|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Soper River Canoe Tour, Nunavut Canada
Southern Baffin Island Canoe Expedition (11 Days) |
|
|
|
|
|
Join us for this arctic odyssey and sample the best and most exotic of Baffin Island. The Soper is a Canadian Heritage River. Kuujuak, “The Great River“ as it is know to the Inuit, flows through Katannilik Park, across the tundra to Lake Harbour on the Arctic Ocean.
Steeped in history and rich in flora and fauna, it is a treasure of Nunavut, Canada’s newest Territory. The communities of Iqualuit, Kimmirut and Pangirtung, offer an opportunity to experience the unique culture of this land.
Our itinerary is planned to make the most of our time in Baffin, for cultural, ecological and historical exploration. We will float, paddle and hike the Soper River and surrounding landscape with a collection of rafts and canoes. Our timing coincides with the height of the wildflower colour. Hiking opportunities abound on the open tundra. The clear stream with small gorges and class I & II rapids makes for idyllic river travel. Falcons, caribou, muskox, fox, wolf, ptarmigan, geese and others, animate the landscape.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Day 01
Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views on cloudless days, pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold. This is the arrival day and the first day listed for your trip. You should plan to arrive in Iqualuit, Nunavut for our pre - trip orientation meeting which will be held in the Frobisher Inn at 8 p.m. Accommodation is not included.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 02
8 am - Meeting in the hotel lobby after breakfast. We will transfer to the airport and, weather permitting, make our Twin Otter flights in to the Kiinaujaq (Mount Joy) vicinity of the Soper valley. You will want to have your camera in hand and plenty of film. Initially we fly over a barren, rocky, landscape. All at once, we descend into a lush green valley – a stark contrast. The flight across this vast wilderness is the first of the many highlights that await. Camp will be among the willows and wildflowers on the shore of the Soper River. This place is appropriately named Panoramic Flats. Carved into the land by ancient glaciers, this valley is a microcosm of relatively lush growth, unparalleled on Baffin. The 24 - hour daylight provides constant opportunity to scan the horizon for wildlife.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 03 (B/L/D)
The beautiful hills surrounding Panoramic Flats beckon us. We will have the option of hiking a surrounding peak or to the base of majestic Veil Falls. It is readily apparent why the park is called Katannilik: "the place where there are falls". Waterfalls cascade within sight of almost every camp on this river.
|
|
|
|
Day 04 (B/L/D)
Today we launch on the river. The initial portion is shallow but soon the confluence with other streams deepens the channel of crystal clear water and moves us along. Camp is on a sandy bluff overlooking a lake-like widening of the river. Surrounded by verdant hills, we watch for wildlife beneath the midnight sun.
|
|
|
|
Day 05 (B/L/D)
Livingstone River is our destination. This is a lovely river day of easy rapids. Ancient tent rings are found near camp. Cause for reflection on the lives of those who have made this valley home for the last 10,000 years.
|
|
|
|
Day 06 (B/L/D)
A short hike brings us to the broad drop of Livingstone Falls. A captivating spot for lunch. In the afternoon we explore further up the Livingstone valley before returning to camp.
|
|
|
|
Day 07(B/L/D)
Back on the river we make our way to the Big Bend. Another spectacular waterfall is the destination of an afternoon hike. Enroute to camp we stop at the Willow Forest to witness the tallest trees on Baffin Island (the giants reach 6’!). We now enter a new range of crystalline limestone named the Gray Hills, foreshadowing geological highlights ahead.
|
|
|
|
Day 08 (B/D/L)
En route to our camp at Soper Falls, we stop to explore intriguing mineral deposits of Mica and Lapis. On a short hike we find large chunks of deep blue lapis and, sparkling mica, shimmering on the ground.
The gorge cut by the falls is captivating and after supper we explore the area and have our first view of Soper Lake.
|
|
|
|
Day 09 (B/D/L)
We make an early start to avoid wind on the lake. This area is yet again dramatically different from anything we have seen so far. Soper Lake, known as Tasiujajuaq to the Inuit, meaning "big lake-like lake". The name refers to the meromictic nature of the lake that is a mixture of fresh and salt water.
Turning into a picturesque bay, we complete the water portion of our trip. A short hike brings us to an overlook revealing the charming village of Kimmirut and the expanse of Lake Harbour. This village is famous for the stone carvers who make their home here. These stone carvers are "internationally" renowned for their artwork. The afternoon allows time to view the many beautiful carvings on display and for sale in the community, as well as a look through the informative Visitor Centre.
Kimmirut is an isolated village where even the children are still fluent in Inuktitut and where a translator will assist our communication with some of the elders.
Later, we will meet our “Home Stay” families. This innovative northern hospitality pairs visitors with receptive families (similar to B&B). A group dinner in one of the homes will be the highlight of the evening. You may have a chance to try traditional dishes, such as seal and caribou.
All in all, the cultural experience of Kimmirut is remarkable and rich, a rare opportunity in today’s world!
|
|
|
|
Day 10 (B/L)
Morning will allow time for a final viewing of carvings. Later in the day we will charter back to Iqualuit with an opportunity to explore this colourful town, Canada's newest Territorial capital city. It is a setting of extreme contrasts, but friendly hospitality. Camp will be in the Frobisher Inn (not included). Included among the highlights of Iqualuit are: the amazing tidal phenomena of the bay, the Legislature, Arts and Crafts school, Museum, Visitor Centre, the igloo shaped Anglican Church, art galleries and unique commercial enterprises. Dinner will be in one of the local restaurants (not included) and will provide an opportunity to recount upriver adventures.
|
|
|
|
Day 11
Homeward bound. You may wish to add on one extra day to your stay in Iqualuit to have a thorough look through town. A guided tour of the Legislative Assembly is particularly impressive. Those staying on to visit Pangnirtung will begin the next step of their journey.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RATES IN CAD$
|
Adult
|
|
Per Person
|
$5650.00
|
|
TOUR DEPARTURES
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Air Transportation to Kiinaujaq
- Ground Transportation
- Camping, Canoe Equipment
- Meals as per itinerary
- Expert wilderness guide
- Group / Kitchen Equipment
- First Aid & Safety Equipment
|
|
