Tour Details
Number of Days: 5 days
Skill Level: Begginer/Intermediate
Pickup: Nordegg
Ending Place: Rocky Mountain House
Min. Group Size: 2 people
:
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The North Saskatchewan River- 5 Days
Description:
The upper North Saskatchewan River is considered one of the most beautiful and scenic river trips in the Canadian Rockies and was designated a Canadian heritage river in 1989. The North Saskatchewan River’s headwaters originate at the Columbia Ice-field, and the river runs a total length of 1287 km before emptying into Lake Winnipeg. Along its course, the river runs east through the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, eventually draining into the Nelson River and finally into Hudson Bay. The North Saskatchewan uniquely constitutes one of three rivers in the only continental divide system of North America, in which three rivers originating from the same source (the Columbia Icefield) empty into three different oceans. From its glacial headwaters, the upper sections of the North Saskatchewan run through landscapes of towering mountains and pristine wilderness, and it is one of the top paddling trips in the Central Rockies.
Price: Adult (17+) :$1150 CAD per person
Youth (13-17): $950 CAD per person
Child (8-12): $850 CAD per person
Note:* A minimum of 4 participants is required for each departure. If you are looking for an individual guided group smaller than 4 please contact us for custom dates and prices.
Group Size: 4 - 14 Participants
Highlights:
Whats is Included in the Trip:
Trip Expectation:
Active adventure holiday, no previous canoeing experience required. Trip leaders/guides will teach all required canoeing skills and will accompany guest throughout trip. Camping throughout Canoe trip will be wilderness camping
Extras or Not Included in the Trip Package:
Single Tent Surcharge: $140 CAD per person
Release Agreement:
Participation in activities with Canadian Wilderness School Expedition/ Bow Valley Canyon Tours involves risks, dangers and hazards. All participants must read and agree to the Release Agreement prior to proceeding with booking. Click here to read the Release Agreement: Click here to read the Release Agreement:
Questions or are you looking for more Information:
If you have any questions, or if you would like some more information please contact us anytime by email, or phone. We would to book a trip for you, your friends, family or group.
Group Booking outside regular tour dates:
Looking to book a trip? Give us a shout anytime by phone or email. We can accommodate any group size starting with 2 participants. We would love to set up and amazing expereince for you, your friends, family, or group!
Itinerary
Day 1
(Nordegg Canoe Training): Meet either in Calgary or Nordegg, introduction to guides and other members of the group. We check personal gear and equipment to make sure everyone is adequately prepared for the trip. From Calgary it is an approximately 350 km drive to the small hamlet of Nordegg. The upper North Saskatchewan River Valley is a spectacular gateway to the Rockies, as we are surrounded by mountains, foothills, and grasslands. We spend the afternoon canoe training on Goldeye Lake. We spend a full day learning basic canoeing skills. After some instruction and theory, we spend the day practicing on the crystal blue waters, everyone will learn and improve their paddling skills by practicing different maneuvers and playing various games. Your guides will teach you all the necessary skills, In the evening we pack and prepare for the following three-day canoe trip. Our first evening, is spent in the rustic and beautiful log house style Shunda Creek Wilderness Hostel.
Day 2
North Saskatchewan River: in the morning we pack and prepare the remainder of our gear for our four day adventure. Today is our first day spent on the beautiful North Saskatchewan River with its open valleys and high mountain peaks. We spend the first day getting comfortable on the river continuing to practice maneuvers and skills. In the evening we set up camp at the river’s edge on one of the many islands that dot its course. We cook by the campfire, tell stories, and enjoy our romantic surroundings.
Days 3-4
North Saskatchewan River: The first couple of days on the North Saskatchewan are characterized by a swift running flow as the river descends out of the mountains into the rolling foothills. We stay focused and have fun encountering the occasional rapid on some of the more exciting sections of the river. In the evening we pitch our camps on islands or on the banks of the river, enjoying the views and tranquility of the Rockies. There is always the opportunity to build and experience an authentic sweat lodge or cook bannock over the open fire. You can fish or simply enjoy the campfire, falling asleep under a star filled sky.
Day 5
North Saskatchewan River - Rocky Mountain House/Calgary: Today marks the last day of our canoe expedition. After breakfast we spend half a day on the river. By early afternoon we arrive at our goal, near the small town of Rocky Mountain House. We unpack all our equipment, and after saying our last goodbyes to the river we make our return trip to Calgary (approx 230 km) arriving by early evening.
Tour Details
Number of Days | 5 days | Skill Level | Begginer/Intermediate |
---|---|---|---|
Pickup | Nordegg | Ending Place | Rocky Mountain House |
Min. Group Size | 2 people |
Activities
Camping
Canoeing
Sightseeing
What is included:
All group camping and outdoor equipment including Tents, cookware, cook shelter, emergency gear, etc. (excluding personal outdoor and camping equipment for example: sleeping bag, mattress, raingear, clothing etc)
All meals for the entire length of the trip (Menu is varied and is nutritious and delicious)
All river and paddling equipment (including canoes, rafts, spray skirts, life jackets, helmets, paddles, dry-bags, etc.)
Dry Bags large enough to keep all personal items water-tight and dry
Experienced and fun-loving guide
Introduction to river and lake canoeing
Small group sizes (max 14)
Van and equipment shuttle (transportation) to and from the river
Wet suits
What is not included:
Expenses incurred as a result of an emergency Evacuation by plane or Helicopter or coverage as a result of delays due to extreme weather conditions.
Personal outdoor equipment including sleeping bad, sleeping mattress, cloths raingear, etc.
Click ’show’ beside Personal Gear to view a list of suggested personal gear and equipment.
Personal gear to bring:
Weather conditions can change quickly in the outdoors therefore it is essential to have proper equipment and even prepare for extreme conditions to ensure your comfort and most importantly your safety. Try to avoid cotton fabrics as they provide very little insulating value when wet and are very slow drying. Rely mainly on fleece, wools and synthetics as these fabrics still provide substantial insulating value even when wet (which can frequently occur in the outdoors). In early and late summer it is not uncommon that 0 degress C or below freezing temperatures can occasionally occur, thus it is important to always bring enough warm clothing. When selecting equipment pay attention to quality as this may greatly enhance your enjoyment and comfort.
Do not bring external frame backpacks.
Sleeping Gear
-Duffel Sacks
-Good sleeping bag (minimum comfort range to 0 degrees C)
-Thermarest sleeping mattress
Clothing
-2 long shirts
-Bandana
-Bathing suit
-Fleece jacket or fleece sweater
-Gloves or mitts
-Hat (for protection from the sun)
-Long pants (quick drying)
-Neoprene socks (optional but a good idea)
-Paddling gloves (optional but recommended)
-Rain gear (water proof Jacket and pants Gore-Tex or equivalent)
-Several pairs of socks (quick dry)
-Several pairs of t-shirts
-Shorts (quick drying)
-Sun glasses
-Two pairs of shoes (one sturdy pair for evening/hiking and one pair of runners that can get wet during the day in a raft/canoe)
-Undershirt
-Underwear
-Warm hat or touque against the cold
Personal Items
-Environmentally Biodegradable soap
-Medications (if required take extra)
-Small towel
-Sunscreen
-Toiletry Items
Additional Outdoor Gear
-Binoculars
-Camera
-Fishing rod (optional)
-Flashlight
-Garbage bags (for waterproofing)
-Pocket Knife
-Water bottle
Planned Departures
Please contact us to select a date to book this tour for your group.
All prices are per person in Canadian dollars.
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Canadian Wilderness School and Expeditions
Contact Information
42 Lac Des Arcs Drive
Lac Des Arcs, Alberta, Canada T1W 2W3
1-877-554-0116 (Toll-free)
1-780-695-5141 (Edmonton)
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