Coppermine River

The Coppermine River follows the treeline from the central barrenlands to the Arctic Ocean. Renowned for its wildlife and fascinating history, it has been designated a Canadian Heritage River. We begin the trip downstream from “diamond country”, where mineral discoveries have transformed the economy of the region. Caribou and muskoxen graze along the shores as we work our way through fun class I-III rapids, some lakes, and a lazy river current. There is remarkable bird life, including nesting golden eagles and gyrfalcons. The Arctic char fishing can be exceptional. The river moves through rolling hills, steep-walled canyons. and past towering cliffs. The trees dwindle until we paddle out onto the true barrens beneath the midnight sun. Our last camp is at Bloody Falls, in sight of the ocean. Finally we’ll paddle to the sea. We’ll then have a little time to wander through the Inuit hamlet of Kugluktuk before returning to Yellowknife by plane.

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