Moose River: Paddle to the North | 6-day Adult

Adventure Overview

All aboard! A northern river, incredible stories, and an adventure unlike any other.

Some adventures begin with a paddle stroke. This one begins with a train ride into the heart of Northern Ontario!

Welcome to the Moose River, where vast northern landscapes, rich cultural history, and the warm hospitality of local communities come together for an unforgettable wilderness canoe adventure.

Our journey begins aboard the historic Polar Bear Express, travelling north through the boreal forest toward Moose River Crossing. As the towns and roads disappear behind us, the landscape opens into a world of winding waterways, endless forests, and the remarkable James Bay Lowlands.

When the train drops us at the river, it’s time to load the canoes and begin our journey downstream!

Over the next four days, we’ll paddle the scenic Moose River, exploring a landscape unlike the rocky Canadian Shield rivers found farther south. Here, broad waterways, gravel bars, forested shorelines, and expansive northern skies create a completely different kind of wilderness experience.

With generally gentle current, occasional swifts, and plenty of opportunities to explore along the way, the Moose offers a wonderful balance of paddling, discovery, and time to appreciate the beauty of the north.

And there’s plenty to discover!

We’ll have opportunities to explore fascinating gypsum caves, wander along the shoreline, watch for wildlife, and camp on beautiful gravel bars beneath the wide northern sky. And if the conditions are just right, we might even be treated to the unforgettable sight of the northern lights dancing overhead.

But this adventure is about so much more than the river itself!

One of the things that makes our Moose River expedition so special is the connection we’ve developed with the people and communities along the way.

Around the halfway point, we often camp near the confluence of the Abitibi and Moose Rivers, at a place belonging to our friend Wayne. A Moosonee local and longtime friend of MHO, Wayne has an incredible knowledge of the region and its history. If he’s home, we’ll enjoy a visit and the opportunity to hear some of his stories. And if he’s away, it’s still a beautiful place to camp and explore.

As we continue downstream, the river carries us toward Moose Factory, home to the Moose Cree First Nation and a community with a remarkable history.

For generations, the waterways of the James Bay region have connected Indigenous communities, supported traditional ways of life, and served as important travel and trade routes. Later, the arrival of European fur traders made Moose Factory an important centre of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s operations.

Today, Moose Factory remains a vibrant community with deep cultural connections to the land and water.

During our visit, we’ll have opportunities to spend time with local friends, learn about the region, and experience some of the stories and traditions that make this place so special. Depending on local availability and conditions, we may even have the opportunity to travel by motorboat to Ship Sands Island, near the mouth of James Bay.

Our adventure concludes with a paddle to Moosonee, where we’ll carry our gear through town and board the Polar Bear Express for our journey south.

It’s a fitting end to an expedition that combines wilderness travel, northern hospitality, and a deeper appreciation for the remarkable people and places of Ontario’s far north.

Journey to James Bay is more than a canoe trip. It’s four days of exploration, connection, discovery, and the kind of northern adventure that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

Is This Trip Right for You?

Perfect for adventurous travellers who love exploring new places, discovering local history, and experiencing a different side of wilderness canoe tripping!

The Moose River offers a unique expedition experience, combining scenic river travel with opportunities for cultural learning, exploration, and connection with northern communities.

While this is not a technical whitewater expedition, participants should be comfortable spending several hours each day in a canoe and be prepared for the physical demands of wilderness travel.

Our experienced guides will provide support and instruction throughout the journey, helping everyone feel comfortable and confident on the water.

This is a true northern wilderness canoe expedition, and participants should be prepared for changing weather conditions, remote camping, carrying equipment, and the day-to-day responsibilities of expedition life.

Everyone will have opportunities to participate in camp life, from setting up tents and carrying gear to helping with meals.

One of the most rewarding parts of this trip is the opportunity to learn from and connect with people who call this remarkable region home. We encourage participants to arrive with curiosity, respect, and an openness to new experiences.

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines beautiful wilderness paddling, fascinating history, and a chance to experience the magic of Ontario’s far north, all aboard for the Moose River!

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