Canoe Adventure and Rejuvenation in Canada's North on the Churchill River

8 Days

The Churchill River is unique in its form. It is a series of lakes joined by rapids or falls. Flowing over the Precambrian Shield, it passes through a forested landscape of rock outcroppings and muskeg. The many lakes making up the Churchill are sprinkled with tree-covered islands. The rapids are generally short and shelf-like in nature. Both novice and seasoned canoeists enjoy travel on the river because the more difficult rapids can be easily portaged by those without the skills to run them. The total trip length of the route is 105 km, which we will cover in eight days, travelling approximately 14 km per day, which is about 4 to 5 hours of paddling adventure. Along the route are rapids, which we’ll either elect to run or portage after evaluation of conditions by the guide. There is a maximum of nine portages on the route, which average 300 metres in length.

The route of the Voyageurs passes through some of the Churchill's most beautiful country ij the North. Photographic opportunities abound along the entire length of the trip. After a very scenic float plane ride over lake studded forest, the canoe trip begins at the picturesque Needle Falls. Over the next week you will paddle your way through island studded lakes and portage around or paddle your way through numerous rapids. You’ll see many ancient pictograph (rock painting) sites. You’ll camp on rock outcroppings where you’ll hear the sound of the loon as you site by the evening campfire. Beds of soft moss will but you to sleep at night. All too soon, the adventure will end at Otter Rapids, the outflow of Devil Lake.

Part way through the trip the group will stop for the night at a wilderness resort. You’ll get spoiled with awesome food, a comfortable bed and hot showers.

You may see bald eagles and white pelicans fishing below rapids, moose wading in the shallows, black bears wandering along the shore, and enjoy evening concerts by common loons at sunset. As we trace the path of the Voyageurs east, your guide will tell the stories of these adventurous times. You will also learn about the flora and fauna that live in this unique boreal wilderness. The Saskatchewan portion of the Churchill River still flows free and clean and we can still drink right out of the lake.

Surprisingly, by August the Churchill River's water temperature reaches 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, so swimming and bathing are a pleasure! On our route we will see some outfitting camps and native homes, but the Churchill River is still very much as it was 150 years ago when the voyageurs paddled it. We look forward to having you on the adventure.

We recommend several books:

Sigurd Olson: The Lonely Land University of Minnesota Press.

Greg Marchildon & Sid Robinson: Canoeing the Churchill Canadian Plains Research Centre.

How does this trip make a difference:

Your canoe trip on the Churchill River will help support the local 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. Because of your involvement on this canoe trip you will become better informed of the issues and concerns for the future of the Churchill River. You will also get to know some of the local people, their life styles and their love of the land you are traveling through.

The Churchill River is a unique, biodiverse landscape in the Precambrian Shield. We  are working along with CPAWS through our partners to help protect the Churchill River. A portion of the proceeds from this canoe trip will go towards supporting CPAWS in the on going negotiation with local communities, trappers, tourism businesses, logging and mining companies, and hydro electric interests to have this region protected.

Package Price:
2495.00 Can./Person
0.00 U.S./Person

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