The Churchill River Beckons.... Six Days Paddling the Path of the Voyageurs
Flowing over the Precambrian Shield, the Churchill River passes through a forested landscape of rock outcroppings and muskeg. The many lakes making up the Churchill are sprinkled with tree-covered islands. The rapids are generally short and shelf-like in nature. Both novice and seasoned canoeists enjoy travel on the river because the most difficult rapids can be easily portaged. The total length of the route is 95 km. We will cover this in six days; traveling approximately 16 km per day, which is 4 to 5 hours of paddling. Along the route are rapids, which we’ll either elect to run or portage after evaluation of conditions by the guide. There are four to six portages on the route, averaging 250 metres in length.
The route of the Voyageurs passes through some of the Churchill's most beautiful country. Photographic opportunities abound along the entire length of the trip.You may see bald eagles and white pelicans fishing below rapids, moose wading in the shallows, black bears wandering along the shore, and enjoy evening concerts by common loons at sunset. As we trace the path of the Voyageurs east, your guide will tell the stories of these adventurous times. You will also see ancient rock paintings of the first inhabitants of the Churchill area, and learn about the flora and fauna that live in this unique boreal wilderness.
The Saskatchewan portion of the Churchill River still flows free and clean and we drink it right out of the lake. Surprisingly, by early August the Churchill River's water temperature reaches 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, so swimming and bathing are a pleasure! On our route we will see some outfitting camps and native homes, but the Churchill River is still very much as it was 0 years ago when the Voyageurs paddled it. For more information on this period of history before you paddle the Churchill, we recommend you read the books: “The Lonely Land” by Sigard Olson and “Canoeing the Churchill” by Sid Robinson. Another book well worth purchasing is Robin & Arlene Karpan’s: “Northern Saskatchewan Canoe Country”. All these books are available through CRCO.
Day 1: Meet in Missinipe, at Churchill River Canoe Outfitters. A cabin will be waiting for you for the night. This evening
you will meet your guide and check through your gear. You and your guide will get prepared for the canoe trip.
Day 2: After breakfast we will load into a float plane and fly to Black Bear Island Lake. It is awesome to see the Churchill
River from the air. This is one of the highlights of the trip. From here we will start our canoe trip down the Churchill River.
Day 3 to 6: During these days we will paddle and portage our way down the Churchill River.
Day 7: By mid afternoon we will arrive at Otter Rapids where our shuttle vehicle will meet us to take us 6 km to
Missinipe. You are welcome to stay the night in a cabin in Missinipe. We will have a celebratory meal together.
Day 8: You can head home again.
PACKAGE FEATURES:
- 2 nights in a cabin at Missinipe before and after the canoe trip
- awesome food, all equipment, guide, etc.
- 6 days on the beautiful Churchill River
- instruction and advice to make the trip comfortable, safe and enjoyable
- Prices: (based on a minimum of 5 participants) $1670 Canadian plus GST
This vacation package is made available by Canada Nature Escapes
Contact Ric at 1-877-511-2726
Or email for package availability!
Extra services and packages available through Shearwater Tours 1-888-747-7572 or www.shearwatertours.com
For more information about
Churchill River Canoe Outfitters please view their website at:
http://www.churchillrivercanoe.com