7 Week SL - Coppermine River – Y Camp Pine Crest

The Coppermine River is one of Canada's most sought-after Arctic rivers by adventurers and paddlers alike, and is absolutely unrivaled in its whitewater, wildlife and natural beauty. It originates in the Boreal Forest of the Northwest Territories, runs north through Nunavut, and drains into the Coronation Gulf on the Arctic Ocean. Over the course of 33 days and 700 kilometers, participants will paddle through a series of lakes, forests, tundra, mountain ranges and gorges. The landscape is also home to a variety of wildlife including tundra muskox, caribou, arctic fox, moose and grizzly bears. Paddlers have often reported seeing between three and five thousand caribou. The September and Coppermine Mountains are often compared to the Himalayas in terms of their grandeur and beauty; their size and sheer slopes dwarf canoes as they paddle through the canyons of the Coppermine. The rapids of the Coppermine are long, technical and challenging. Nevertheless, the river provides numerous vantage points allowing paddlers to safely scout these difficult rapids and choose the cleanest line down the river. Furthermore, the river abounds with Arctic char and whitefish, while overhead golden eagles, Arctic terns, tundra swans and peregrine falcons may be seen. Skill Level: Advanced. White water paddling experience and strong swimming abilities are required. Participants must understand scouting and how to follow paddling lines, complete eddy turns, and swim confidently in moving water. What to expect: Seven to eight hours of paddling each day, Class I-III white water, lining boats, and some portages on rough terrain. To finalize your registration for this leadership program, please ensure that you fill out the Medical & Camper Experience Form by navigating to activity number #148625.