Jackpine Paddle is 100% northern-owned. Explore the Canadian North on a guided expedition trip. Rent a canoe or kayak for a trip of your own. We would be happy to assist you in finding the trip of a lifetime whether it be herds of muskox, northern lights, true wilderness, or all of the above. Remember, Life is Better Outside!
Overview
Trip Highlights
- Wildlife (caribou, muskoxen, wolves, grizzly)
- Easy Rapids
- Historic Route with Cultural Artifacts
- Fish are plentiful (+ Arctic Char run)
- Remote Tundra Experience
Jackpine Paddle is 100% northern-owned. Explore the Canadian North on a guided expedition trip. Rent a canoe or kayak for a trip of your own. We would be happy to assist you in finding the trip of a lifetime whether it be herds of muskox, northern lights, true wilderness, or all of the above. Remember, Life is Better Outside!
Quick Facts
Paddlesport
- Canoeing
Activity
- Recreation
- Fishing
- Whitewater
- Expedition
- Lakewater Canoeing
- Canoe Tripping
Experience/Service
- Paddling Trip
Waterway
- Rivers and Streams (no whitewater)
- Whitewater Class I
Destination
- North America
Length
- 13 Days
Accomodation
- Wilderness Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Family
- Women
- Photography
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wilderness Gourmet
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Adventure Level
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Itinerary
Meeting Place
Jackpine Paddle Base
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories
Most northerly flowing river in mainland Canada
Day 1:
Departing from Norman Wells, fly northeast over the unique tundra ecosystem on a float plane air charter. See frost polygons from the air and will begin to get a feel for this diverse and solitary landscape. Land at Horton Lake.
Day 2:
Paddle through the rolling tundra is dotted with dwarf spruce trees which define the northern limit of the tree line in Canada.
Day 3:
Watch for the elusive snowy-owl in flight along with a myriad of other raptors nesting on cliffs and open tundra.
Day 4:
This is big-sky country where the clouds paint dizzying patterns in wisps and streaks and the midnight sun barely dips below the horizon.
Day 5:
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.
Day 6:
As we descent the clear water towards our end destination at the confluence with the Whaleman River, the world-class fly-fishing is sure to produce catches of arctic grayling, lake trout and occasionally prized arctic char.
Day 7:
This canoe trip has a relaxed pace and allows ample time for photo shoots along the river and during daily hikes on the vast and undulating tundra.
Day 8:
This is big-sky country where the clouds paint dizzying patterns in wisps and streaks and the midnight sun barely dips below the horizon.
Day 9:
Watch closely as your canoe glides silently by caribou, wolves, muskox and grizzly bears.
Day 10:
Wildflowers abound. Since the growing season is far too short for propagation, most of the vegetation found in the Horton River valley is of the perennial type.
Day 11:
As we descent the clear water towards our end destination at the confluence with the Whaleman River, the world-class fly-fishing is sure to produce catches of arctic grayling, lake trout and occasionally prized arctic char.
Day 12:
Keep on the look-out for the numerous birds can be observed. These include oldsquaw ducks, Arctic and common loon, ptarmigan, peregrine and gyrfalcons, bald and golden eagles, black brant, scoters, mergansers and scaup. Shorebirds include various plovers, yellowlegs and godwits, to name but a few.
Day 13:
At the Whaleman River we meet our Aklak Air Twin Otter for the mesmerizing flight across the arctic tundra to Inuvik, NWT.
Dates & Packages
Upper Horton River
What Guests Are Saying
What a great experience! Our guide did an excellent job scouting and navigating.
- Lynn, USALeave a review
Company Overview
By choosing to join a trip with us, you are supporting the local economy of the Northwest Territories. As the only northern-owned paddling outfitter offering arctic wilderness expeditions, we appreciate your support.
Learn More.jpg)
Company Overview
By choosing to join a trip with us, you are supporting the local economy of the Northwest Territories. As the only northern-owned paddling outfitter offering arctic wilderness expeditions, we appreciate your support.
Learn MoreOur Team
The North is a spectacular place to explore, so why not discover it with Northerners? We employ experienced guides who live in the Northwest Territories, with deep roots on our rivers and lakes. Based out of Yellowknife, NT, we know that when it comes to the North, there is no other place like it.
Learn More
Our Team
The North is a spectacular place to explore, so why not discover it with Northerners? We employ experienced guides who live in the Northwest Territories, with deep roots on our rivers and lakes. Based out of Yellowknife, NT, we know that when it comes to the North, there is no other place like it.
Learn MoreOur Services
We offer: - Fully Guided Expeditions - Rentals & Shuttles - Paddle Canada Courses - Youth Paddle Camps!
Learn More
Our Services
We offer: - Fully Guided Expeditions - Rentals & Shuttles - Paddle Canada Courses - Youth Paddle Camps!
Learn MoreCompany History
On March 2, 2019, after an eleven month battle with cancer, Alex Hall passed away peacefully at home in Fort Smith. Before Alex passed away, he handed the reins of Canoe Arctic Inc. to fellow northerner Dan Wong. For 2020 and beyond, Jackpine Paddle will proudly carry on the legacy of Canoe Arctic Inc. on the Thelon River and its major tributaries.
Learn More.jpg)
Company History
On March 2, 2019, after an eleven month battle with cancer, Alex Hall passed away peacefully at home in Fort Smith. Before Alex passed away, he handed the reins of Canoe Arctic Inc. to fellow northerner Dan Wong. For 2020 and beyond, Jackpine Paddle will proudly carry on the legacy of Canoe Arctic Inc. on the Thelon River and its major tributaries.
Learn More