The Coppermine River follows the treeline from the central Barren Lands 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 moderate rapids, 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 meanders through rolling hills, steep-walled canyons. and past towering cliffs. The trees dwindle until we paddle out onto the 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 our charter plane takes us to Plummer’s Lodge, on Great Bear Lake, for a final night and farewell dinner.

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Dates, Rates & Availability

Prices listed are per person. All trips listed are tentative until confirmed by the Black Feather Office. Click here for our booking, payment and cancellation policies. Please contact us to be put onto a waiting list if your desired trip is full.

Dates Trip Fee Availability
Fri. July 28 - Sat. Aug 12, 2023 $12,995 CAD Book Now

Paddle the Coppermine with Black Feather - The Wilderness Adventure Company

What's included

Map

Guides

  • 6:1 ratio
Accommodation

Accommodation

  • 1 night at Great Bear Lake
  • 1 night in Yellowknife
  • 13 nights camping
Meals

Meals

  • all meals & snacks from Day 2 lunch to Day 15 lunch
  • dinner Day 15 and breakfast Day 16 at Plummer’s Lodge
Equipment

Canoeing Equipment

  • ABS expedition canoes with spray decks and knee pads
  • paddles, PFDs, throw bags, paddling helmets
Camping

Camping Equipment

  • tents – free standing expedition dome tents – 2 per tent
  • ‘kitchen’ – tarp, fire box, cooking stoves, utensils, dishes, etc
  • containers for food and group equipment
Safety

Safety Equipment

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

Transportation

  • charter flight from Yellowknife to Great Bear Lake and return – Days 2 and 16
  • charter float plane flight from Great Bear Lake to Coppermine River – Day 2
  • charter float plane flight from Kugluktuq to Great Bear Lake – Day 15
  • ground transfer to Yellowknife Airport – Day 2 morning
  • transportation of guides, group gear, food, return of canoes to Yellowknife, etc.