Canoe North Adventures
For over 30 Years, Canoe North Adventures has been making memories for life. With bases in Norman Wells & Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, CNA provides guided wilderness canoe and rafting trips on some of the most renowned wilderness rivers in Canada, including the Nahanni, Keele and Horton Rivers. Owners Al Pace, Lin Ward and Taylor Pace have dedicated their lives to curating quality expeditions for their guests that provide a backdrop to unwind, reconnect and share a truly spectacular wilderness experience in the most wild spaces left in Canada. CNA's professional guides will share their enthusiasm with you and provide a safe and fun experience while on trip. Let the adventure begin!
Overview
Trip Highlights
- Superb Lake Trout, Arctic Char and Grayling fishing
- Opportunities to see falcons, eagles, caribou, wolves, muskoxen and grizzly
- Excellent scenic hiking opportunities
Canoe North Adventures
For over 30 Years, Canoe North Adventures has been making memories for life. With bases in Norman Wells & Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, CNA provides guided wilderness canoe and rafting trips on some of the most renowned wilderness rivers in Canada, including the Nahanni, Keele and Horton Rivers. Owners Al Pace, Lin Ward and Taylor Pace have dedicated their lives to curating quality expeditions for their guests that provide a backdrop to unwind, reconnect and share a truly spectacular wilderness experience in the most wild spaces left in Canada. CNA's professional guides will share their enthusiasm with you and provide a safe and fun experience while on trip. Let the adventure begin!
Quick Facts
Paddlesport
- Canoeing
Activity
- Fishing
- Expedition
- Canoe Tripping
Experience/Service
- Paddling Trip
Destination
- North America
Length
- 13 Days
Accomodation
- Wilderness Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Wildlife Viewing
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Adventure Level
Itinerary
65°16′53″N 126°47′55″W
Meeting Place
Canoe North Adventures Lodge & Outfitting Centre
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories
Enjoy a scenic floatplane ride into the arctic barren lands. Paddle down the historic Horton River and spend 12 nights camping in the great Canadian Arctic wilderness. Relish in superb fishing, hearty meals, scenic hiking, wildlife viewings and lifelong camaraderie.
Day 1:
Depart Norman Wells by floatplane heading north-east over the Franklin Range and into the arctic barrens at the edge of Great Bear Lake. The tapestry of the landscape is a stunning dance of stunted spruce and willows, lichens and mosses and myriad lakes with dizzying shapes. Arrive at Horton Lake.
Day 2:
Easy rapids and swifts as you enter the Horton River proper, gentle current and fun swifts glide your canoes through a chain of lakes and through sparsely treed area with rolling hills and rock outcrops. Caribou, moose and bald eagles are often spotted as we enter the river valley.
Day 3:
We paddle through an Arctic oasis as the treeline follows the river north. Wildlife abounds at every turn. Muskoxen and Caribou are constant along the river.
Day 4:
Opportunities to hike along this section of river make for an exciting day! We get a birds-eye view of the river valley.
Day 5:
The landscape continues to change as spectacular limestone bluffs vault up from the valley hemming in the Horton River. Caribou are often sighted daily – alone or in small family units and musk-oxen can be seen foraging on willows close to river or on high grassy bluffs. Golden and bald eagle nests
Day 6:
At layover camp we plan an epic all-day hike in the barrens. The alpine terrain is very accessible and favourable for hikers of all levels. Firm footing, caribou sightings, vibrant wildflowers, blueberries, junipers, lichens and mosses create the mosaic that is the tundra. As you step out of the riv
Day 7:
The Serpentine Horton River entertains us with changing terrain, sand dunes, forested oasis where side creeks enter and the continuous movement of caribou – either on land or crossing the river with ease for they are superb swimmers. We might see a Sow Grizzly with Cubs and if we do not actually see
Day 8:
Annother Layover Day to find what secrets the arctic tundra might hold. A great hike along beautiful limestone bluffs.
Day 9:
The river calms and slows, but the fishing is just pickuing up! Find yourself with the biggest artic char on your line you have ever seen.
Day 10:
The river picks up speed as we paddle onwards.
Day 11:
As we approach the end of our journey, we have time for evening tundra walks, fly-fishing, sketching/photography or reflecting thoughts and emotions in our journals. We never out of view of the river – it guides us and connects us.
Day 12:
Arrive Whaleman River Camp, fabulous tundra walks accessible here. Keen fisherman can paddle I km downstream to Whaleman River for awesome fishing hole with action on every cast! We strip down the canoes and move canoe gear over a short 200-metre portage to a small lake where floatplane lands. A
Day 13:
Return charter flights with North-Wright Airways across arctic barrens and the Anderson River Valley and Coleville Lake to Norman Wells. Upon arrival, cold beer, hot showers at Canoe North Adventures Lodge before final night dinner celebrations.
Dates & Packages
Upper Horton River Canoe Trip
What Guests Are Saying
Honestly was the trip of a lifetime! Unplugging and getting away was so good for my soul. The quality time spent with my dad and siblings is something I will never forget. CNA puts so much though and effort into their guests experiences. They are truly experts in their field. First class experience.
- Robyn Honsberger