Canada: Kayak Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories
Paddling the Islands of the Taiga
Trip Overview
- An early autumn paddling sojourn in the boreal forest wilderness
- Easy kayaking with some intermediate day hikes
- 7 nights wilderness tent camping, 2 nights lodge accommodation
High in the Canadian Subarctic lies Great Slave Lake, the deepest in North America and one of the largest in the world. Its 125-mile-long East Arm holds a maze of forested islands, sheltered bays, shale beaches and red granite cliffs sculpted by glaciers, spectacular territory for paddling. The region, part of the rockbound Canadian Shield, sits at the northern edge of the Boreal Forest zone known as the taiga. It is also home to the Dene, a First Nations people who have lived here at the nexus of woodland and tundra for millennia.
Our trips in August and September are timed to coincide with generally good weather, and with September trips, the southward migration of waterfowl and autumn colors at their peak.
All participants on this journey to the Islands of the Taiga will fly into Yellowknife from Edmonton or Calgary. After an overnight in Yellowknife, we fly to the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, a short flight by charter aircraft from Yellowknife. We spend the next six days paddling 70 kilometers (43 miles) along the island-smattered coastline of the East Arm, traveling westward along the basalt buttresses of the Pethei Peninsula before passing through Taltheilei Narrows, gateway to the steep-walled passage of Hearne Channel, an area rich with migratory birdlife and dramatic scenery.
The kayaker’s pace allows for intimate contact with the lakeshore, and affords an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife viewing. On some parts of the trip we are likely to encounter large flocks of migratory birds, as well as moose, bear, muskrat and mink. We will plan to move camp on most days—wind and weather permitting—paddling three to five hours a day, which allows us plenty of time for hiking, exploring and looking for wildlife in the open Shield country. Secluded bays offer world-renowned fishing for lake trout, arctic grayling, northern pike, walleye (pickerel), and whitefish. Vibrant sunsets around the campfire make for memorable evenings. On a clear night, the promise of spectacular skies entices us to linger a little longer before crawling into our sleeping bags.
At the end of our paddling trip, our chartered aircraft will meet us at our appointed pick-up site. The group will then fly back into Yellowknife to overnight, catching the southbound jet back to Edmonton or Calgary on the following day. While we will leave the boreal wilderness behind, the stark beauty of such a unique landscape will remain etched in our memories for years to come.
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10 Days 2012 Dates Aug. 10-19 Aug. 17-26 Aug. 24-Sep. 2 Aug. 31-Sep. 9
Trip Difficulty: Level 3
2012 Fees Group size 8-10: $4390* Small Group Surcharge: $500
Single Supplement: $200
*Price does not include international airfare or mandatory trip insurance. A 5% "Goods and Service Tax" (GST) will also be applied to Canadian residents; 2.5% GST to non Canadians. Prices are given in US Dollars.
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