Canoe Adventures

Not ready to end your wilderness canoe tripping days because you don't like sleeping on the ground? Here's a solution!

Description

Pine Island Resort and Churchill River Canoe Outfitters have joined together to create the perfect solution, a 3 day/4 night amazing all inclusive package geared for every paddler's experience! Fly out form Missinipe with Osprey Wings to begin your adventure in this remote region of the boreal forest on Black Bear Island Lake in the famous Churchill River. You will be impressed by the outstanding accommodations at Pine Island, one of the top fly-in fishing resorts innorthern Saskatchewan, combined with the expertise of CRCO. Flights, accommodations, meals, guides ... everything is included (except drinks and alcohol). You will be assigned to a guide and group of your ability in either novice, intermediate or advanced skill levels. After an incredible day of wilderness paddling, site seeing or white water, return to complimentary wine and appetizers followed by dinner in the Lodge, an evening campfire, then a warm bed in one of our comfortable fully modern cabins.

We are partnering with Pine Island Resort on Black Bear Island Lake to bring you this program. Many paddlers have stopped in here on their journey down the Churchill River. Bart and Vicki offer incredible service and the friendliest hospitality north west of Missinipe.

Click here to check out their website.

Costs

$1575.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Dates

August 2 to 5, 2012. Space is limited to only 18 spots - so book early!

The total fee for the expedition is $1575 Canadian plus 5% GST. Please include a $300 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, American Express or Visa. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet at Churchill River Canoe Outfitters office at 8:00 AM. You will meet your guides and finish any paper work necessary. We will check to make sure everyone has all the equipment required. At 9:00 AM the group will head over to Osprey Wings to board the float plane that will take you to Pine Island Resort.

Day 1 to 3

These days will be spent exploring the beautiful Black Bear island Lake. You'll do day trips exploring from the rock paintings in Highrock Narrows to the white water at the outlet of the lake.

Day 4

Unfortunately, most good things eventually end. After breakfast you'll say good-bye to Bart and Vicki at Pine Island Resort, board the float plane and head back to Missinipe.

Description

This package is the ultimate in wilderness paddling experience so you can scratch it from your bucket list. Canoes will head out on this incredible adventure on Monday morning (August 5, 2012) following breakfast. This fully guided 3 day paddle from Pine Island Resort on Black Bear Island Lake will follow the amazing Churchill River system back to Missinipe. Pack your sleeping bag and personal items but that's all you'll need because this strip is all inclusive (meals, tents and canoes). Sorry there is a limited number of spaces available, so you'll have to book early!

Costs

$690.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

If you are not part of Posh Paddlers, add $250 for your flight from Missinipe to Pine Island Resort.

Dates

August 5 to 7, 2012.

The total fee for the expedition is $690 or $940 Canadian plus 5% GST. Please include a $150 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, American Express or Visa. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 1

Leave from Pine Island Resort between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. Those who are flying in to Pine Island that morning will have to meet at Churchill River Canoe Outfitters at 8:00 AM. From Pine Island we will head down the Churchill River through Trout Lake and Camp the first night at Trout Falls.

Day 2

Paddle and portage your way through the many rapids between Trout Lake and Nepew Lake. By the end of the day you will be camped on the east end of Nepew Lake.

Day 3

Paddle through Hayman Lake and do the long portage around Sluice Falls. You'll then spend a glorious end to the trip running the rapids between Sluice Falls and Devil Lake. The Churchill River van will pick up the group on Devil Lake and transport everyone back to Missinipe.

The Churchill River is a series of island filled lakes joined by rapids or falls. This canoe trip will take you from Sandfly Lake to Otter Rapids, a distance of 150 kilometres with a maximum of 12 portages. When you paddle the Churchill you spend a lot of time watching eagles and pelicans soaring overhead searching for fish. We will take some time to study these birds. We'll watch pelicans fish and we'll search for eagle's nests.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is an environmental organization that is deeply committed to protecting the Churchill River. 10% of your trip fees will be donated to CPAWS to help preserve this incredible wilderness.

Description

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 hours of paddling. 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. Photographic opportunities abound along the entire length of the trip.

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 and sing the songs of these adventurous times. You will also see ancient rock paintings of the first inhabitants of the Churchill area, and 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 drink it right out of the lake. Surprisingly, by July the Churchill River's water temperature reaches 18 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. For more information on this period of history before you paddle the Churchill, there are two great books available: Sigard Olson's The Lonely Land and Canoeing the Churchill by Greg Marchildon and Sid Robinson.

Costs

$2495.00 These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Suggested Dates

August 12 to 19, 2012. With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.

Please include a $500 deposit with your application. We accept acheque, Master Card, Visa or American Express. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 0

Arrive in La Ronge or Missinipe, Saskatchewan, either by commercial plane, bus or car. If you are arriving in La Ronge by public transportation we will meet you and transport you to Missinipe. Preferably arrive by late afternoon. The group will meet with their guide in the evening to discuss the trip. We will supply accommodations for the night for you at our base in Missinipe.

Day1

After breakfast (on us) we will load into a float plane and fly to Sandfly Lake. From here we will start our canoe trip down the Churchill River.

Day 2 to 7

During these days your guides and you will paddle and portage our way down the Churchill River.

Day 8

By mid afternoon you will arrive at Otter Rapids where your shuttle vehicle will meet you to take you 6 km to Missinipe. We can arrange rides to La Ronge this evening if you must catch a flight. If you wish to spend the night in Missinipe we can again arrange a place for you to stay. For those who wish to stay Churchill River Canoe Outfitters, we will be supplying a barbeque.

The Cree River is an excellent wilderness river for the canoeist with limited whitewater experience and who wants a truly remote wilderness experience. It is a river where wildlife is prevalent, fishing is exceptional and people are few.

Description

The Cree River flows from Cree Lake north into Black Lake up the middle of Northern Saskatchewan. The Cree River was largely ignored by canoeists until just recently. Now several groups a year paddle down the river. There are several native families who travel back and forth along the Cree River. You may meet them. Otherwise the river gets very few visitors.

The Cree River is not a technically difficult river. There are several minor rapids near the start of the trip and from then on its clear paddling. You'll be going with the current all the way. There is a good chance of seeing wildlife every day. It is common to see moose and black bear. Bald eagles and osprey circle above. Numerous water birds and animals live in and along the river. Fishing is excellent.

The group will meet in Missinipe and drive up to Points North Landing. From there you will fly by float plane in to Cree Lake. After paddling down to Wapata Lake a float plane will take the group back toPoints North. You will then drive back to Missinipe.

Costs

$2995.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Suggested Dates

June 18 to 23, 2012. (With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.)

Please include a $640 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, Visa or American Express. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 1

Early in the morning, we will drive up to Points North landing. At Points North we will board the plane. The canoes are waiting for us there. From here we will take a flight to Cree Lake - the beginning of our decent of the Cree River.

Day 2 to 5

We will continue down the Cree River arriving on Wapata Lake. We’ll camp along the river’s back. You’ll sleep in a tent with a canopy of stars overhead.

Day 6

The floatplane will arrive in the morning to transport us back to Points North. From Points North we will return to Missinipe for a hot shower and clean up, and a chance to relive the great time on the river.

Post Trip

CRCO can take you to the La Ronge bus depot or airport.

Because this area is so unique and so fragile, the Saskatchewan Government preserved it as a Wilderness Park. On the wilderness trip you'll get to hike and canoe through an area unique to North America. You'll get to stand on top of the biggest sand dunes on the continent. You'll see plants that only grow here. You'll understand why the Athabasca Sand Dunes Wilderness Area is being protected.

Description

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 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?

The group will meet in Points North. After the float plane ride to the mouth of the William River you'll set up camp and begin hiking and exporing the area. The group will spend several days hiking to the largest dunes. Then you'll return to the shores of Lake Athabasca to await the float plane to take you back to Points North.

Costs

$3995.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Suggested Dates

July 21 to 27, 2012. With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.

The total fee for the expedition is $3995 Canadian plus 5% GST.

Please include a $800 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, Visa or American Express. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 1

After breakfast the group will board a float plane and fly along the south shore of one of the world's largest lakes to the mouth of the William River. After getting organized and setting up camp you will spend the rest of the day hiking along the lake shore.

Day 2

This day will be spent hiking to the William River. This will take you to the center of the largest sand dunes.

Days 3 & 4

You will have 2 glorious days hiking and exploring the largest sand dunes.

Day 5

This will be the day to hike back from the William River to Lake Athabasca.

Day 6

This day could be spent exploring the exhumed forest or wondering along the beach or exploring the different plants and bird life in the area.

Day 7

The float plane will arrive mid morning to return you to Points North. Some may want to catch a Transwest Air flight back toSaskatoon this day. When we arrive back in Missinipe we will have a celebratory meal together.

Come paddle the Fond du Lac River at this most beautiful time of year. The scenery is phenomenal. The rapids are a blast. The campsites are superb. There is a good chance of seeing lots of wildlife. You'll want to have lots of room on your camera’s memory card.

Description

The Fond du Lac River in fall can be breath taking. The forest can turn a brilliant oranges and reds under the northern sunshine. You’ll want to stay up well after dark to watch brilliant displays ofnorthern lights.

The Fond du Lac River flows across northeastern Saskatchewan through picturesque sandstone gorges. Many of the rapids flow over rocky ledges making the whitewater 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 float plane picks us up again at Burr Fallson Black Lake at the end of the trip.

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 other interesting events along the route.

There are many highlights on this trip. Certainly one of the most picturesque is Manitou Fallswhere the river tumbles through a narrow limestone gorge. You will want to have your camera handy here. Other highlights include things like: the fantastic camping spots along the way, the fun of shooting rapids and the possibility of seeing wildlife along the river edge. The fishing is great.

Costs

$3295.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Suggested Dates

August 31 to September 7, 2012. With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.

Please include a $700 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, Visa or American Express. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 1

We will travel by van to Points North. The canoes are waiting for us there. At Points North we will take a short flight to Waterbury Lake- the beginning of our decent of the Waterfound River.

Day 2 to 6

We will continue down the Fond du Lac River arriving on Black Lake. We’ll enjoy some of the best camping spots anywhere. We’ll likely spend an extra day enjoying the scenery at Manitou Falls.

Day 7

The floatplane will arrive in the morning to transport us back to Points North. Once back in Points North, we will load the van and drive back to Missinipe. Once back in Missinipe, you can continue on or stay overnight in one of our cabins.

Post Trip

CRCO can take you to the La Ronge bus depot or airport.

This canoe trip both starts and ends at the Churchill River Canoe Outfitters base in Missinipe. The route passes through some of the most beautiful country in the north. You’ll see island filled lakes and awesome waterfalls. You’ll camp overnight on “rocky ledges” “close by the water’s edge, silent and still”.

You’ll living the song: “Land of the silver birch. Home of the beaver. Where still the mighty moose wanders at will. Here on a rocky ledge, I’ll build my wigwam. Close by the water’s edge, silent and still. Quick as a silver fish, canoe of birch bark, o’re mighty water ways carry me forth. Blue lake and rocky shore, I will return once more."

Description

This is a beautiful route for the beginner paddler. You will get to see some typical Precambrian Shield type terrain – granite rock outcroppings and island filled lakes. You’ll paddle through some excellent examples of the disappearing northern Boreal Forest - large stands of black spruce, jack pine, trembling aspen and white birch. You’ll paddle “The land of the silver birch; home of the beaver.”

There are numerous points of interest along this route. You’ll see the power of the Churchill River at Twin Falls and Robertson Falls. You can imagine some of the native history when you look at the ancient rock paintings in Rattler Bay. You’ll camp in some awesome spots where the call of the loon may serenade you in the evening. You will get to see areas where the forest is rejuvenating from two forest fires: one from about 12 years ago and the other from 2 years ago.

You will see wildlife on this trip. You will most likely see bald eagles and possibly golden eagles circling overhead looking for a meal of fish. You may witness white pelicans fishing below rapids. It is not unusual to see black bears wandering along the shore or if you make some special effort you could even see a moose eating in the shallows. There will likely be squirrels at every camp site. Sometimes otters and mink are seen looking for crayfish or clams near the shore. All this can make for a rather entertaining canoe trip.

For more information on this period area before you arrive, there are two great books available: Sigard Olson's The Lonely Land and Canoeing the Churchill by Greg Marchildon and Sid Robinson.

Costs

$995.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Suggested Dates

July 12 to 15, 2012. With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.

Please include a $200 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, Visa or American Express. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 0

Arrive in Missinipe, Saskatchewan, either by commercial plane, bus or car. If you are arriving in La Ronge by public transportation we will meet you and transport you to Missinipe. Preferably arrive by late afternoon. You will meet with your guide in the evening to discuss the trip. Your guide will give you a waterproof canoe barrel to put your gear into. We will supply accommodations for the night for you at our base in Missinipe.

Day 1

After breakfast (on us) you and your guides haul your gear down to the docks. From here you will start your canoe adventure. This day you will paddle through a maze of islands on Otter Lake. Your camping spot will be in a secluded channel near the far end of the lake.

Day 2

This day you will get to see Robertson Falls and Twin Falls. These are two of the three falls that drain Otter Lake – part of the Churchill River. This night you will camp at another secluded spot on Otter Lake.

Day 3

The rock paintings in Rattler Bay will be the highlight of this day. After that you’ve got a short portage of about 250 metres (where you carry your gear and the canoes between two lakes) to get to Ducker Lake. There is a great lunch spot on Ducker Lake. Then you need to portage again (about 100 metres) to get to French Lake. There is a great place to spend night on French Lake.

Day 4

We’ve got another portage this morning. This is a long one, about 450 metres, that joins French Lake with Otter Lake. By mid afternoon you will arrive back at Missinipe and the end of your trip. We can arrange rides to La Ronge this evening if you must catch a flight. If you wish to spend the night in Missinipe we can again arrange a place for you to stay. For those who wish to stay Churchill River Canoe Outfitters will be supplying a barbeque.

Description

Northern Saskatchewan is a canoeists paradise! The region boasts more than 100,000 lakes and many rivers, rugged rock outcroppings and forested landscapes. The MacLennan Lake area is a gem in this canoeing paradise. This canoe trip will take place in this gem.

The MacLennan Lake area is a relatively small region, only about 30 kilometres square. Yet it contains hundreds of lakes that are connected with short portages. The water in these island filled lakes is crystal clear. The shoreline is either rugged Precambrian granite rock or low and marshy. The area is remarkably beautiful.

Wildlife in the region is quite shy. But if you are willing to look—you may find Moose and Black Bear. Woodland Caribou also live in the area—but are much harder to find. You will often see Bald Eagles and Osprey circling overhead. Common Loons and various kinds of ducks are quite commonly seen as you paddle along. Mink, Otter, Fisher, Martin, Beaver, Muskrat and Lynx are some of the many land animals. Lake Trout and Northern Pike are the most common fish in these lakes. If you take the time to look, there is lots to see.

Thick forest covers the land.Black Spruce is the most common, but Jack Pine is also quite prevalent as well. In some areas the forest is made up of Aspen and Birch.

The McLennan Lake area has beautiful campsites and great swimming.

All this makes for an awesome region to take a canoe trip.

Costs

$1625.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Suggested Dates

July 29 to August 2, 2012. With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.

Please include a $300 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, American Express or Visa. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 0

Arrive at our base in Missinipe, Saskatchewan. Preferably arrive by early evening. We will supply accommodations for the night. Your guide will bring a waterproof barrel to you for you to pack your gear in. Your Churchill River Canoe Outfitters guide will go over the route with you and answer any questions you may have.

Day 1

After breakfast (on us) you will load into a van and drive to MacLennan Lake (about 50 km). From here you will start our canoe trip. Your first night you will likely be camping on an island on McLean Lake.

Day 2 to 4

During these days you will paddle and portage your way through the lakes of the area. A highlight of these days will be an overnight stay at Forest House Wilderness Lodge. See www.foresthouse.ca.

Day 5

By late afternoon you will arrive back at MacLennan Lake where our shuttle vehicle will meet you to take you back to Missinipe. We can arrange rides to La Ronge this evening if you must catch a flight. If you wish to spend the night in Missinipe we can again arrange a place for you to stay. We'll supply you with the evening meal and drinks. This is a great time for telling the trips' stories.

Canyons, unbelievable camping, mystifying water falls, incredible fishing, exhilarating white water, and wildlife. These are some of the things waiting for you on what some describe as Saskatchewan's best canoe trip. The Porcupine River is north eastern Saskatchewan's gem. This is a must paddle river for any serious wilderness canoeist.

Description

Located in northeastern Saskatchewan, the Porcupine River is, an unspoiled, clear-water river in a pristine wilderness setting of spectacular beauty. The river flows through numerous rapids, over a number of spectacular falls and through several canyons. Many argue this river rates Number 1 in Saskatchewan. After paddling the Porcupine, it’s hard to disagree with that assessment.

The trip is designed for those who have experience\ in runningClass II+ rapids.

Very few people visit the Porcupine in a summer. The river is tucked away in a little known corner of the province. It is highly unlikely that you will see others on the river.

Bald Eagles circling overhead near the top of the cliffs. You will likely see some Bears and Moose can sometimes be seen along the river. Some groups seecaribou. The fishing is incredible.

There are numerous rapids. There are only a few that absolutely need to be portaged. There are many that are questionable. The group will have to take a close look at these.

You can fly commercially from either La Ronge or Saskatoon to Points North. Or we can meet you in Missinipe and you can ride with up to Points North in our van. From there we will board a float plane and fly to Selwyn Lake. From here we will begin our decent of the Porcupine River.

The river flows into the Fond du Lac River. From here we fly by float plane back to Points North. We then board a commercial plane back toLa Ronge or ride with us in our van back to Missinipe.

Costs

$3795.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Suggested Dates

July 11 to 20, 2012. With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.

Please include a $740 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, Visa, American Express or debit card (in our office). This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 0

Arrive in Points North, northern Saskatchewan. Transwest Air flies to Points North from Saskatoon several times each day. Your guide will meet you at the air terminal. CRCO will have a hotel room waiting for you. Plan to arrive in the late afternoon or evening. Your guide will spend the evening talking about trip details. You’ll get your own canoe barrel to repack your gear into.

Day 1

After breakfast you will board a float plane and head for Selwyn Lake and begin the journey down the Porcupine River.

Day 2 to 8

The group will paddle, portage and camp their way down thePorcupine River. Your final camping spot will be shortly after arriving on the Fond du Lac River.

Day 9

The float plane will arrive to pick up the group around mid morning. Back on Points North you can either catch a flight back to Saskatoon that day or the next. If you choose to stay in Points North for the night, the group will have a celebratory meal together. Our van will then be heading back to Missinipe.

Description

The Paull River starts about 75 kilometres north from Missinipe. The river follows a southerly course over numerous rapids and a picturesque waterfall and then into the Churchill River. The canoe trip then follows the Churchill River to Missinipe where the this trip ends.

The Paull and Churchill Rivers are unique in their form. They are a series of lakes joined by rapids or falls. Flowing over the Precambrian Shield, they pass through a forested landscape of rock outcroppings and muskeg. The many lakes making up the Paull and Churchill are sprinkled with tree-covered islands. The rapids are generally short and shelflike 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 Paull and Churchill Rivers are very similar in nature. The only difference is their size. The Paull is a small river flowing at about 20 cubic meters per second. The Churchill flows at about 350. The rapids and the lakes of the Paull are all just a smaller version of the Churchill. You will enjoy seeing the contrast.

You will 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 learn about the flora and fauna that live in this unique boreal wilderness.

The Paull and Churchill Rivers still flow free and clean, and we drink right out of the lake. The water temperature is at it’s peak, around 20 degrees Celsius, so swimming and bathing are a pleasure! On our route we will see some outfitting camps and native homes, but the area is still very much as it was 150 years ago when the voyageurs paddled it.

For more information on this period of history before you paddle the Churchill, we recommend Sigard Olson's The Lonely Land and Sid Robinson’s Canoeing the Churchill.

Costs

$2425.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Suggested Dates

July 14 to 20, 2012. With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.

Please include a $440 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, Visa or American Express. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Day 0

Arrive at our base in Missinipe, Saskatchewan. Preferably arrive by early evening. We will supply accommodations for the night. Your guide will bring a waterproof barrel to you for you to pack your gear in. Your Churchill River Canoe Outfitters guide will go over the route with you and answer any questions you may have.

Day 1

After breakfast (on us) we will load into a float plane and fly to Paull Lake. From here you will start your canoe trip down the Paull and Churchill Rivers.

Day 2 to 6

During these days you will paddle and portage your way down the Paull and Churchill Rivers.

Day 7

By late afternoon you will arrive at Otter Rapids where your shuttle vehicle will meet the group to take you 6 km to Missinipe. We can arrange rides to La Ronge this evening if you must catch a flight. If you wish to spend the night in Missinipe we can again arrange a place for you to stay. We'll supply you with the evening meal and drinks. This is a great time for telling the trips' stories.

Description

Churchill River Canoe Outfitters is doing this expedition in conjunction with Wilderness Spirit of Winnipeg.

Because of the Seal River's wildlife, whitewater and incredible scenery, it is an awesome river to paddle. But more subtle than these things are the change that happens in the landscape. We watch the slow change from Precambrian Shield to Hudson Bay Lowlands. We also watch the change from boreal forest to taiga totundra. We will be studying these changes as we travel this incredible wilderness.

The Seal River flows virtually straight east along a route passing just south of the Manitoba/Nunavut border intoHudson Bay. The river starts in the forests of the Precambrian Shield. The surroundings change dramatically as you approach the Bay. The forests shrink first, into taiga, known also as "the Land of Little Sticks", before disappearing completely. By the time you reach Hudson Bay there isn't a tree in sight, only Arctic tundra as far as the eye can see.

The Seal River is best known for its wildlife. The seals swim over 150 kilometres inland up river to catch fish. Geese nest by the thousands along the river. Black bear, Arctic fox and wolves all gather along the river to feed on the nesting geese who during their nesting period cannot fly. As you approach Hudson Bay, polar bears are often seen. As a final wildlife enthusiast’s treat, you may see one of the large groups of beluga whales, which congregate at the mouth of the river.

The Seal River is also well known for its whitewater. Paddlers are treated to many sections of challenging rapids ranging fromClass II to Class III+.

All this is waiting for you on a river very seldom paddled. You will not likely see any another travelers on the river.

Costs

$4550.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Please include a $920 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, Visa or American Express. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Pre-Trip

Churchill River Canoe Oufitters' clients should arrive in Thompson , Manitoba, Canada a minimum of 1 day before your trip starts. We will pick you up at the airport and transport you to your hotel. At this time we will respond to any unanswered questions and notify you of your departure time on Day 1 of the trip.

Day 1

In Thompson Manitoba, we will board a float plane to fly into Tadule Lake.

Day 1 to 12

During these days we’ll paddle our way down the Seal River. On day 12 we'll catch a ferry from the mouth of the Seal to Churchill, Manitoba. In Churchill we will stay at the Aurora Inn, a hotel close to all amenities and services in Churchill. Hot showers and large comfortable rooms await!

Days 13 to 14

If the weather cooperates, these two days we will be spent in Churchill catching all the sights and sounds. We take the train back to Thompson the evening of day 13. On the morning of the 14th we will be back in Thompson to catch our charter flights back to our individual homes.

Description

Churchill River Canoe Outfitters is conducting this expedition in conjunction with Wilderness Spirit of Winnipeg.

The Kazan River flows through south eastern Nunavut. To paddle the whole river would take about 6 weeks. We are travelling though only the bottom part of the river. It is an ultimate barren land canoe trip.

This 12-day journey is the quintessential barren lands canoeing experience. The Kazan, one of Canada's premier Heritage Rivers flows through the heart of Nunavut's barren lands. The landscape varies from lush tundra to rugged hills and plains. Paddlers on the Kazan have an unmatched opportunity to see the migrating caribou of the 320,000 strong Kaminuriak herd as well as there are wolverine, muskoxen, barren ground grizzlies, peregrine falcons and tundra swans. The river valley is also rich with evidence of human history. Inuksuks and other remnants of historic and pre-historic Inuit occupation dot the landscape. There are numerous opportunities for day hikes in pursuit of caribou, muskoxen and plant species found nowhere else in the barren lands. The river varies from large lakes to exciting whitewater sections as it flows towards 25 metre Kazan Falls and Baker Lake.

Costs

$5050.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

Please include a $990 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card, Visa or American Express. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

• Click here for Trip Information Guide
• Click here for Registration & Application

Itinerary

Pre-Trip

Churchill River Canoe Outfitters' clients should arrive in Baker Lake, Nunavut, Canada a minimum of 1 day before your trip starts. You will be picked up at the Baker Lake Airport, transported to the hotel and receive a waterproof barrel. We'll be happy to answer any last minute questions and notify you of your departure time.

Day 1

Meet in Baker Lake, Nunavut Territory: Our planes will be loaded with the gear and canoes and we'll fly into the Kazan River. We'll set up camp and settle in for our first night in the northern Canadian wilderness.

Day 2 to 10

Wildlife Viewing, Hiking and Paddling: This trip is timed to maximize your opportunity to encounter herds of migrating caribou. They are accompanied by wolves that den along the river and are frequently seen. Dene and Inuit campsites are evident at various sites along the river some of which were occupied up to 8,000 years ago. The shaggy muskoxen are another common sight. The last few days will take you to Fall Caribou National Historic Site and Baker Lake.

Days 11 to 12

Baker Lake and Exploration of Inland Inuit Culture: Stay at Baker Lake Lodge and while there take tours of the area. There are numerous Inuit artists in Baker Lake and the opportunity to meet with them and view their talents should not be missed. Maybe try to learn some Inuktitut, try your hand fishing with the kakivak, the long Inuit fishing spear or just soak in this rare culture.

On Day 12 we will depart from Baker Lake. We will transport you to the airport and from there we will say our good byes.