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Tundra-Treeline Autumn Paddle

Northwest Territories, Canada

 

Join us on our newest canoe adventure to experience the beautiful autumn colours, northern lights, incredible wildlife & fishing. Paddle with us along the tundra & tree-line of the remote Eileen River in the Canadian Northwest Territories! 

Caribou of the Beverly herd in winter pelage /  photo by Brigit Goldhammer

Each September in the Canadian Far North, caribou of the immense Beverly herd gather along the tree-line to prepare for the mating season and their final migratory thrust into the tree-line for the winter.  Here, along the tree-line, they forage, group, disperse and group again as the sub-Arctic winter approaches.

 

Tundra-Treeline Autumn Paddle - 2008
DATES
total seats
seats left
PRICE

 

September 5-12, 2008

 

8
0
Single: $4,595.00 US - $4,595.00 CAD
Double:
$8,450.00 US - $8,450.00 CAD

Click here to make your reservation on the Tundra-Treeline Autumn Paddle!

Tundra-Treeline Autumn Paddle - 2009
DATES
total seats
seats left
PRICE

 

September 4-11, 2009

 

8
6
Single: $4,595.00 US - $4,595.00 CAD
Double:
$8,450.00 US - $8,450.00 CAD

 

During this same period, the musk oxen herds - which in recent years have spread outward to this area from the relatively nearby Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary - have just completed their 'rut', and are gathered near the tree-line in larger herds - ranging from 13-60 animals.  In September, both caribou and musk oxen are in full winter pelage, and are the most photogenic.  

Musk-oxen herd in autumn colours near the Eileen River / copyright Lonnie Brock

 

We will start this unique wildllife trip by boarding a float-equpped aircraft at our starting point which varies from season to season (see www.thelon.com/map.htm); to fly 235 airmiles past the tree-line, and out over the remote Arctic tundra known locally as the 'Barrenlands'. Here, we will land on a tributary of the Eileen River at one of the most isolated regions in mainland North America - where we will overnight, meet the leaders, and do a trip briefing & orientation.

A sand esker system of the Upper Thelon River region in the Northwest Territories as seen from the air - these sandy area are perfect den lcaortion for tundra wolves and assorted fox /  hoto by Noelle Tufts
A sand esker system of the Upper Thelon River region in the Northwest Territories as seen from the air - these sandy area are perfect den lcaortion for tundra wolves and assorted fox.

 

Here, participants will meet with the leaders and equipment, overnight, with a trip orientation and briefing. the next day - weath permiting - we will launch our canoes on the Eileen River, and embark on our oneweek adventure down the Eileen River system, to end nearby Tent Lake.

During the days will will paddle, explore, photograph, stalk wildlife, fish and relax our way down this beautiful watershed along the tree-line.

Paddling the sub-Arctic evening  /photo by Oyvind Martinsen

 Numerous sand eskers and beaches make for wonderful camping en-route, and lots of firewood for evening fires while watching the northern lights - which offer spectacular shows at this time of year! 

Aurora dancing across the northern sky / photo copyright Steve Maka

Campfire near the treeline in the autumn dark

Fishing is excellent for lake trout, Arctic grayling and northern pike in the lakes and rapids on the Eileen Rivers, and fishermen in the group are rewarded with fresh fish lunches and dinner on occasion during this trip!

Catchin' a BIG lake trout! / photo by Oyvind Martinsen

Esker bearberry leaves in full autumn colour / copyright Courtney Milne

The autumn colours are truly spectacular during this September period - timed just right for this area to see the peak and wane along the sandy esker shorelines.  There are many moose in this area!

caribou in autumn landscape near the treeline / photo by Craig Duncan

Dwarf birch is autumn colour / photo copyright Courtney Milne

Ancient and recent history reveals itself as we paddle along, and discover ancient archaeological sites left behind from the Dene' Indians, to old trappers abodes hidden along the tree-line.

Old trapper's cabin on Eileen Lake, NWT / photo by Bill Betzhold

 

We will then end this remarkable nearby to where the Eileen River cascades down to the Snowdrift River.  An incredible sub-Arctic adventure in a truly incredible region - this trip is class II & III (remote), with several short portages, and some lining around cascades. 

Involving some moderate length portaging around cascades, this trip is class II & II (remote), and suitable for all ages in moderate physical condition. 

 

 

Tundra-Treeline Autumn Paddle - 2008
DATES
total seats
seats left
PRICE

 

September 5-12, 2008

 

8
0
Single: $4,595.00 US - $4,595.00 CAD
Double:
$8,450.00 US - $8,450.00 CAD

Click here to make your reservation on the Tundra-Treeline Autumn Paddle!

Tundra-Treeline Autumn Paddle - 2009
DATES
total seats
seats left
PRICE

 

September 4-11, 2009

 

8
6
Single: $4,595.00 US - $4,595.00 CAD
Double:
$8,450.00 US - $8,450.00 CAD

 

 

Great Canadian Wilderness

 


Come warm yourself by our fire.
Great Canadian Wilderness
Phone: 1-800-667-9453 (Canada & USA)
Overseas Phone: +807-727-3758
North American toll-free Fax: 866-416-5548
Email: tundra@thelon.com
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