Evening on the Coppermine River

Arctic Canoe Adventure

Coppermine River

Dates

2024: July 19 - Aug 1
2025: July 19 - Aug 1

Distance

310 km

Cost

$12,895 CAD + 5% gst

Duration

14 days

Vessel Type

Canoe

Skill Level

Intermediate - Advanced

Rendezvous Point

Yellowknife

The barrenlands give birth to the Coppermine River, a Canadian Heritage River that jostles through a rock-ribbed landscape, bound for the far Arctic.

Reached by bush plane from Yellowknife, our trip on the Coppermine River involves 14 days of adventure – and provides a lifetime of stories.

The Arctic Circle is a line of lore and legend – and the Coppermine River is the only trip we run where you can cross it by canoe (66°33′46.4″ N). You’ll cross into the true polar zone, a mythic region on a fraction of the travelers on earth have ever entered.

Paddle in the footsteps of Sir John Franklin’s journey to the Arctic Ocean, where you’ll have the option to take (short) swim at the end of your trip – if you are so brave! There is a deep history along the Coppermine River from the early Copper Inuit to explorers George Douglas, Samuel Hearne and Sir John Franklin.

Home to the Bluenose East caribou herd, you should keep your eyes peeled for this keystone species, along with grizzlies patrolling flat-topped mountains along our route. This wild, wide-open country is also host to moose that plod along the river and muskox that congregating along nearby tundra slopes. The Coppermine River valley is not only teeming with animals, but you stand good chances at spotting rare arctic raptors such as the gyrfalcons, rough-legged hawks, and golden eagles that nest along rugged granite cliffs.

This archaeologically-rich region will showcase a legacy of stone tent rings, meat caches and inukshuks. The Coppermine River is known for profile arctic char fishing, alongside arctic grayling and lake trout.

The historic Sandstone, Muskox and Escape Rapids are big volume rapids demanding both caution and expertise by intermediate or advanced canoeists. For less-experienced paddlers seeking a tundra trip, check out our Upper Horton River or Thelon River adventures.

Call us at 1 (867) 445-4512 for more information about our guided Coppermine River canoe adventure through the barrenlands in northern Canada!

two people walking on the coppermine river

It was a pleasure paddling with Dan and Jackpine Paddle.

Our trip logistics were well-organized and the food was plentiful, varied and good. The gear was first-class – especially the canoes, tents, and shelter dome (the red igloo). On the guiding side, Dan’s expertise was top notch, both on the water and in camp. We also enjoyed his enthusiasm, and appreciated his flexibility and responsiveness to the interests and needs of our group. Thanks Dan!

George & MC, Canada

Bloody Falls on the Coppermine River
two paddlers look at rolling tundra hills
map of the coppermine river
blueberries in the arctic
arctic char fishing canada
canoe trip in the arctic
caribou on the coppermine river
big bend of the coppermine river
rocky defile at the coppermine river
fishing trip canada
canoe adventure canada
bow of a canoe in canada
waterfall on the coppermine river
Jackie McKay gets hit by in a big wave in the bow of a canoe
two yellow north face tents and an esquif canoe
canoe trip in canada
whitewater rapids in an arctic canyon
arctic sedges on a rocky river shore
wilderness camping in nice evening light
camping up on an esker at the coppermine river
view of the coppermine river heading to arctic coast
canoes beside the coppermine river

Available Dates

2024

July 19 - Aug 1

2025

July 19 - Aug 1

Itinerary

DAY 1

We depart Yellowknife for a charter flight to the Coppermine River. We'll set up camp and begin to take in our beautiful wilderness surroundings near the confluence of the Coppermine River & the Fairy Lake River.

DAYS 2-7

Excellent fly-fishing for arctic grayling and the prized arctic char as we make our way across the Arctic circle & to the "Big Bend". Easy-going swifts and lazy sections of river allow for a warm-up prior to the high volume rapids known as Rocky Defile, Muskox, & Sandstone rapids.

DAYS 8-12

Looking backing the treeline is left behind giving way to open tundra hills ideal for spotting caribou, muskox, & barren ground grizzles. After careful scouting and following guides down exciting whitewater rapids, we arrive at the fabled Kugluk Falls (Bloody Falls).

DAYS 13-14

A half-day paddle into Kugluktuk, takes us to our local accommodations (included in trip fees). After showers, and a good sleep, we explore this unique high-arctic community, and return to Yellowknife on scheduled flights with Canadian North.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included?

– Charter flight from Yellowknife to the Coppermine River
– 1 night accommodation in Kugluktuk
– Local ground shuttles in Yellowknife, Kugluktuk
– Certified guides with a maximum ratio of 5:1
– Expedition canoes with spray decks
– Paddles, lifejacket, and paddling helmets
– Group gear for each expedition (tarp, kitchen equipment, utensils, water filtration, etc)
– Throw bag and safety gear
– Expedition first aid kit and canoe repair kit
– Emergency satellite phone, two-way radios for guide staff
– Expedition tent (double occupancy – extra fee for solo)
– hearty and nutritious meals including snacks while on trip
– Group will be limited to 10 participants + 2 guides

What's not included?

– Off-river accommodations
– Commercial flights to Yellowknife, back from Kugluktuk
– Personal gear including drybag, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (avaliable for rent)
– Drysuit mandatory on the Coppermine River
– Meals in town (Day 1 Breakfast and all meals on Day 14)
– Gratuity for guides
– Wine or spirits
– Insurance including evacuation, medical and trip cancellation
– Nunavut fishing licence available online

What will the food be like?

Really good. We’ve fine-tuned a delicious, nutritious and well-balanced backcountry menu of unique and tasty dishes from years of expedition tripping – and look forward to sharing it with you. Our flexible menu can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free preferences, and will be tailored in advance for participants on each trip. Guests are always welcome to join guides in cooking and learn to cook our authentic, backcountry recipes.

Breakfast will include fresh fruit and a main course, like eggs and bacon or blueberry pancakes. Lunch features locally-smoked sausages, fruit, hummus, salads, breads and naan with a spread of cheese, jams, and a variety of nut butters. Dinner will offer an hors d’oeuvres, main course, and dessert! Snacking will take place throughout the day.

“Five-star campsites, with gourmet meals included” – Dave S, USA

Will we eat local?

You bet!

We are proud show off our local fresh fish recipes while on trip. There is Arctic char in the Coppermine. Considered by many chefs to be superior to salmon or trout, the richly flavoured flesh of the Arctic char is unmistakable. We had good results on silver spoons, which are effective flashers in the bright light and clear waters of the lower Coppermine River. If you are into fly-fishing, Arctic char will eagerly rise to a variety of flies from streamers/wet flies to dry flies and/or nymphs.

Jackpine Paddle is excited to offer Barren Ground Coffee on all of our paddling tours. Barren Ground Coffee locally-roasts fair trade and organic speciality coffee, 5 kilos at a time, on a beautiful craft roaster in Old Town, Yellowknife. Thanks to our partners at Barren Ground Coffee, we look forward to serving you the freshest roasted coffee in the Northwest Territories.

“We picked wild blueberries to top of the cheesecake” – Sophia D, Canada.

Do I have the skills for a trip like this?

The Coppermine River has challenging and exciting rapids. This trip is suitable for intermediate and advanced canoeists with whitewater experience.

The most challenging whitewater days will come at the very end of your trip, offering ample time to hone your skills in the upper sections. Rocky Defile (67°02’07.77”N, 116°12’11.86W) is one of the spiciest rapids you’ll encounter. Granite cliffs funnel the river down a one-km canyon.

“Our guide was always thinking, keeping the abilities of his clients in the forefront” – Kim M, USA

What do I need to bring?

A detailed personal clothing and gear checklist , specific to your trip,
will be emailed to you in a registration email.

Check out the Youtube videos below with our tips and advice for packing your gear and personal clothes:

Essential Gear – Packing Tips for a Canoe or Kayak Trip
Clothes & Outwear – Packing Tips for a Canoe or Kayak Trip

What are your booking and cancellation policies?

Before you register for an expedition, please ensure each participant for whom you will be submitting a deposit payment (including yourself) has carefully reviewed the following:

– our Safety & Risk Awareness webpage

– information on your trip webpage (inclusions, exclusions, dates, etc)

– our Liability Waiver

Once you have reviewed the information above and you are comfortable with proceeding, we require a 10% deposit of the trip fee and online booking form completed, done through the “Book Now” button on the trip webpage.

Your trip deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days prior to your expedition start date. On this date, your remaining trip fees are due and all payments become non-refundable.

Once your expedition is within 90 days of departure we are unable to offer a refund for any reason if you cancel your participation.

Please read carefully: Should your expedition departure have to be cancelled, postponed or altered by a force majeure (including but not limited to: weather, poor visibility, or mechanical breakdown causing delayed or cancelled charter flights or helicopter journeys, fire, flood, pandemic, highway closures, community evacuations, ongoing or newly introduced travel ban or government statement), Jackpine Paddle and its partner operators are not obligated to provide a refund or offer alternative travel services.

We strongly encourage you to purchase:

1) Emergency Medical/Evacuation Insurance,

2) Trip Interruption Insurance and

3) Trip Cancellation Insurance – so that you are covered in the event of an unexpected change of plans.

To review our complete Terms & Conditions for Booking, Payment, and Cancellation – please click here.

How do I get to Yellowknife?

It’s easy to fly to the Northwest Territories. There are direct jet flights to Yellowknife from Calgary (2 hours), Edmonton (1.5 hours), Ottawa (4 hours) and Whitehorse (1.5 hours).

Are we too old to go?

Age is a mindset, and canoeing/kayaking are activities that are truly for everyone. Age is not important. What counts are your spirit and that you are reasonably fit for your age. We have had guests paddle with us in their mid-eighties.

Can I join this trip by myself?

If you are a single paddler, you are more than welcome to join us on one of our trips.

There are additional fees if you opt for a solo tent, or local accommodations when provided – as these are based on double-occupancy.

Our trips typically have 2-3 guests who are traveling alone, so you will have the opportunity to meet and paddle with other like-minded individuals. Our guides are skilled at organizing paddling partners based on skill level and personality, ensuring that each trip is safe and enjoyable for all.

One of the best parts of our guided trips is the chance to meet and get to know other paddlers. We hope to see you on one of our trips soon.

Where can I find more information?

If you have questions, we are happy to answer them!

You can get in touch with us at the bottom of this page, or at info@jackpinepaddle.com.

To check out our detailed Getting Started trip planning resource, click here!

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    62°52’N  105°31’W

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