spafford and Cedar Jasiuk continue to deliver great skill, enthusiasm and passion on our guided expeditions. Thanks also to Lawrence Brennan, Colin Herbener, Arie Vanderreyden, Harry Feinig, Susan Casson, Bethany Lee, Alison DeJong and Ann Voyame for their contributions to the construction project last May and the Celebrate Sahtu event in July.

Canoe North guides, Taylor Pace and Matt Casson on the Snake River in August 2011. This image was submitted to Canoe & Kayak Magazine, a US publication, by Colin Field of Mountain Life Magazine. Taylor and Matt made it on the cover page of the 2011 Buyers Guide! These two guys are feeling very important like movie stars!

Trip Planning Info-Sessions
in the coming weeks at Farmhouse Pottery

(3 kms east of Hwy 10 on Hockley Road north of Orangeville)

Saturday, November 26 at 10am

Sunday, November 27 at 1pm

Saturday, December 3 at 10am

Sunday, December 4 at 1pm

We will be showing slides, sharing stories and dreaming about northern trips for 2012 and 2013.
Please RSVP info@canoenorthadventures.com or 519-941-6654 if planning to attend. If you cannot attend but are seriously yearning for a northern adventure, please contact us directly by phone or email as we can easily arrange a convenient time to meet.

Cheers,

Al Pace & Lin Ward    ~   let the adventure begin!

The sheer granite walls of the Tombstone batholith stand sentinel to several serene lakes nestled in the shadows. The Tombstone Range is considered as simply the most unique and spectacular range of mountains in the northern Yukon. The Dempster Highway provides convenient access to the Tombstone campground and interpretive centre where the hike will begin. With helicopter support, the group will set up the first base camp where hikers will have easy access to stunning alpine and plateau areas. A network of trails follows many of the densely-vegetated drainages in this region located above tree and scree lines. There are unlimited wide-open hiking opportunities along saddles and backbone ridges. Turquoise lakes contrasted with the haunting black rock spires offer an unforgettable and stunning visual backdrop to this Yukon hiking adventure.

At this time of year, hikers can expect overnight frost and light dustings of snow on the highest peaks. On clear nights, northern lights are almost a certainty and this will add a special dimension to this trip. Daytime temperatures should average 10-15°C which is ideal for hiking.  The end of this adventure allows time in Dawson City to discover the charm of the Klondike Goldrush and explore our favourite frontier town. A final night dinner at Klondike Kate’s Restaurant and then catching a stage show at Diamond Tooth Gerties will make for a fantastic exclamation mark to this Tombstone hiking adventure.

Adventure Facts:

• Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon
• Talus Lake to Azure Lake to Grizzly Lake to Dempster Hwy
• 10 to 15kms per day from rotating base camps, 7 full hiking days
• intermediate

Arrive Whitehorse

We require that travellers arrive in Whitehorse on the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 – Depart for Tombstone Campground

• Van shuttle from Whitehorse north on Klondike Hwy to Dempster Highway to Tombstone Campground. Camp overnight.

Day 2 – Shuttle to Tombstone Hike

• Helicopter transfer into Talus Lake Campground. Set up base camp and first exploratory hike.

Day 3 to Day 8 – Tombstone Hike

• Hiking around Talus Lake, Azure Lake, Grizzly Lake and Tombstone Mountain from alternate base camps.

Day 9 – Dawson City

• Hike out to Dempster Highway from Grizzly Lake Camp for van shuttle to Dawson City. Overnight in Dawson City at Triple J, final night dinner and Diamond Tooth Gerties. The hiking trip ends here but we recommend that clients stay for an extra day to see Dawson City.

Day 10 – Dawson City to Whitehorse

• Tour of Dawson City or goldfields. Commercial flight from Dawson City airport to Whitehorse. Direct connection to Vancouver and beyond.

The Yukon River is for canoeists with a basic understanding of paddling and a thirst for a remote river adventure. Paddlers find the trip well within their physical ability with enough challenge to take home a substantial feeling of accomplishment and the satisfaction of a wilderness adventure that has touched their soul. The river is fast flowing sometimes at speeds of 8 or 10 kilometers an hour and is technically a flat-water river. Our put in point is where the Klondike Highway crosses the Pelly River at the First Nation town of Pelly Crossing.

Paddling down the Yukon takes in a world of amazing vistas and wilderness beauty. The scenery is quietly majestic. The gentle grassy bends make perfect habitat for moose – with luck, sightings will be a common occurrence. Camps will be a combination of forested sites and gravel bars always with a beautiful view of the old mountains that grace this region.

Fort Selkirk, situated at the confluence of the Pelly and Yukon Rivers, represents for us the entire mosaic of the history of the Yukon River. This place gives ample opportunity to weave the wonderfully complex story of the past, of life in a sometimes harsh wilderness. The stories of the people who settled at Selkirk include the prehistoric appearance of the First Nation people in North America, the mad rush of the Klondike, the Anglican missionaries and their fervour, the courage of the RCMP and the incredible sagas of the fur trappers or traders who found Selkirk offered them temporary sanctuary.

We pull out at Dawson City to spend time in this frontier town before meeting our van returning to Whitehorse. You will then know that Robert Service was right when he wrote in The Spell of The Yukon, “I want to come back, and I will!”

Adventure Facts:

• Yukon River, Yukon
• Pelly Crossing to Dawson City
• 330km, no portages, 10 days
• Class I  – II – novice to intermediate

Arrive Whitehorse

We require that travellers arrive in Whitehorse the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 – Depart for Pelly Crossing

• Embark on a van shuttle to Pelly Crossing on the Klondike Highway which gives us access to the Pelly River, just a two-day paddle from the confluence of the Yukon River.

Day 2 – Pelly River to Yukon River Confluence

• The Pelly River follows a valley of low hills for 60 km as it winds its way to the Yukon confluence. Stop at the Stepping Stone homestead for dinner before paddling down to historic Fort Selkirk.

Day 3 to Day 9 – Yukon River

• The Yukon River has sandy banks and a substantial current that moves quickly downstream with various abandoned cabins, placer mines and trading posts. Mt Stewart, Crockfield and Reindeer, some of the largest mountains on the trip grace the views. Islands dot the river for many kilometres.

Day 10 – Paddle to Dawson City

• This section of the river takes us from the wilderness into the first sightings of the outpost buildings of Dawson City and then finally it crosses from the now silty water of the Yukon to the sparkling, clear water of the Klondike River announcing the excitement of the 1898 goldrush. This is the end of the canoe trip but we recommend that clients choose to stay fro an extra night in Dawson City.

Day 11 – Dawson City Tour

• Tour Bonanza Creek and the Goldfields, Dredge #4, Robert Service Cabin and other historic landmarks and fine shops. Spend the evening at Diamond Tooth Gerties!

Day 12 – Van Shuttle to Whitehorse

• Travel the Klondike Highway back to Whitehorse
• Option to return to Whitehorse from Dawson City via Air North.

Depart or Stay Dawson City

Travellers will depart the day after they return to Whitehorse from Dawson. Inquire about extended travel beyond Whitehorse.

Canoeing the swift and steady current of the Pelly offers a chance to develop your paddling skills and experience the rhythm of this big-sky landscape. Campsites vary from gravel bars where side creeks enter to grassy, high bank flats with spectacular views. Auroras have been seen at this time of year. Large flocks of cranes and geese use the Tintina Trench as a flight corridor to southern destinations. Granite Canyon and Needle Rock kick up the current into small standing waves as the river narrows running down to Pelly Crossing.

Adventure Facts:

• • Pelly River, YukonTerritory
• • Ross River to Pelly Crossing
• • 290km, no portages, 11 days
• • Class I and II – novice to intermediate

Arrive Norman Wells

We require that travellers arrive in Whitehorse the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 – Depart for Pelly River

• Van shuttle from Whitehorse to Ross River and launch of canoe trip.

Day 2 to 10 – Pelly River

• Paddling takes us through the majestic mountains of the Pelly Range. We glide past the old mining town of Faro. Little Fish Hook rapid is an easy Class II swift above Glenlyon River. Big Fish Hook rapid follows downstream and is an easy float. Leisurely canoeing through the Tintina Trench and Pelly Mountains. The river quickens considerably through the Class II waves of Granite Canyon and Needle Rock. Excellent camp site and fishing for whitefish or salmon.

Day 11 – Pelly Crossing

• Take-out at Pelly Crossing Campground for return trip to Whitehorse for final night dinner and overnight. For those wishing to continue north to Dawson City, arrangements can be made for a rental vehicle. Please inquire.

Depart Whitehorse

Travellers will depart Whitehorse the day after their expedition ends. Inquire about extended travel beyond Whitehorse.

At the confluence of the Ravensthroat and Redstone River a sprawling mountain valley greets paddlers – lush with green and flooded with sunlight. We will explore a unique tufa/sulphur spring area and may spot moose, grizzly and many caribou on the move. We will scout the mile long, vertical walled slot canyon which has a 90 degree left-hand turn at the entrance gate even though it is  completely runnable. The canyon walls easily compare the those of the Nahanni and at the exit of the canyon a series of huge standing waves make for a bouncy and exhilarating finish. On one expedition, a wolf family visited our last camp as we awoke to barking and whimpering sounds. The cubs ran off playfully having been scolded by their parents!

As we canoe out of the mountains, we enter the Mackenzie Lowlands with great speed, bouncy waves and glorious views all the way to the Mackenzie River. We drift down the mighty Mackenzie basking in the Arctic heat and reflecting on our incredible journey.

 Adventure Facts:

• Ravensthroat and Redstone River, Northwest Territories                                
• Coates Lake to Mackenzie River
• 280km, no portages, 11 days
• Class II and Class III – intermediate

 Arrive Norman Wells

We require that travellers arrive at the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 – Depart for Redstone River 

• Depart from the Canoe North Outfitting Centre on charter flight to Coates Lake. Helicopter shuttle to Ravensthroat River. 

Day 2 to Day 4 – Ravensthroat River

• Canoe and hike Ravensthroat River valley through majestic peaks. Paddling is fast with fun standing waves and one canyon run. Arrive confluence of Redstone River.

 Day 5 to Day 9 – Redstone River

• Canoe Redstone River including mile long slot canyon. Intricately carving through the landscape, the Redstone has many action-filled miles.

 Day 10 – Mackenzie River

• Cruise down the historic Mackenzie River.

 Day 11 – Mackenzie Camp to Norman Wells

• Charter flight to the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells for  final night dinner celebrations. See information on meals and accommodations.

 Depart Norman Wells

Travellers will depart Norman Wells the day after their expedition ends. Inquire about extended travel beyond Norman Wells.

The Mountain is a pristine river located in the Mackenzie Mountains just north of Norman Wells. Part of the Mackenzie River basin, it lies within the Arctic watershed flowing northeast along the border of the Yukon and Northwest Territories. When the float plane dips its wing to land on Dusty Lake, trippers take in the vast landscape with the towering Selwyn Mountains dominating the view. This classic mountain river flows through a panorama of mountains and steep walled canyons with magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, alpine hiking, steady current and miles of runnable rapids. The white water is bouncy and enjoyable. Inviting alpine slopes descend to near river level. This river is suitable for a more experienced paddler looking to hone their skills on one of the most iconic river systems of the north.

 In its upper reaches, the Mountain is a young river, quick-paced with interesting rapids that challenge the paddler right in the beginning with many lively turns and one small canyon. Watching this river grow from a tiny stream deep in the mountains to a broad, mature river tells the complete story of a magnificent river experience. Steady current takes paddlers through gracious curves and along soaring cliff faces and sandy slopes. Paddling through six whitewater canyons, hiking up mountainsides and exploring unusual land formations define the Mountain River. The river promises glimpses of ancient moonscapes and large tufa rock formations that stand as sentinels amongst the white and black spruce of the Boreal forest. The canyon entrances at Battleship Rock and Cache Creek remind us of the invitation from this wild land to keep our eyes open. As she drops her veil, the land allows us to glimpse the story that time has carved out of this world. We take on the whitewater that is fun and fair giving us that exhilaration that combines a feeling of well-being with accomplishment. As the mountains pull away into a broad panoramic valley, the Mountain River joins the mighty Mackenzie River where the trip ends.

Adventure Facts:

• Mountain River, Northwest Territories
• Dusty Lake to Mackenzie Confluence
• 300km, one short portage, 13 days
• Class II, III and some Class IV – intermediate                                                             

Day 1 -  Arrive in Norman Wells

• Depart Edmonton or Yellowknife and arrive in Norman Wells. Direct to float dock for sandwich lunch. Met by Canoe North Adventures and shuttled to the float dock.

Day 2 to Day 11 -  Mountain River

• Portage about 1km to the Mountain River. Real paddling on the Mountain River begins! Once we camp, many hikes are possible in the spectacular upper Mountain River Valley. Our first small canyon gives us a real start to the excitement of the river.
• The next section of the river starts with easy paddling through swifts and a few small rapids. Further down the river are the moonscape hike and Tufa Mounds where there are opportunities for hikes into these unusual geological features.
• Cache Creek is a camp with opportunities to hike, fish and photograph and the start of a series of five canyons that feature high cliffs and exciting whitewater runs. Cache Creek Canyon is a beautiful and not difficult paddle. Battleship Rock Canyon and U-Turn Canyon offer almost consistent wavy rapids and standing waves. The entrance to Switchback Canyon offers a challenge as it turns sharpy right leading down to a series of broad turns that at hte end takes paddlers out of the mountain regions of the river. Swift current and small waves keep hte canoes moving all the way down to Hot Spring Canyon where quiet water takes us into the Mackenzie lowlands. The current gradually slows as we pass through the flats down to the Mackenzie River to our last camp.

Day 12  -  Mackenzie River Shuttle

• Shuttle to Norman Wells. Final night dinner and overnight in Norman Wells.

Day 13 - Norman Wells

• Depart Norman Wells: morning or afternoon flight.

With the canoe trip comes the opportunity to fish in one of the most renowned regions of the north. Great Bear Lake offers world-class lake trout and arctic grayling. The group will join Morris Modeste for an extraordinary fishing experience with his deep knowledge of the lake and his long experience catching some of the world’s largest fish. Then after entering the Great Bear River, fishing opportunities include large, plentiful arctic grayling, inconnu and pike.

Adventure Facts:

• Great Bear River, NWT
• Great Bear Lake to Tulita
• 150km, no portages, 9 days
• Class I and II – novice to intermediate

Arrive in Norman Wells

We require travellers arrive at the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 to Day 2 – Great Bear Lake

• Depart from Canoe North on charter flight to Great Bear Lake. Two nights camping to maximize world-class lake trout fishing opportunities on Great Bear Lake.

Day 3 to Day 7 – Great Bear River

• Paddle down to the Porcupine River for arctic grayling and pike fishing. Canoe to Mount St Charles with a challenging but easily manageable section of rocky whitewater swifts. The river grows wider as you approach the Brackett River where there is both inconnu and pike fishing as the group explores up the river.

Day 8 – Tulita and Great Bear Rock

• Canoe final section of the Great Bear River to the Mackenzie confluence and the town of Tulita (Fort Norman). Visit the town and then canoe a few kilometres down the Mackenzie to Great Bear Rock

Day 9 – Great Bear Rock to Norman Wells

• Charter flight to the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells for final night dinner celebrations. See information on meals and accommodations.

Depart Norman Wells

Travellers will depart Norman Wells the day after their expedition ends. Inquire about extended travel beyond Norman Wells.

This region, rich in beauty and wildlife, offers the opportunity to step into an ancient wilderness sculpted by geological time and steeped in aboriginal history. For 12,000 years, this river served as a travel route for Mountain Dene hunters who knew the river to be bountiful and hiked on traditional trails high into the headwaters at the continental divide. They trapped beaver and hunted moose using the hides to build skin boats in which they returned down the Keele to their encampments along the shores of the Mackenzie River.

Adventure Facts:

• • Keele River, Northwest Territories
• • Fortress Mountain to Mackenzie Confluence
• • 260km, no portages, 9 days
• • Class II and III – novice to intermediate

Arrive Norman Wells

We require that travellers arrive at the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 – Depart for Keele River

• Depart from Canoe North Outfitting Centre on charter flight to Fortress Mountain.

Day 2 to Day 8 – Keele River

• Paddlers will descend the Keele River through spectacular mountain scenery. Excitement awaits around each bend. The mountains start pulling away from the river as we paddle down to our camps near Red Dog Creek and the Talking Cliffs.

Day 9 – Keele River to Mackenzie Confluence

• Charter flight from Mackenzie confluence to the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells for the  final night dinner celebrations. See ???? for information on meals and accommodations.

Depart Norman Wells

Travellers will depart Norman Wells the day after their expedition ends. Inquire about extended travel beyond Norman Wells.

As the float plane flies high over the river valley, Delthore Peak emerges through the mist and dwarfs our twin otter as it skims the water on touchdown. The immense beauty of this river is legendary in the Backbone of the Earth Range of the Mackenzie Mountains. Though the Keele watercourse is ancient, its spirit is one of youthful exuberance. Shezal Canyon speaks to paddlers asking them to join in the dance of endless standing waves, sweeping curves and swirling eddies. The turquoise waters of the Keele wind through spectacular mountain scenery and easily accessible alpine slopes with panoramic views. The miles of swifts and rapids are suitable for a wide range of paddling skills. The river braids and narrows into chutes as it glides down a steep slope toward the Mackenzie River. The river grows larger as more tributaries enter and there may be sightings of caribou, moose, eagles and most surely Dall’s sheep with great fishing for both arctic grayling and bull trout.

This region, rich in beauty and wildlife, offers the opportunity to step into an ancient wilderness sculpted by geological time and steeped in aboriginal history. For 12,000 years, this river served as a travel route for Mountain Dene hunters who knew the river to be bountiful and hiked on traditional trails high into the headwaters at the continental divide. They trapped beaver and hunted moose using the hides to build skin boats in which they returned down the Keele to their encampments along the shores of the Mackenzie River.

Adventure Facts:

• Keele River, Northwest Territories
• Keele River to Great Bear Rock
• 360km, no portages, 13 days
• Class II and III – novice to intermediate

Arrive Norman Wells

We require that travellers arrive at the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 – Depart for Keele River

• Depart Canoe North Outfitting Centre on the charter flight to the Keele River. A short paddle downstream will take us to our first campsite.

Day 2 to Day 10

• Paddlers will descend the Keele River through spectacular mountain scenery. Excitement awaits around each bend. The mountains start pulling away from the river as we paddle down to our camps near Red Dog Creek and the Talking Cliffs.

Day 11 – Keele River to Mackenzie Confluence

• Paddlers are in the mountains until we near the end of the river with many braids before the confluence with the Mackenzie and a night paddle if weather permits.

Day 12 – Mackenzie River

• Canoe the historic Mackenzie River to Tulita for a historic walkabout and camp at Great Bear Rock.

Day 13 – Great Bear Rock to Norman Wells

• Charter flight to the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells for the  final night dinner celebrations. See information on meals and accommodations.

Depart Norman Wells

Travellers will depart Norman Wells the day after their expedition ends. Inquire about extended travel beyond Norman Wells.

The large volume rapids of Rocky Defile, Sandstone, Escape and Muskox Rapids demand solid whitewater canoeing skills. At the iconic Bloody Falls, at short portage brings us to a fabulous char fishing pool. The Coppermine River dashes in and out of the northern limit of the treeline and crosses the Arctic Circle during the latter part of the trip.

We will have a short tour of the village of Kugluktuk before returning by regular jet service to Yellowknife and our final night dinner.

Adventure Facts:

• Coppermine River, Nunavut Territory
• Fairy Lake River to Kugluktuk
• 350km, 13 days
• Class II to Class III – intermediate to advanced

Arrive Yellowknife

We require that travellers arrive in Edmonton the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 – Depart for Great Bear Lake

• Depart Edmonton for Yellowknife. Upon arriving take charter flight from Yellowknife to Plummers Lodge for trip prep, final packing, canoe training, and overnight.

Day 2 – Depart for Coppermine River

• Depart from Plummers Lodge on charter flight to Fairy Lake River. Set up camp, tundra hike and explore great fishing spots.

Day 3 to Day 12 – Coppermine River

• World-class char, trout and grayling fishing will delight the avid fly fishermen and the river valley is alive with wildflowers and big game including caribou, muskoxen, wolves, moose and barren ground grizzlies. Paddling is technically challenging with rock gardens and some large volume rapids.

Day 13 – Kugluktuk to Yellowknife

• Paddle to Kugluktuk and take an afternoon commercial flight back to Yellowknife for a final night dinner at Bullocks Bistro and overnight. See ???? for information on meals and hotel accommodations.

Depart Yellowknife

Travellers will depart the day after arriving in Yellowknife. Inquire about extended travel beyond Yellowknife.