Horton River Canoe Adventure

This is a wildlife lover's arctic canoe expedition. The Horton is the farthest north river on the North American continent, flowing 600 km from northerly boreal forest lands, across rolling tundra, and through fascinating badlands where we encounter the Smoking Hills, ancient alluvial hills full of sulphur and other combustible materials, that have been burning for centuries. The river spills out of the Cape Bathurst Peninsula, a great thumb-shaped point reaching into the Beaufort Sea.
The river offers few obstacles, save the wind, but there are a few stretches of whitewater through a series of rock canyons. We'll scout and run, or scout and portage, depending upon water levels.

Swift and clear, the river offers exceptional opportunities for seeing arctic wildlife, birds and flowers. The 50,000-strong Bluenose caribou herd migrates north and west through the lower half of the river. Muskoxen, grizzly bears, arctic foxes--all thrive in this remote wild area. Among the outstanding waterfowl and birds we may see are peregrine falcons, rough-legged hawks, snowy owls, bald and golden eagles, four species of loons, jaegers, black brant, and three species of geese. Arctic grayling, lake trout and burbot thrive in the river.

The river valley itself is lightly wooded for much of the length - a green sliver surrounded by the endless arctic tundra. This makes for fantastic hiking opportunities. We paddle through rolling tundra, cliffs and canyons on clear, swift-flowing water. The Class 1-3 rapids are found mostly in the Horton’s three major canyons.

The canoe tour starts with a flight from Inuvik to the put-in at Horton River. On this river we use voyageur canoes (minimum 5 passengers) and 2-person canoes. This trip is suitable for novice paddlers if travelling in the voyageur canoe. Class II moving water skills are necessary if travelling in a 2-person canoe.

Itinerary

Arrival in Inuvik
Travel to Inuvik via Fairbanks, Whitehorse, or Yellowknife. Meet for dinner to go over details and last-minute questions. Meals & accommodations on your own (we'll assist in making hotel arrangements).

Inuvik to Horton River
After breakfast we fly from Inuvik to the Horton River via Twin Otter. We pass over the Mackenzie River and across the vast tundra barrenlands of the Anderson Basin. We may see frost polygons from the air and will begin to get a feel for this diverse and solitary landscape. After landing on a gravel bar in the upper stretches of the river we assemble our folding canoes and hike in the area. This spot is ideal to catch a glimpse of the Horton River's canyons.

Canoeing Horton River
We pack up the canoes, go over paddling technique and safety and launch our boats. We spend our days paddling, with a layover day or two for exploring the country, inhabited by caribou, grizzly bears, muskoxen and other wildlife. Each paddling day we stop to hike and observe wildlife. We descend through a series of rock canyons, pausing to scout the river for safety. Throughout the days our Inuvialuit guide will unfold the secrets of viewing the land in traditional ways. If we are lucky, migrating groups of caribou from the Bluenose Caribou herd can be seen. Their annual migratory path takes them northward in the hills between the Horton and Franklin Bay.

We've reached slower current, and turbid waters, as the river winds down parallel to the coast. The wind can be quite strong, and we may travel at night when the traveling is easier. It's light 24 hours a day, so time means nothing! Caribou may be more common in this area. We pause to hike into the Smoking Hills and explore the variety of colours and textures. We also may search of active vents. On another day we hike out to the coast at Franklin Bay looking out for Beluga whales - if it is not covered in pack ice. This is even possible in early July.

Return to Inuvik
Today we are picked up by Twin Otter, and fly back to Inuvik. Some people may want to try to make flight connections to depart today. No-host dinner in Inuvik. Accommodations on your own.