The Churchill River is unique in its form. It is a series of lakes joined by rapids or falls. Flowing over the Precambrian Shield, it 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 more difficult rapids can be easily portaged by those without the skills to run them. The total trip length of the route is 105 km, which we will cover in eight days, traveling approximately 14 km per day, which is about 4 to 5 hours of paddling adventure. Along the route are rapids, which we値l either elect to run or portage after evaluation of conditions by the guide. There is a maximum of nine portages on the route, which average 300 meters in length.
The route of the Voyageurs passes through some of the Churchill's most beautiful country in the North. Photographic opportunities abound along the entire length of the trip. After a very scenic float plane ride over lake studded forest, the canoe trip begins at the picturesque Needle Falls. Over the next week you will paddle your way through island studded lakes and portage around or paddle your way through numerous rapids. You値l see many ancient pictograph (rock painting) sites. You値l camp on rock outcroppings where you値l hear the sound of the loon as you site by the evening campfire. Beds of soft moss will but you to sleep at night. All too soon, the adventure will end at Otter Rapids, the outflow of Devil Lake. Part way through the trip the group will stop for the night at a wilderness resort. You値l get spoiled with awesome food, a comfortable bed and hot showers.
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 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 can still drink right out of the lake.
Surprisingly, by August the Churchill River's water temperature reaches 19 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 150 years ago when the voyageurs paddled it. We look forward to having you on the adventure.
Your Itinerary:
Day 0: August 8. Arrive in La Ronge or Missinipe, Saskatchewan, either by commercial plane, bus or car. If you are arriving in La Ronge by public transportation we will meet you and transport you to Missinipe. Preferably arrive by late afternoon. The group will meet with their guide in the evening to discuss the trip. We will supply accommodations for the night for you at our base in Missinipe.
Day 1: August 9. After breakfast (on us) you and your guide will load into a float plane and fly to Needle Falls. From here you will start our canoe trip down the Churchill River. You will probably camp for the night near Silent Rapids.
Days 2-7: August 9-15. During these days your guides and you will paddle and portage our way down the Churchill River.
Day 8: August 22. By mid afternoon we will arrive at Otter Rapids where our shuttle vehicle will meet us to take us 6 km to Missinipe. We can arrange rides to La Ronge this evening if you must catch a flight. If you wish to spend the night in Missinipe we can again arrange a place for you to stay. For those who wish to stay, we will be supplying a barbecue.
Our People
We have the most highly-trained and experienced guides in Saskatchewan. Certified instructors of flat water and whitewater canoing as well as canoe camping, each guide is trained in rescue, first aid and CPR, so you know you're in good hands. Most have been with us for many years, and they know the rivers they travel. They are excellent sources of information. If you travel on the Churchill or the Clearwater, you'll be paddling the same route as the Voyageurs. You'll hear the songs they sang, stories about their exploits, cook bannock on a stick, and be glad you don't have to paddle 70 miles a day! As well, our guides can tell you about the boreal flora and fauna, the landforms and history of the Canadian Shield, and take you to rock paintings to learn about the First Peoples.
Our Equipment
Everything we use is guide-tested an d proven to be durable, reliable and effective. You'll be paddling Royalex Trail Head Prospectors in either 16' or 17' models, the best expedition canoes we've found. Rescue and first aid equipment are top-of-the-line. We use a variety of trip-proven 3-season nylon tents while tarps for group shelter are provided by our in-house manufacturing division. Everyone sleeps in comfort on Thermarest mattresses in warm Hollofill sleeping bags. We cook on our own wood-burning Environmental Stoves and small one-burner gas stoves. Everything is packed in water-proof, varmint-proof floating barrels. All you need to bring is your own personal gear, and a big appetite for all the delicious meals and snacks we bring!
Disclaimer
Many of our canoe trips are flown into and out of remote areas by chartered flights. Charter air travel involves flying on such small engine aircraft as "Otters", "Beavers", and "Cessnas". If variables like severe weather, forest fires, mechanical breakdowns or other serious impediments dictate that our chosen flight time is altered, we sit tight and wait. Great Excursions takes no responsibility for this lost time. All our trip schedules allow ample time to make up for such delays.
Should illness or safety make it necessary to evacuate one or more participants, evacuation expenses will be paid by the individual(s) involved. We reserve the right to change itineraries if forced to do so by circumstances beyond our control (water levels, forest fires, etc.).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Saskatchewan
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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