Athabasca Sand Dunes Canoe Holiday in Canada

7 Days

In the northwest corner of Saskatchewan, along the south shore of Lake Athabasca is an area unique to North America. The Athabasca Sand Dunes boasts the largest area of sand dunes in North America and the biggest sand dunes in North America. You'll think you've somehow ended up in northern Africa. It was a long float plane ride. Hmmm?

It is an area of contrasts. Boreal Forest is slowly being covered up by sand. And then slowly being uncovered hundreds of years later. You’ll see skeletons of trees that once were a forest. Another contrast – the William River flowing through huge sand dunes. The mixture of water
and sand creates absolutely beautiful colours and shapes in the river. Another contrast – the beautiful plant life growing throughout the sand. Plants unique to this region. You will be travelling through a wet desert!

The group will meet in Stony Rapids. After a long float plane ride to the mouth of the William River you'll camp for the night on the south shore of Lake Athabasca. You’ll see sand beaches as far as you can see. Then comes the hard work. The next 2 days you will be paddling up the William River on your canoe holiday. After these two days you will be in the middle of the largest sand dunes in North America. The group will spend several days hiking and exploring these dunes. Then you'll float back down the river to shores of Lake Athabasca to await the float plane to take you back to Stony Rapids. It’s a trip of a life time in an area that is unique to North America.

Because this area is so unique and so fragile, the Saskatchewan Government preserved it as a Wilderness Park. Once you've stood on top of the biggest sand dunes on the continent and seen plants that only grow here, you'll understand why the Athabasca Sand Dunes Wilderness Area is being protected.

We recommend you read:

Robyn & Arlene Karpan, The Athabasca Sand Dunes: Parkland Publishing.

How does this trip make a difference?

Your canoe trip on the William River will help support the local, northern Saskatchewan economy. This operation employs many local people – both native and non-native. As much as possible, supplies and other needs are purchased locally. We are involved in the local community government and community events.

There is an old adage: “Use it or lose it.” This is very true of this sand dune area. There are pressures to allow oil exploration in the area. Because of your involvement on this canoe trip you will become better informed of the issues and concerns for the future of the Athabasca Sand Dune area. As more people travel the area, there will be a stronger voice to continue its protection.

The Athabasca Sand Dune area is a unique landscape. We are working along with CPAWS through our partners to help continue it’s protection. A portion of the proceeds from this trip will go towards supporting CPAWS. CPAWS is the only environmental organization working to protect regions of northern Saskatchewan

Package Price:
4295.00 Can./Person
0.00 U.S./Person

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