Exploring Canada’s Arctic by Canoe
Fully-Guided Canoe Trips
30 YEARS
CANOE NORTH
Back in 1987, starting a canoe tripping
years with our expanding
company had never been our plan. We
knowledge of wild rivers.
had just moved to the Hockley Valley near Toronto ... Al pursuing his love of pottery and Lin working as a consultant. Each fall, a newsletter full of stories was sent out to pottery customers ... news about our studio, cottage fun, family times, our neighbourhood and canoe trips.
We never anticipated our love of the wilderness would bring us the joy of running a respected paddling company for the last 30 years.
Adventures Little did we know these newsletters would
Certain moments have remained in our
herald the birth of a new path forward.
memories. These moments have built us
Keele River, 2008 Northwest Territories
Suddenly, people were saying they were
into the company we are today. They define
TAYLOR PACE,
sick of hearing these canoe trip stories ...
who we will be in the future. Our strongest
AL PACE,
they wanted to go too! This wave of interest
memories are found in the backdrop of the
changed everything. We enjoyed the north
stories of our adventures. The variety of
so much. We wished to share the feeling
these experiences is broad but the common
with others and Canoe North Adventures
thread throughout is the feeling of having
was born.
found a place that is truly Canadian ... one
We started out small, guiding every trip together unless it was a women’s or men’s trip. Our son, Taylor joined us as a porter at 14 years old. The company grew
LIN WARD
of its last remaining pieces of wilderness. The stories encompass all that is grand about meeting with other paddlers and having magical northern encounters.
and grew in size, skill and the heartfelt
We created this book for those people
delivery of wilderness adventure. We
contemplating a northern adventure. So
Nunavut
cared about offering a quality product
they might understand more clearly what a
AL PACE
wanting to give people more than they
northern trip would be like. We wanted them
ever imagined. We found how privileged
to see who this quirky company running
we were to paddle with the people who
canoe trips in Canada’s Far North truly is in
joined in our adventures.
its heart and soul. Hopefully what you see
With growth came our guides and staff. We are so proud of those we work with on rivers and in our lodge. They inspire us to expand our thinking and consider alternatives. We remain dedicated to paddling, mixing our learning in the early
will encourage you to take the next step of being in touch to find out more, to research the possibilities of northern canoeing and to take a walk on your wild side. ~ Lin Ward and Al Pace
Coppermine, 1977
C
E
LODG NA
Y U KO N
NORTHWEST TERITORRIES
North of 60! Northwest Territories, Yukon & Nunavut Home to the best wilderness in Canada. Source of canoeing rivers that will touch your soul. Sounds of the caribou call. Cries of the eagle, falcon and raven. The watchful eye of the Dall sheep looking from their lofty perch. Quiet meadows with bear tracks, wildland flowers and rocky outcrops. Whispers of whitewater coursing its way home. This northern land invites you to lift her veil and discover her secrets.
N U N AV U T
Well, how is your day going? Coffee just right? Taxi on time? And how’s your comfort zone? Comfortable? Calculated? Cool? Have you got a wild side? Do you know it? Have you startled a woodland caribou? Have you paddled an untamed river? Felt the Arctic sun break through the clouds to warm your back? Or felt the push of the river on your canoe? Have you felt the tug of a northern fish on your line? Or bathed in ancient waters that have come from high mountains since the beginning of time? Have you heard the river’s story? About her journey to the sea? Have you ever felt the love in the hearts of strangers? I think you have. I know you have! I have felt it too. ~ Al Pace
OUR RIVERS YUKON Snake, Bonnet Plume, Wind, Pelly, Yukon
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Keele, Natla, Mountain, Horton, Great Bear Ravensthroat, Redstone, Silverberry
NUNAVUT Coppermine, Burnside, Ray
Lessons Learned in a Canoe It’s safe to say that my husband, Jamie
thing was that by the final days of the
and I were at the “Is that all there
trip, we had abandoned the gentle water
is?” phase of middle age. We were
on the inside of the river bends in favour
constantly busy with such things as
of the big bouncy water on the outside
work, kids, elderly parents, meetings
of the curves – with whoops of delight.
and socializing - struggling to find
Riding those waves, feeling the icy water
meaning in all the commotion. So
spray on our face, was more fun than
approaching my mid-life birthday with
any roller coaster ride. Exhilarating!
dreams of Tuscany, Jamie signed us up for a wilderness trip in the Northwest
By far, the important lesson I learned
Territories. I had months for my
over that two weeks was to slow down
trepidation to build. Might I get up close
and appreciate the world around me. On
and personal with a bear? Would my
our last night, when one of my co-mates
inexperience let the group down? Was I
and I were finishing our drinks by the fire
fit enough for the physical demands of
talking about the challenges in our lives,
the trip? Training on the river with our
we looked up just above the trees on the
guides eased my mind as eddy turns,
horizon, a yellow moon was perfectly
draws and lean downstream became
reflected in the shimmering water. It was
part of my vocabulary - although they
breathtakingly beautiful. All thoughts
weren’t yet a big part of my skill set! We
of problems faded – I felt like a part of
were the least experienced paddlers
something much larger.
so whenever we paddled together, we seemed to lag behind. Jamie suggested
I don’t know what I was looking for as
I try just a little harder! Then one day,
I set off that August, but I think I found
out of the blue, we got it. It was all about
it. Since we returned home, we notice
finding the current, allowing ourselves
subtle changes in our outlook on life. We
to be carried by it, rather than fighting
are no longer satisfied with the mundane
it – going with the flow, so to speak.
or the busy treadmill that takes us
Suddenly everything felt effortless.
nowhere. It makes more sense to slow
Great life lesson learned!
down, consider what we really want and set about going after it. Our confidence
Then, there was this issue of confidence.
buoyed by achievements on the river
Here’s what I learned – confidence is
and inspired by others on our trip, we
the sum of good teaching, experience
push our own limits. Brave enough to
and an enthusiastic cheering section.
venture outside our comfort zones, we
I couldn’t have asked for more
dive into new challenges!
encouragement than I got from our wonderful paddling gang. The amazing
Reflections on my Keele River Expedition CATHY MACDONALD
OUR BASE CAMP
LODGE
Bring your fears to me and the flash of sun on water will temper your courage to diamond hardness. Float your worries on my currents and I’ll ferry them away. Lose your cares into the tangles of the shoreline’s undergrowth. Then follow close the lone wolf’s loping along the far bank’s shore, and I will bring you freedom, and I will bring you healing, and I will bring you peace forever more. ~ Susan Gingell
A Spectacular Canadian Signature Experience The Canadian Signature Experiences Collection is made up of 190 unique tourism companies in Canada who have proven themselves able to deliver once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. In the spring of 2012, Destination Canada, the Canadian Tourism Commission, added Canoe North Adventures to this collection in recognition of their ability to deliver authentic wilderness experiences in Canada’s north. This highly coveted membership recognizes the dedication Canoe North Adventures has to encourage a broad base of travellers to experience Canada by canoe, through one of the most significant wilderness regions in the world.
KEELE RIVER
KEELE RIVER The
Keele
Mackenzie
runs
through
Mountains
from
the
majestic
the
divide
between the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Its turquoise waters wind through valleys full of rugged black spruce with hiking and inviting vistas around every bend. Fast and boisterous, the river has a generous heart providing many options for safe travel. There can be sightings of caribou, moose, grizzly or black bears, eagles and most surely Dall sheep with great fishing for both arctic grayling and bull trout. If we have keen fishermen in the group, it is an added bonus to be treated to a fresh fish dinner! Paddling is challenging but not technically difficult. Very few experiences bring such a range of personal enjoyment, inner peace and the deep satisfaction of individual and group accomplishment.
MOUNTAIN RIVER With six stunning canyons, the Mountain is considered the most coveted whitewater canoe trip in Canada. Its remote setting and lightning fast water with jaw-dropping mountain scenery will thrill you right to the end. The canyons are defined by vaulted sheer cliff walls guarded by mysterious gates. This river flows through magnificent scenery with abundant wildlife, alpine hiking and miles of runnable rapids. Inviting alpine slopes descend to river level. This river is suitable for a more experienced paddler looking to hone their skills. It promises glimpses of ancient moonscapes and large tufa rock formations that stand as sentinels amongst the black spruce of the Boreal forest. The river reminds us of the invitation from this wild land to keep our eyes open. As she drops her veil, she allows us to glimpse the story that time has carved out of this world.
MOUNTAIN RIVER
Silence Coursing through me Golden forever Perfectly soothing Yet thunderous Silence ~ Taylor Pace
Called by Wild Rivers In our lives, there are some of us who always have been called by wild rivers. Our lives have been defined by foamy waves, swift currents running true and the satisfaction of paddling an inspiring set of rapids. Early on, we learned to understand the rivers ‌ carefully reading the speed and size of the surging waters. Our downstream route found the best lines and with our understanding of paddle strokes, we found the joy of a canoe responding to our commands. We began to love the long journeys that drew us to whitewater rivers and to the simple joy of travelling on watercourses. Each river with its story of ancient times, stunning wilderness and tumultuous geology encouraged us to paddle. Our strokes became stronger and our skill continued to circle higher and higher. Our longing to camp on the edge of shores crisscrossed with bear, caribou, wolf and moose tracks became a yearning to paddle every year ... taking on new destinations and remote regions. The pine, spruce and aspen of the Boreal forest became our friends. We found time spent in a canoe helped to lighten the long days of winter. We became obsessed with finding the right river to paddle ... to find the same level of satisfaction we had experienced in the past. We wanted rivers that would bring us delight and the warm feeling of accomplishment. Our lives are defined by the search ... time spent finding where the best waters run.
Here Let the Northwoods Spirit
Kindle Fires of Friendship
HORTON RIVER
HORTON RIVER The Horton is the most northerly flowing river in mainland Canada surrounded by vast tundra plains. Perfect for novice, intermediate or vintage canoeists. It has smooth steady current, crystal clear water and a few easy rapids ... for extra fun. Outstanding features are the ancient cliffs with towering eagle nests and the many opportunities to see falcons, eagles, caribou, wolves, muskoxen and grizzly bears. The Horton also has superb lake trout, arctic char and grayling fishing. The tundra is dotted with dwarf spruce trees defining the northern limit of the treeline. Clouds paint dizzying patterns in wisps and the midnight sun barely dips below the horizon. Evening walks on the tundra are a nightly ritual and give you a sense of how small we really are in this vast, barren landscape.
COPPERMINE RIVER This Canadian Heritage River is steeped in the history of the Copper Inuit and the lore of explorers George Douglas, Samuel Hearn and John Franklin. It flows through taiga forest, rolling tundra plateaus and rugged granite cliffs. Sandstone, Muskox and Escape are big volume rapids demanding both caution and expertise by intermediate/advanced canoeists. Flat-topped mountains are connected by barren slopes and rocky outcrops. Granite cliffs guard the gate at Rocky Defile, a canyon run with class III/IV rapids. Hiking affords breathtaking views of the sweeping river valley and the terraced September Mountains. Caribou and muskoxen are plentiful. With luck we might see grizzly bears or wolves. This river is famous for its prolific char fishing. A rich archeological legacy offers stone tent rings, meat caches and inukshuks.
I have paddled to the arctic sea I have seen the white wolf And the barrenland caribou I am richer, I am wiser I am more humble I have shared a sacred journey My heart beats strong With the pulse of the river Thanks to the creator ~ Al Pace
COPPERMINE RIVER
Magic is Alive When we were young, we believed in magic. The magic of the first warm day of spring when we could finally be outside with our friends. Of the last day of school when the long summer lay out before our eyes. Dreams of ice cream, hot dog venders, fireworks! Topped off with Saturday night parties where it had been whispered that the guy or girl of our dreams might just make an appearance. Trips, cottages, adventures with our family. Driving in the backseat of our parents’ car at night with the warm breeze coming through the open window reminding us how good it was to be alive. Being mischievous, pushing the boundaries, testing the limits. We listened to the Beatles, Queen or Springsteen ‌ our parents hearing from their vantage point feeling the whole world was spinning out of control and us listening with all our hearts while our minds saw possibilities we had never dreamed of before. Magic defined our lives making us brave in life. Along the way, the trappings and responsibilities of growing up descended - covering up our young souls with the complexities of jobs and kids. Our new role became providing the magic for young hearts, a most honourable endeavour. And yet, sometimes, we could feel that for us the magic somehow diminished. So came our search for ways to keep the magic alive. So here is the secret ‌ canoeing is by far the best way to find that long ago time. The rhythm of the river creates magic that feels like those moments when we were young. Life on the river makes us remember what it was like to feel so intensely, so unfettered, so unrestrained. It reaches deep inside our souls bringing forth not just the memories but the essence of when we were young. Life on the river is simple. Every day is sorted out - food, a place to sleep, exercise, camaraderie, entertainment. All worked out so that life can be vulnerable, simple, kind and fun. The warm feelings of friendship, closeness and loyalty shared with those who love the wilderness while paddling a canoe.
The mountains lurched up reaching for the sky. The lichens took root on the barren rock. Raven and caribou courted on the tundra. Ancient voices echoed through the river valley. The sculptor chiseled life out of the solid stone. The weaver threaded a dazzling tapestry. The writer struggled to find the words. The painter splashed colour across the canvas. We sit amongst the tundra riches Giving ourselves unto the land. We feel the north spirit flow through our veins. We venture forth into the great unknown. We search for the beauty in the evening sky. Look for truth at the water’s edge. We capture a moment for now, forever The river teases and taunts us. ~ Al Pace
SNAKE RIVER
Swifts and eddies go hand in hand, The tricks of the river, we soon understand, Confidence growing, we drive for the line, As river, paddlers & canoe are fine So lean on the paddle and flow through this land, The river is forever changing. ~ Jeff Osborne
SNAKE RIVER This is a pristine tributary of the Yukon’s Peel watershed flowing along the NWT border. It boasts abundant wildlife, alpine hiking, fine scenery and miles of rapids ideal for intermediate canoeists. North of the treeline, we come close to the Arctic Circle where a blend of barren tundra mixes with sparse tree cover. Fish for grayling or trout at Duo Lakes after an epic hike to a mountain peak. In its upper reaches, the Snake is comprised of a braided fan which make for tight corners and quick decisions before beginning its decent through towering mountains and a velvet-green valley. Painted mountains create a beautiful backdrop. Driftwood fuels evening fires and the smell of wildflowers is in the air. Paddling out of the mountains, a vast and stately valley swings into panoramic view. This river never gives up on beauty!
YUKON RIVER This river is for novice to intermediate canoeists wanting to immerse themselves in the history of the Klondike Goldrush. Paddlers find the trip within their physical ability with enough challenge to experience the satisfaction of a wilderness adventure that reaches deep into their soul. The scenery is stunning from ancient mountain ranges to the majestic valleys. Abandoned cabins, placer mines and camps are scattered along the river. It has been a First Nation trade route for thousands of years. Small communities have faded away. The wilderness reclaimed its land. We encounter moose, sheep, bears or raptors. Campsites are tucked into the boreal forest with views of surrounding mountains. It is a magical place in which to pause taking stock of things we hold dear. We hope paddlers are challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually.
YUKON RIVER
Timeless power where giants walked spirit soaring over mountains with the golden eagle caribou tracks on the shore - quiet communion creator raven watching - talking to me rivers curving, connecting places people past and present people gutsy, open generous seekers skies changing, moving, sweeping, over, around me, caribou, moose timeless power of the north ~ Anne Naylor
Reach for the Sky Life is short, they tell us, but at first we don’t believe them. Then we’re twenty, twenty-five, thirty and somehow we realize they’re right. Our time is precious and instead of hoping for tomorrow, we long for yesterday. But really, there is no tomorrow, no yesterday ... only now. Between trying to keep up with old friends, advancing our careers, and generally “adulting”, we have so little time. What little time we do have is bombarded with notifications for Facebook, emails, Instagram, Snapchat. How do we live our own lives, when we are so busy living other people’s? The answer is simple. Unplug, explore, get out there. Live for today and today only. The best way to do that is to get into nature. Put your butt in a canoe and go where you never dreamed you ever would. Into the wild, away from the updates, the messages, the LIKES. Away from the FOMO, the click bate, the threads that leave you feeling bare. We never know when that dream job will come along and tie us down. Or when we will meet that special someone and have a child, both being our foundation and an anchoring stone. So before time marches on unseen, and you’re forty, fifty, sixty... go, explore, adventure, reach for the sky, and live the experience you have always dreamed of taking. Paddle your own canoe, not the one that you’re told you have to paddle.
Wildlife
Joy on the river is found in the flash of kingfisher, The steady gaze of the raven, The power of the wind as it makes our boats whisper on the water. Joy in the wild is found in the mountains where voices are heard, The howl of the timber wolf, the bleating of Dall sheep In eagle eyes searching for the way to take us safely down the river. Decisions carefully crafted, hearts cared for like a soft bird.
~ Lin Ward
Fishing
Flashing silver, speckled green, A belly of gold, the fish is seen. The line in the water The bright swoop of laughter, The grins on the faces, The generous river giving her bounty, The thrill of a lifetime, a moment of glory, An exquisite meal, a fisherman’s story. ~ Wendy Cecil
Our senior river guides bring a wealth of wilderness experience to each expedition. They enthusiastically share their extensive knowledge with their canoe groups and they can also entertain a group with tall-tales around the campfire! Our licensed junior river-guides bring advanced First Aid and River Rescue skills to every trip. They are recent grads from university level Adventure Studies Programs and possess remarkable river and camping skills and are eager to share this knowledge. Each Canoe North Adventures leadership team is typically comprised of at least one Senior and one Junior Guide. Our typical guide ratio is 1:3 or 4, and 1:5 with a very experienced group.
Guides
Since many of our rivers are portage free, we can up the quality of our food with fresh fruits and vegetables, and meats, cheeses and sauces. We are known for the quality of our food! Whether you prefer an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, happy hour is an important part of every day.
Incredible Food
DE HAVILLAND TWIN OTTER
Getting to the River
PILATUS PORTER
Gear
I have been awakened by the sun’s rays Been to solitary places and found company Floated in the air in lazy circles with eagles Seen wild things in the shadows Felt the ancient waters pull on my lively canoe Shattered the limits of my mortal eyes And seen every thread of the wilderness veil. ~ Linda Lesage
Frequently Asked Questions worry
with the most stunning views imaginable.
about the physical requirements of our
Paper products are discreetly collected
trips. If you possess an adventurous
and burned.
Many
prospective
trippers
spirit perhaps lacking intermediate or advanced canoeing skills, we can select the perfect expedition to responsibly take you just outside of your comfort zone. We provide expert canoe instruction and coaching prior to your expedition and on trip. Keep in mind, most of our trips have no portages. This really limits the normal slogging to a bare minimum! Our rivers have steady current making for light, easy paddling limited to four or five hours daily. We are not blasting down rivers but
Another concern prospective trippers have is bugs. We are happy to report that in the Mackenzie Mountains, there is little or no standing water and so there is very poor habitat for hatching mosquitoes. You will not require a bug-jacket unless you are joining an expedition into the high Arctic such as the Horton or Coppermine River. On all other rivers, we generally wear shorts and t-shirts and almost never require bug spray.
take our time including two layover days!
Prospective
As a minimum, we ask trippers to develop
trepidation around travelling in grizzly
a daily stretching and walking program
and
ten weeks prior to departure.
respectful of travelling in bear country
Our
company
impeccable
has
safety
experienced record
over
an 30
seasons of adventure travel. We have never experienced a serious injury that required medical assistance or evacuation. By knowing and caring for each tripper; ensuring they have been well coached with expert instruction; and, by intimately knowing the regions and rivers travelled, we have delivered a level of safety second to none on Canada’s northern waterways. We carry a Satellite phone with a backup Locator on every trip.
black
trippers bear
carry
country.
some
We
are
and have developed a comprehensive Bear Awareness Policy while on trip. Fortunately
bears
in
these
remote
northern regions are wild bears rather than park bears and they have very predictable behavior – they want to quickly exit any area where there is human activity. It is always a thrill and a privilege to see them in their natural environment. If we are lucky enough to see a bear on trip, we generally see only the hind end disappearing at a full gallop. We have never had a group or individual threatened by a bear encounter of any
You will be thrilled to know that our
kind.
latrine takes the uncertainty and anxiety
carry bear-spray, air-horns and bangers.
out of the phrase when nature calls. Our woodsy latrine consists of a sturdy three-legged toilet seat and tidy hole
As a precaution, our guides do
307114 Hockley Road Mono, Ontario Canada L9W 6N6
Exploring Canada’s Arctic by Canoe Life on a northern river journey reminds us of when we were young and free-spirited. The magic and rhythm of pristine waters inspire memories filled with deep and heart-felt emotion. Join one of our novice, intermediate or advanced river trips and discover your wild side in Canada’s far north. Groups are carefully selected for maximum enjoyment and camaraderie. Each group is matched with an experienced guide team and the most suitable river adventure. Our attention to detail has inspired an impeccable safety record over 28 years earning us top marks in the adventure tourism industry. Our timber-frame Lodge and Outfitting Centre was lovingly crafted for canoe trippers to assist in launching expeditions into the wild and celebrating the final night at the end of each trip. We design custom trips for individuals, families, camps, schools and outdoor clubs or for celebrating milestone events or anniversaries. Contact us today to transform your wilderness dreams into spectacular reality!
Plan your dream adventure with us! We design guided canoe trips for Individuals, Couples, Families, Schools, Clubs and Charitable Organizations.
canoenorthadventures.com 519-941-6654
NWT Tourism Operator of the Year | NWT Entrepreneur of the Year Pan-Territorial Business of the Year | NWT Lifetime Achievement Award Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society