Kayaking the Islands of the Taiga
East Arm of Great Slave Lake
Kayaking Great Slave Lake’s East Arm –
9 or 12 days
Great Slave Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the world, reaching depths in excess of 2,000 ft. The East Arm is bounded by spectacular red granite cliffs and magical coves, offering a stunning paddler's paradise.
Located on the northern edge of the boreal forest, this area is the traditional homeland of the First Nations Dene people, whose camps and presence is felt at every corner of the lake and landscape. The rugged Canadian Shield country hosts a mix of black spruce and white pine while birches, poplars and willows display beautiful fall colours in late early September.
Secluded bays provide some of northern Canada's most important waterfowl and moose habitat, and, to the delight of every fisherman, they teem with Lake trout and Northern pike.
While Golden and Bald eagles abound, the East Arm is known for its migratory bird life, ducks, geese and loons are fellow summer visitors. Evenings around the campfire are made memorable by spectacular sunsets and on clear nights, the promise of northern lights makes one linger a little longer before crawling into the tent. Kayaking Great Slave Lake is a chance to experience Canada’s NWT in all its natural finery.
Itinerary-in-Brief: 9 day trip
Day 1: The group will meet at the float dock terminal in "Old Town" of Yellowknife. We fly east by Twin Otter from Yellowknife to a landing site on a bay on the "East Arm" of Great Slave Lake where we will begin the fun task of preparing our folding kayaks and exploring the spectacular area.
Days 2-7: You will be travelling by expedition sea kayak, traversing the head of East Arm. Highlights of the trip include superb campsites on secluded islets, exploring the taiga-boreal forest, birdwatching, cooking fresh fish over the campfire and an evening of storytelling by First Nation elders. Early displays of northern lights are common at this time.
Day 8: We rendezvous with our charter flight for the return flight to Yellowknife where you will be transferred to your choice of accommodation. Overnight in Yellowknife.
Day 9: The day is free to explore Yellowknife before catching flights southward.
