Soper River

The Kuujuak (Soper River) is an excellent introductory level paddling river on Baffin Island, Nunavut. The river flows through the hills and mountains of the Meta Incognita Peninsula (“The Unknown Place”) to the southern coast of Baffin Island. “Kuujjuaq”, means “Big River” in Inuktitut and it gets its English name from northern biologist J. Dewey Soper. The Kuujuak (Soper River) valley, sheltered from harsh winds, supports a “forest” of willows and a lush profusion of Arctic wildflowers. Caribou, ptarmigan, and Arctic hare make the valley their home, and you can find Arctic char in the river.

The section of river we will descend lies within the protection of Katannilik (Place of Waterfalls) Territorial Park. Our trip covers 60 km of current, with Class I and occasional Class II whitewater. We will paddle the river in SOAR inflatable rafts, which fit one to two people. These stable craft allow even novices to paddle this river.

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We look forward to offering this trip again in 2026. Stay tuned for more details!

What's included

Guides

6:1 ratio

Accommodation

6 nights camping
1 night in Iqaluit

Meals

all meals and snacks from Day 1 dinner to Day 7 lunch

Rafting & Paddling Equipment

SOAR, 2-person inflatable boats
paddles, PFDs, throw bags, paddling suits

Expedition Equipment

tents – free standing expedition dome tents
‘kitchen’ – tarp, fire box, cooking stoves, utensils, dishes, etc
containers for food and group equipment

Safety Equipment

first aid, safety, river rescue, and repair kits
communications equipment (satellite phone)

Transportation

charter flights from Iqaluit to Mount Joy airstrip/Kimmirut to Iqaluit – Days 1 & 7
shuttle from Soper Lake to Kimmirut – Day 7
transportation of guides, group gear, food, etc. at the beginning and end of the trip