Moose River – Paddle to the North

Adventure Overview

Set out on a journey through Canadian history along the Moose River. Your adventure begins with a ride north on the historic Polar Bear Express, arriving at Moose River Crossing in the heart of the Boreal forest. From there, we’ll paddle into the calm, scenic river over four days, exploring gypsum caves, wandering along the shorelines, navigating swifts, camping on gravel bars, and making lasting memories. If luck is on our side, the northern lights may illuminate the night sky.

Around the halfway point, we often camp at the meeting of the Abitibi and Moose Rivers at Wayne’s place. Wayne, a Moosonee local and close friend of MHO, has an extensive knowledge of the area. If he’s home, we’ll enjoy a visit; if not, it’s still a beautiful spot to set up camp and explore.

Our trip concludes in Moose Factory, home of the Moose Cree and one of the historic James Bay towns tied to the fur trade and early European settlement. Our local friends will share their culture and may even take us on a motorboat excursion to Ship Sands Island at the mouth of James Bay. Finally, we paddle to Moosonee, carry our gear through the town, and board the Polar Bear Express for the journey home.

This expedition combines the stunning natural environment of the James Bay Lowlands—a significant northern estuary—with the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region’s Indigenous peoples and early European settlers.

We acknowledge that the Moose River is located on the traditional territories of the Cree and Moose Cree Nations and recognized under the James Bay Treaty No.9, and that we are visitors to this land.

What's Included