Canoe Adventure in Canada: Fall in the north at the Fond du Lac River

7 days / 6 nights

Fall in the north can be a most beautiful time. The colour in the forest can be exquisite. At this time of the year the Northern Lights dance on nearly every clear night.

The Fond du Lac River flows across northeastern Saskatchewan through picturesque gorges of sandstone and conglomerates of the Athabasca group. These sandstones are Precambrian-aged rocks dating back to about 1.7 billion years ago.

Many of the rapids flow over rocky ledges making the white water rather interesting. Other parts of the river flow through marshy areas where moose and caribou roam. Stinted jack pine with some black spruce and white birch cover the shore.

The trip starts at the northern end of the Wollaston Lake road at the community of Points North. We fly out from Points North to Waterfound Bay. The floatplane picks us up again at Burr Falls on Black Lake.

Several explorers visited the Fond du Lac River in the early fur trade days. They were looking for an alternative route to the rich fur bearing Athabasca region. The normal route was through the Clearwater and Athabasca Rivers. The Fond du Lac River route was rejected largely because it took the ice at least a month longer to leave. Mapmaker and explorer David Thompson paddled this river in the late 1700s. With his account in hand it is still possible to find his camping spots and the rapids he dumped his canoe in.

There are many highlights on this trip. Certainly one of the most picturesque is Manitou Falls where the river tumbles through a narrow limestone gorge. You will want to have your camera handy here. There are fantastic camping spots along the way. You’ll enjoy shooting some of the rapids. You will likely see wildlife along the river edge. And the fishing is great. It’s a river you’ll enjoy at a time of year that makes it very special.

We recommend you read:

Laurel Archer: Northern Saskatchewan Canoe Routes, Firefly Books.

How does this trip make a difference:

Your canoe trip on the Fond du Lac 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. Coming on this canoe trip will help us continue to do these things.

The Fond du Lac River remains one of the few intact ecosystems in the Boreal Forest. The area may be threatened by extensive uranium mining.

We are working through our partners along with CPAWS to help monitor uranium exploration that is now taking place in the region. Along the route we will be watching for exploration sites and documenting anything we see to CPAWS. A portion of the proceeds from this trip will go towards supporting CPAWS. CPAWS is the only environmental organization working to protect this region of northern Saskatchewan.

Package Price:
3525.00 Can./Person
0.00 U.S./Person

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