Kayaking the Thomsen River - Banks Island, NWT
Hiking and Kayaking at 73° North through Aulavik National Park
Banks Island presents some of the richest wildlife habitat in the western Canadian Arctic. One of the only sites in the Arctic archipelago left largely unscarred by the last glaciation, the island has evolved as an oasis and refuge for both flora and fauna. To the avid naturalist, Banks Island has much to offer and delight, including the world's largest population of Muskoxen; an astounding 70,000 animals. The showcase for much of the natural splendor of Banks is Aulavik, the National Park that occupies much of the islands' northern tundra. Most significant to this Park is the Thomsen River valley, a major wildlife corridor that is mantled in a profusion of wildflowers, lush sedges and grasslands.
"Steve and Jane were superb. They were knowledgeable about the ecology of the Arctic and a constant fund of information to identify bird and marine and the biology of the tundra. They were always friendly and considerate of others and maintained high morale especially when weather conditions were inimical. In addition, they were excellent cooks. Given the unpredictability of Arctic weather and the slim margin for errors in judgment, Steve and Jane were outstanding. We would gladly do another trip with them."
- Stan and Kay Jolly - Toronto, Ontario
Whitney & Smith is the only adventure outfitter licensed to operate on the Thomsen River. Using stable expedition sea kayaks, we descend this gentle thoroughfare along its course through Aulavik National Park.
Snow geese, Sandhill cranes, Rough-legged hawks, Peregrine falcons, Snowy owls, Sabine gulls, and Yellow-billed loons are some of the tundra-nesting bird life seen along the route, while roaming wolf packs, Arctic fox, Arctic hare and ermine grace the landscape. Above the banks of the river, signs of people who came centuries and even millennia before us are evident. Ancient stone meat caches, tent rings and scattered remains speak of the adventurous spirit of those who first came to this land of solitude.
This non-technical river-running expedition involves 3 to 5 hours of paddling per day with some layover days for base camping and daily opportunities to hike. Time in this magnificent Arctic sanctuary is one of discovery and great beauty as we join the ranks of the select few who have traveled through this special area.
Highlights
- Kayaking adventure paddling down gentle, meandering crystal-clear Thomsen River with open rolling hills & pastoral arctic scenery.
- Traverse Aulavik National Park, one of Canada's newest wilderness parks.
- An oasis for wildlife; a pristine island virtually unscarred by the last glaciation.
- 3 to 5 hours per day paddling down this non-technical river.
- Daily opportunities to hike.
- Layover days for base camping.
- Half the worlds population of muskoxen lives on Banks Island.
- Birdlife includes Snowy owls, Gyrfalcons, Peregrine falcons, King eiders, Yellow-billed loons, jaegers, Sabine's gulls and Sandhill cranes.
- Rich archaeology - guided hikes to cultural sites and prehistoric ruins.
Trip Details
- 15-day trip begins and finishes in Inuvik, NWT.
- Trip includes charter plane flight from Inuvik to Banks Island, park fees, hotel and dinner last night.
- Meals, kayaks and tents are included.
Itinerary-in-Brief
More information about this trip is available in our in-depth Trip Information Package. Please contact our office to receive these detailed materials.
Day 1: The group flies north to Inuvik from Edmonton/Yellowknife on First Air. Upon arrival in Inuvik, you will board a chartered Twin Otter aircraft for the three hour flight to our drop off spot on the shore of the upper Thomsen River.
Day 2: After a trip orientation meeting, the group begins the fun task of preparing the folding kayaks and fitting everything into them prior to heading out onto the Thomsen River.
Days 3-13: We'll kayak from our drop-off site downriver to another airstrip approximately 150 kilometers (90 miles) away. Our travel each day will be governed by the weather, but some of the things we hope to see include carpets of blooming flowers, open rolling hills, vast vistas, a diversity of wildlife, and numerous archeological sites. Throughout the course of the trip your guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, and geographical features of the area.
Day 14: The group will be picked up by Twin Otter for the return flight into Inuvik (flight time dictated by weather). Upon arrival in Inuvik, you will be transferred to our local Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Farewell Dinner.
Day 15: You and your group will be free to explore around Inuvik. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the Inuvik airport to meet the First Air jet for the flight to Edmonton.
