In the northwest corner of Saskatchewan, along the south shore of Lake Athabasca is an area unique to North America. The Athabasca Sand Dunes boasts the largest area of sand dunes in North America and the biggest sand dunes in North America. It is an area of contrasts. Boreal Forest is slowly being covered up by sand. And then slowly being uncovered hundreds of years later. You’ll see skeletons of trees that once were a forest. Another contrast – the William River flowing through huge sand dunes. The mixture of water
and sand creates absolutely beautiful colors and shapes in the river. Another contrast – the beautiful plant life growing throughout the sand. Plants unique to this region. You will be traveling through a wet desert!
The group will meet in Points North. After a long float plane ride to the mouth of the William River you'll camp for the night on the south shore of Lake Athabasca. You’ll see sand beaches as far as you can see. Then comes the hard work. The next 2 days you will be paddling up the William River on your canoe holiday. After these two days you will be in the middle of the largest sand dunes in North America. The group will spend several days hiking and exploring these dunes. Then you'll float back down the river to shores of Lake Athabasca to await the float plane to take you back to Stony Rapids. It’s a trip of a life time in an area that is unique to North America.
Because this area is so unique and so fragile, the Saskatchewan Government preserved it as a Wilderness Park. Once you've stood on top of the biggest sand dunes on the continent and seen plants that only grow here, you'll understand why the Athabasca Sand Dunes Wilderness Area is being protected.
Your canoe trip on the William River will help support the local, northern Saskatchewan economy. This operation employs many local people – both native and non-native. As much as possible, supplies and other needs are purchased locally. We are involved in the local community government and community events.
There is an old adage: “Use it or lose it.” This is very true of this sand dune area. There are pressures to allow oil exploration in the area. Because of your involvement on this canoe trip you will become better informed of the issues and concerns for the future of the Athabasca Sand Dune area. As more people travel the area, there will be a stronger voice to continue its protection.
The Athabasca Sand Dune area is a unique landscape. We are working along with CPAWS through our partners to help continue it’s protection. A portion of the proceeds from this trip will go towards supporting CPAWS. CPAWS is the only environmental organization working to protect regions of northern Saskatchewan.
Your Itinerary:
Day 0: July 15. Meet in Points North, Northern Saskatchewan. Transwest Air flies to Points North from Saskatoon several times each day. We will have hotel rooms waiting for you. Your guide will meet you at the air terminal. You’ll spend the evening repacking for the trip and talking over trip details.
Day 1: July 16. After breakfast the group will board a float plane and fly along the south shore of one of the world's largest lakes to the mouth of the William River. After getting organized and setting up camp you will spend the rest of the day hiking and exploring along the lake shore.
Days 2-3: July 17-18. These two days will be spent paddling up the William River to take the group to the center of the largest sand dunes.
Days 4-5: July 19-20. You will have 2 glorious days hiking and exploring the sand dunes. You’ll be camping on a sand beach along the William River.
Day 6: July 21. This will be a relaxing day floating down the William River back to Lake Athabasca and the first night’s camp site.
Day 7: July 22. The float plane will arrive mid morning to return you to Stony Rapids. Some may want to catch a Transwest Air flight back to Saskatoon this day or wait until the 23rd. For those who stay, you will have a celebratory meal together.
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. We take 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
Hiking & Trekking
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