Coppermine River

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.