Canoe Archives | MHO Adventures - Missinaibi & Canadian River Outfitters

Noire River Family Adventure

The Noire River is a small remote river located in Western Quebec that flows into the Ottawa River near the village of Davidson. The river terrain is unique to other rivers due the combination of sandy beaches for camping and rapids created by the rocky Canadian Shield.

From its headwaters to the confluence of Ottawa River the Noire river flows 238 km. On our 7 day family trip we paddle 63 kms, on a section of river where there are minimal portages and maximum fun in class 1 and 2 rapids. Compared to its sister rivers, the Dumoine or the Coulonge, the Noire has a nice progression of whitewater allowing us to build paddling skills. While it is a river that allows clients to believe that they are traveling in secluded wilderness, the Noire also offers numerous access points in case the need arises, allowing for effective risk management.

Our family trip starts and ends at a Bed & Breakfast in Waltham, QC where we spend our first and last night. Starting at the bottom of De I’lslet rapids, we will paddle 5 days on this meandering river with huge sandy beach campsites on every bend. With short days and easy beach camping there is lots of time for fishing, swimming, eating, exploring and spending time together in the wilderness.

On the 6th day we have an exciting morning of continuous class 1 whitewater to the Black River inn. Here we will get picked up just before lunch and transported to the Ottawa River where we will enjoy a half day whitewater rafting adventure with our friends at Esprit Rafting.

Our final night together is spent back at our B&B right on the Ottawa river where we will enjoy a hot tub and wood-fired pizza before heading our separate ways in the morning.

We acknowledge that the Noire River flows through the traditional territories of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabeg Nation, and that we are visitors to this land.

Petawawa River – 5 Days

Located in the North East corner of Algonquin Park, the Petawawa River has long been considered one of Ontario’s classic white water canoe routes. The perfect setting for a short whitewater trip. We will start our trip at Lake Traverse and paddle a section that is approximately 50km over 5 days navigating numerous exciting class 1 and 2 rapids.

The Petawawa is one of many tributaries that flow into the Ottawa River, and has been used by many travellers for thousands of years. Some living with the river and the land, others looking for an alternate route to connect the Ottawa River with Lake Huron for trade, recently used as part of the logging industry and to today where 100’s of recreational canoers come to enjoy the fun and splash rapids and camping beneath the pines.

While this trip is excellent for any paddlers, it is also an amazing river to learn on. Our guides will teach you the whitewater skills you need to safely read and run rapids, and continue coaching you on various maneuvers throughout the entire trip. Cap this trip off with a fun 3km long class 1 rapid that is impossible not to love.

We acknowledge that the Petawawa River flows through the traditional territories of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabek Nations and is recognized under both the Williams (1923) and Robinson-Huron (Treaty 61, 1850) Treaties. We recognize that we are visitors to this land.

Petawawa River – 4 Days

Located in the North East corner of Algonquin Park, the Petawawa River has long been considered one of Ontario’s classic white water canoe routes. The perfect setting for a short whitewater trip. We will start our trip at Lake Traverse and paddle a section that is approximately 50km over 4 days navigating numerous exciting class 1 and 2 rapids.

19 Day Lower Missinaibi River Adventure

Few rivers can match the power, beauty, and history of the Missinaibi River, one of Canada’s great waterways. From its source at Missinaibi Lake, the river rushes 520km North to James Bay over Precambrian granite, through bogs and marshes, and around spectacular waterfalls. We begin our adventure on this middle section of the Missinaibi River at a secluded bush road access point referred to as ‘Camp 95’. Located a couple of days upstream of the town of Mattice, the halfway point on the river.

We jump into the whitewater right away by navigating through Class II and III rapids and portaging around waterfalls, with the most incredible being Thunderhouse Falls, (referred by some clients as the 8th wonder of the world). This spectacular campsite is perched 150 feet above the canyon, where time is spent marveling at the natural beauty of Thunderhouse Falls.

Below the falls, the geology of the river changes from Canadian Shield, to the Hudson’s Bay Lowlands. At Bells Bay is where we bring in a float plane and say goodbye to paddlers that have only joined us for the Thunderhouse Falls Trip and welcome some new paddlers who will join for our Journey to the Northern Sky.

From here it is a downstream paddling with no more portages and gravel bar camping. We will explore gypsum caves, search for fossils, and navigate our canoes through fun swifts.

We end our trip in the town of Moose Factory, where the Moose Cree people reside and one of the many towns around James Bay that were part of the fur trade and colonisation of Canada. Our friends here will show us around and introduce us to some of the local culture, and perhaps take a motor boat trip out to Ship Sands Island at the mouth of James Bay. Finally we will paddle over to the town of Moosonee, portage through the middle of town and board the Polar Bear Express for our journey home. Join us for this once in a lifetime cultural experience.

We acknowledge that the Missinaibi and Moose Rivers flow through the traditional territories of the Cree and Moose Cree Nations and are recognized under the James Bay Treaty No.9, and that we are visitors to this land.

Journey to the Northern Sky

Our Lower Missinaibi River Expedition is the perfect package for those looking for a Northern wilderness adventure, without the rigours of portaging. We begin our trip with a flight over Thunderhouse Falls, and land on the Missinaibi River, 64km north of the last road, and below the last portage. From here it is a downstream paddle where we will explore gypsum caves, search for fossils, wander around shorelines, paddle through fun swifts, camp on gravel bars, and create wonderful memories with family and friends. If we are lucky we may even get a chance to watch the northern lights dance through the night sky. Half way through the trip we often camp at the mouth of the Abitibi and Moose at Wayne’s place. Wayne is a local to the town of Moosonee and a close friend of MHO. He holds a wealth of knowledge of the area and if he happens to be home when we pass by, we will stop and visit with him. If our paths do not cross, it’s a beautiful place to stay and explore regardless.

We often camp at the mouth of the Abitibi and Moose at Wayne’s place. Wayne is a local to the town of Moosonee and a close friend of MHO. He holds a wealth of knowledge of the area and if he happens to be home when we pass by, we will stop and visit with him. If our paths do not cross, it’s a beautiful place to stay and explore regardless.

This adventure combines the unique natural history of the James Bay Lowlands – a significant northern estuary – with the colourful cultural and human history of the indigenous people and early European inhabitants.

Dumoine River – Lac Benoit

The Dumoine River is located in Western Quebec with its source in Machin Lake near La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve and flows south down the Canadian Shield into the Ottawa River. The drop in elevation provides the Dumoine with an excitingly large number of class 1-3 rapids, especially when compared to its sister rivers the Noire and the Coulonge.

The Dumoine River is bursting with rich history from both the First Nations who lived along this river for hundreds of years, and the explorers and settlers who traveled up this river for fur trade and logging opportunities. Expect a stop over at the Dumoine Hunt Club, to check out the 200 year old post office, and other historic buildings around.

We spend our first night in a lodge at Dumoine Valley Guides, then proceed to take a van shuttle out to Lac Benoit where we get our first view of the river. This trip starts right away with a long class 1-2 rapid. For this reason we ask that clients have some whitewater experience since there is minimal time to introduce new skills before we run our first rapid. We then proceed to paddle 63 of the 90km’s the Dumoine river has to offer, making our way to the spectacular Grande Chute (our longest portage) and eventually into the Ottawa River, ending with a boat shuttle back to Dumoine Valley Guides. This river is perfect for those seeking to further their whitewater skills on a classic Canadian river.

We acknowledge that the Dumoine River flows through the traditional territories of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabek Nations and is recognized under both the Williams (1923) and Robinson-Huron (Treaty 61, 1850) Treaties. We recognize that we are visitors to this land.

Family Spanish River Trip

The Spanish River flows 340km from two different sources, Biscotasi Lake forming the West branch, and Duke Lake forming the East branch. The branches join at “The Forks” and flow South into Lake Huron. The Spanish River has a rich natural and cultural history and is protected as a Provincial Park, today it is mostly used by recreational paddlers.

Our trip begins with a train ride into Spanish River Provincial Park. We disembark the train at the “Forks” stop and begin our journey down river. Our guides will spend time on whitewater instruction to prepare everyone for the upcoming 4 days of fun whitewater paddling covering over 53km.

This trip is perfect for anyone looking to challenge themselves with whitewater paddling, and get away from their busy everyday lives to experience nature with other like minded folks. Enjoy paddling and swimming in dark blue waters, fishing, classic Canadian Shield wilderness, and even try to spot a moose as you paddle down the beautiful Spanish River. This trip ends at the Elbow on the Spanish River, right before a series of mandatory portages and lift-overs.

We acknowledge that the Spanish River flows through the traditional territories of the Anishinabek and Mississauga Nations and is recognized under Robinson-Huron (Treaty 61, 1850) Treaties. We recognize that we are visitors to this land.

Thunderhouse Falls Fly Out

Together we will travel 145kms over 9 days, playing and practising our whitewater skills in Class I to Class III rapids as we make our way to Bull Moose Bay. We begin our adventure on this middle section of the Missinaibi River at a secluded bush road access point referred to as ‘Camp 95’. Located a couple of days upstream of the town of Mattice, the halfway point on the river.

The campsites on this section of river are absolutely spectacular, most being beside rapids and falls; one even looks and feels like we are on a beach in the Caribbean! We should reach Thunderhouse Falls (referred to by some clients as the 8th wonder of the world) on day 6 or 7. This spectacular campsite is perched 150 feet above the canyon, where time is spent marveling at the natural beauty of Thunderhouse, swimming, eating and fishing. Below the falls, the river drops 300 feet in a single day, as the Missinaibi plummets off the Canadian Shield and on to the Hudson’s Bay Lowlands. Our final night together is spent at Bull Moose Bay, camped beneath the towering clay banks of the Lowlands. In the morning the float plane will arrive, bringing in our Journey to the Northern Sky paddlers to start their adventure and those of us on the stand alone Thunderhouse falls trip will say our goodbyes to other paddlers and the river for now.

Although the pace is relaxed enough to allow for whitewater instruction and social time in camp, this trip does require a level of general fitness with longer days on the water and 7 portages around stunning falls and canyons. This is the most challenging (and therefore rewarding) of the 3 sections of the Missinaibi River.

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

Bloodvein River

Many trips down the Bloodvein River start in Red Lake, Western Ontario. A 40km paddle will get you to the headwaters at Knox Lake and from here, the Bloodvein flows west 300km over the Precambrian Shield along beautiful gorges, small lakes, and calm marshes into Lake Winnipeg. Flowing from Ontario into Manitoba, through Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and Atikaki Provincial Park, MB, the Bloodvein has the unique distinction of being one of Canada’s only Heritage Rivers located in 2 provinces.

We start our trip with a restful night at a Bed and Breakfast in the small town of Bissett, MB before boarding a float plane to fly into Artery Lake. From here we spend the next 12 days paddling 225km of amazing class 1-3 rapids. The Bloodvein River is a great whitewater canoe trip not just because of the opportunity to paddle and play in rapids, but also because of the history and landscape. We will view ancient pictographs from the Anishinaabe communities that have travelled the river for thousands of years, portage around waterfalls and paddle through fast flowing gorges created by some of the oldest rocks in the world. We will enjoy camping in the forest but also out on rock ledges with pristine views in all directions. In camp you’ll have time for fishing, relaxing, enjoying gourmet food by the fire, and pondering about how remote you are in Boreal Forest.

The Bloodvein River is a great adventure for those that want to dive deep into the Canadian wilderness and who have whitewater paddling experience.

We acknowledge that the Bloodvein River flows through the traditional territories of Metis and Anishinaabeg Nations and is recognized under Treaty 5. We recognize that we are visitors to this land.

Upper Missinaibi Whitewater

Few rivers can match the power, beauty, and history of the Missinaibi River, one of Canada’s great waterways. From its source at Missinaibi Lake, the river rushes 520km North to James Bay over Precambrian granite, through bogs and marshes, all within a Provincial Park. Starting at Missinaibi lake we will spend the next 9 days paddling over 120km, drop 200 feet of elevation, and run over 20 sets of rapids.

As a Canadian Heritage River, the Missinaibi holds great significance with both the Anishinaabe and European settlers. The Anishinaabe lived in the area for millena, living connected to the land and using the Missinaibi to connect Lake Superior and James Bay. Voyageurs also used the Missinaibi River to travel from Lake Superior to James Bay, eventually establishing trading posts along the way. Some of these cabin ruins are still there today, overgrown with flora trying to reclaim the area.

A perfect river for beginners to whitewater, this section of the Missinaibi offers a good progression of rapids to help those who are new to whitewater improve their skill and technique. If you are an experienced paddler you will enjoy the many rapids that allow for skill building in running and reading whitewater. Although the pace is relaxed enough to allow for whitewater instruction and plenty of relaxation time, this trip does require a certain level of general fitness with a few longer days on the water and a 1km portage around Greenhill Rapids.

Camping beside the roar of cascading falls and rapids, fishing in eddies, and enjoying gourmet food by the campfire is truly one of the best ways to experience one of the world’s great heritage rivers!

We acknowledge that the upper section of the Missinaibi River flows through the traditional territories of the Cree and Anishinabek Nations and recognized under the James Bay Treaty No.9, and that we are visitors to this land

17 Day Upper Missinaibi & Thunderhouse Falls

Few rivers can match the power, beauty, and history of the Missinaibi River, one of Canada’s great waterways. From its source at Missinaibi Lake, the river rushes 520km North to James Bay over Precambrian granite, through bogs and marshes, and around spectacular waterfalls, all within a Provincial Park. Starting at Missinaibi Lake we will spend the next 17 days paddling over 280km, drop 300 feet of elevation, and run over 30 sets of rapids.

We start at Barclay Bay Campground on Big Missinaibi Lake and quickly move downstream, embracing the natural progression of whitewater from easy moving whitewater and class 1 building our skills for class 2 and 3 rapids further down river. Each day we make our way closer to what has been called “the 8th wonder of the world,” Thunderhouse Falls! The campsite at Thunderhouse is spectacular, perched 150 feet above the canyon, where time is spent marveling in the natural beauty of the falls, swimming and fishing. Below the falls, the river drops 300 feet in a single day, as the Missinaibi plummets off the Canadian Shield and on to the Hudson’s Bay Lowlands. Our final night together is spent at Bull Moose Bay, camped beneath the towering clay banks of the Lowlands. In the morning the float plane will arrive, bringing in our Journey to the Northern Sky paddlers to start their adventure and those of us on the 17 day trip will say our goodbyes to other paddlers and the river for now.

FULL Missinaibi River Adventure

Few rivers can match the power, beauty, and history of the Missinaibi River, Ontario’s longest unimpeded paddling route. From its source at Missinaibi Lake the river rushes 350 miles North to James Bay, over Precambrian granite, through string bogs and marshes, all within a Provincial Park. This 26-day adventure of a lifetime is a combination of all three of our Missinaibi River trips: Upper Missinaibi, Thunderhouse Falls Fly Out, AND Journey to the Northern Sky.

Truly the best way to experience one of the world’s great heritage rivers! Our guided trip will take us through numerous rapids, around gorgeous waterfalls, and into the calm waters of the Moose river. Combining the excitement and thrill of a Canadian Shield river with the tranquility of the Boreal Forest; the unique natural history of the James Bay Lowlands with the cultural history of the aboriginal and early European inhabitants.

Near the end of our trip we often camp at the mouth of the Abitibi and Moose at Wayne’s place. Wayne is a local to the town of Moosonee and a close friend of MHO. He holds a wealth of knowledge of the area and if he happens to be home when we pass by, we will stop and visit with him. If our paths do not cross, it’s a beautiful place to stay and explore regardless.

Although the pace is relaxed enough to allow for whitewater instruction and plenty of relaxation time, this trip does require an intermediate level of general fitness with a few longer days on the water. Truly, one of the best ways to experience one of the world’s great heritage rivers!

Icebergs and Outports – Sea Kayaking NFL

Check out this epic eight day sea kayak trip along Newfoundland’s northern coast. Paddle amongst the icebergs that have floated south from Greenland and visit seldom visited Maritime fishing communities. The capelin should be running, so hopefully we will be visited by some migrating whales on our journey.

An ideal trip for paddlers of all skill levels, this is expedition sea kayaking at it’s best – a perfect balance between experiencing wilderness and Newfoundland coastal culture. We promise that this will be a trip of a lifetime!

This trip is being run in partnership with our friends at Cape LaHave Adventures

Duke of Edinburgh Award – SILVER/GOLD

As the next Adventurous Journey in your Award experience, this trip is perfect for honing the skills you have learned on your Bronze or Silver Adventurous Journeys. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice skills you might not have used since your last Adventurous Journey such as cooking and baking over a fire, or tarp set up. This is your chance to challenge yourself, and improve your leadership skills in a fun and safe environment. This trip meets the requirements for both the Silver Adventurous Journey and the Gold Adventurous Journey, and includes the Practice and Qualifying Journeys.

This trip takes place in the Frost Center Area, one of southern Ontario’s most accessible paddling areas. The Frost Center is a part of the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails which is a wonderful combination of large and small lakes as well as rivers making this area perfect for canoeing. Our picturesque 6 day route will take us to some spectacular lakes, with amazing campsites under huge pine trees.

We acknowledge that the Haliburton Frost center is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinabek Nation and covered by the Williams Treaty (1923), and that we are visitors to this land.

French River Family Adventure

The French River runs from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, 105kms in total. The French River Provincial Park has a beautiful scenic wilderness created by interconnecting lakes and gorges along with rapids and swifts that provide a wide variety of water routes, and endless possibilities for recreational activities. Due to the rich history of the French River it is recognized as a Canadian Heritage River and is one of the most historically significant rivers in Ontario. Heavily used by the Mississauga and Anishinabek Nations who were the first to use this waterway to access different parts of the land, the voyageurs then used this waterway for fur trade. As resource extraction became a priority, the logging industry took advantage of the easy access this river provided to the interior and to Georgian Bay.

We will be paddling a section of the Main Channel – from Wolseley Bay to Dry Pine Bay. The route is a total of approximately 40kms which we will do over 4 days. It has beginner whitewater, perfect for families or anyone wanting to have a small taste of the fun that whitewater canoeing offers.

We acknowledge that the French River Provincial Park is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Anishinabek Nations and is recognized under both the Williams (1923) and Robinson-Huron (Treaty 61, 1850) Treaties. We recognize that we are visitors to this land.

Whitewater Warm Up Weekend

Join us this spring to warm up for a summer of paddling!

Come out for two days of clinical style instruction, starting with practicing basic strokes and maneuvers. By the second day you will be having fun in Class II rapids.

Run by our MHO Guide Team, who are all Paddle Canada Whitewater Instructors.

The weekend will take place at Palmer Rapids on the Madawaska River and we will base ourselves at the Paddler’s Coop.

*Those booked on a 2025 Guided Trip with us will receive a 20% discount when registering

Haliburton Highlands Family Canoe Trips

This trip takes place in the Frost Center Area, one of southern Ontario’s most accessible paddling areas. The Frost Center is a part of the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails which is a wonderful combination of large and small lakes as well as rivers making this area perfect for canoeing. Our picturesque 3 day route will take us to some spectacular lakes, with amazing campsites under huge pine trees.

It’s the perfect introduction to backcountry camping. The relaxed pace and education provided on this trip is great for families with young children and/or first timers! We start the trip with learning how to paddle and make our way to our campsite. This involves a portage or two on a maintained trail and crossing a few lakes. In camp our guides will help you set up tents and get comfortable for the evening. Our guides will also cook gourmet meals on the fire while you have the opportunity to swim, relax and explore.

Every canoe trip involves some physical activity. To give some perspective on what is involved, we will normally paddle for 3-4 hours each day, and will portage from one lake to another, which involves walking with a pack on a trail. At the end of this trip, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment for learning to move your canoe in the direction you want and finding a deeper connection with nature.

We acknowledge that the Haliburton Frost center is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinabek Nation and covered by the Williams Treaty (1923), and that we are visitors to this land.

Nahanni River – NWT

The Nahanni “Classic” is a two-week canoeing trip and the perfect opportunity to paddle the highlights of Tehjeh Deé (the South Nahanni River). Beginning at Gahnîhthah Mįe (Rabbitkettle Lake), home of the rare “Tufa Mounds”, we will descend Tehjeh Deé (the South Nahanni River) for 3 days on swift yet non-technical class I whitewater, where you will get the chance to learn and refresh your whitewater paddling skills. This section ends with the awe-inspiring Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), which pours over a cataract twice the height of Niagara Falls. From there you will paddle through four antecedent canyons that are, in places, deeper than the Grand Canyon and faster flowing, with some class II whitewater.

Named by UNESCO the very first World Heritage Site, the Nahanni is definitely one of the world’s best canoeing rivers.

With 4 date options for the Nahanni Classic, as well as a Nahanni Classic for Families and a Nahanni Classic Women’s trip there are options for everyone to cross this iconic river off your bucket list.

These trips are being run in partnership with Black Feather

We acknowledge that the Nahanni River is in Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories. We recognize that we are visitors to this land and will travel respectfully.

Moose River Family Adventure

Bring your family on a journey through Canadian history on the Moose River. After a ride north on the historic Polar Bear Express train we will disembark at Moose River Crossing in the middle of the Boreal forest and take to the serene beauty of the river. Over the next 4 days we will explore gypsum caves, search for fossils, wander around shorelines, paddle through fun swifts, camp on gravel bars, and create wonderful memories with family and friends. If we are lucky we may even get a chance to watch the northern lights dance through the night sky. Half way through the trip we often camp at the mouth of the Abitibi and Moose at Wayne’s place. Wayne is a local to the town of Moosonee and a close friend of MHO. He holds a wealth of knowledge of the area and if he happens to be home when we pass by, we will stop and visit with him. If our paths do not cross, it’s a beautiful place to stay and explore regardless.

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.

Adventurous Women on the Spanish River

Did you enjoy the Women’s Noire River trip? Are you looking for your next adventure? This Spanish River trip is the next level for your all women’s canoe trip. Same supportive atmosphere filled with encouragement and learning, with more whitewater and 2-3 portages.

The Spanish River flows 340km from two different sources, Biscotasi Lake forming the West branch, and Duke Lake forming the East branch. The branches join at “The Forks” and flow South into Lake Huron. The Spanish River has a rich natural and cultural history and is protected as a Provincial Park. Today it is mostly used by recreational paddlers.

Our trip begins with a train ride into Spanish River Provincial Park from Sudbury. We disembark the train at the “Forks” stop and begin our journey down river. Our guides will spend time on whitewater instruction to prepare everyone for the upcoming 6 days of fun whitewater paddling covering over 103km.

This adventure is for any ladies out there who want to take on the challenge of a whitewater canoeing expedition with lots of support and coaching from guides, time to relax and get away, and enjoy a beverage by the fire with fellow badass women. Ideal for friends; mothers and daughters (age 13+); trans-women, cis-women and gender non-conforming persons; and any solo travellers out there who are 18 and older.

Noire River Adult Adventure

From its headwaters to the confluence of Ottawa River the Noire River flows 238 km. On our 5 day trip, we spend the first night in a local BnB and hit the river on the morning of Day 2, over 4 days and 3 nights a group of adventurous souls ages 16 and up will paddle 63 kms, on the section of river where there are minimal portages and maximum fun in class 1 and 2 rapids. Compared to its sister rivers, the Dumoine and the Coulonge, the Noire has a nice progression of whitewater allowing clients to build paddling skills and the lowest distances of portages, making it the most ideal river for paddlers of any skill or fitness level to feel empowered to move their own canoe down the river.

With huge sandy beach campsites on every bend of this meandering river, we have endless options of where to set up camp for the night. Short days and sandy beaches allow for easy camping and time to swim, read, play in the rapids and simply enjoy time in the wilderness.

On the last day we have an exciting morning of continuous class 1 whitewater to our take out at the Black River inn. Here we will get picked up just before lunch and transported back to our B&B for lunch and heart felt good byes.

This adventure is for anyone out there who wants to take on the challenge of a whitewater canoeing expedition with lots of support and coaching from guides, time to relax and get away, and enjoy a beverage by the fire with fellow paddlers.

We acknowledge that the Noire River flows through the traditional territories of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabeg Nation, and that we are visitors to this land.

Snake River – Yukon

Located in East Central Yukon Territory, the Snake River finds itself in good company as one of six major tributaries of the Peel watershed, one of the largest untouched watersheds in the world. The Snake River runs alongside other great canoe routes including the Hart, the Wind and Canadian Heritage River, the Bonnet Plume.

We will Rendezvous in Whitehorse, spending one night in a hotel giving us time to organize our gear and get to know the other members of our group. From Whitehorse we drive North to the town of Mayo where we board a float plane and fly out to Duo Lakes.

We will spend some time exploring the expansive alpine country at Duo Lakes, before making our way to the Snake River. Our first day will involve warming up our canoe skills on Duo Lake and portaging our canoes and camping gear 1.5 kms to the river. Day two we will get on the river which will involve continuous class 1 and 2 rapids, it is a steep express way as we drop out of the Wreneke Mountains. After this first day of paddling the river mellows out and we will enjoy multiple days of mountain views, beautiful rapids, hiking opportunities and gourmet food. Other highlights in the 300kms of the Snake River, include the Snake River Canyon rapid, glimpses of Mount Macdonald (the highest peak in the Mackenzie Mountains), a waterfall campsite and hike and wild blueberries. We will be picked up by float plane at a place called “Taco Bar”, only 2.5kms downstream of the Peel confluence.

The Snake River surges past layered and serrated ridges streaked with rust, ochre and maroon. Lofty glacial peaks like Mount MacDonald tower above the swift-flowing upper Snake, one of the most stunning wild rivers in the Canadian North. Its many side valleys invite exploration; we have included time to hike and explore. The wildlife is abundant with the opportunity to see Woodland caribou, Dal Sheep, and much more. The river is mostly Class 2, with a few class 3 rapids. Previous whitewater experience is necessary.

We acknowledge that the Snake River and Peel watershed are the traditional territories of the Gwitch’in Dene and Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nations who continue to use and live in these lands. We recognize that we are visitors to this land and will travel respectfully.

Wind River – Yukon

Our Wind River Trip in 2023 was a huge success, this year we have Snake River Dates scheduled. If you are interested in a Wind River Trip in 2024 please contact us to plan dates.

Located in East Central Yukon Territory, the crystal-clear blue waters of the Wind River travel from its headwaters high in the Wernecke Mountains into the Peele River. The Wind River finds itself in good company as one of six major tributaries of the Peel watershed alongside rivers such as the Hart, the Snake and Canadian Heritage River the Bonnet Plume.

A short portage gets us to the creek which we line up to get to the Wind River. Once we have made it to the River we celebrate our hard work with days of paddling clear swift moving water, surrounded by mountains enjoying gourmet food in the evenings. Together we will navigate over 250km of river from McCluskey Lake down the Wind River, onto the Peel River where we will be picked up at a place called “Taco Bar”.

This trip is great for anyone looking to expand their river repertoire and explore a classic Northern River. The Wind is a fast moving river with no significant rapids, however standing waves and obstacles in the water require previous paddling experience.

We acknowledge that the Wind River and Peel watershed are the traditional territories of the Gwitch’in Dene and Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nations who continue to use and live in these lands. We recognize that we are visitors to this land and will travel respectfully.