Northwest Territories

Arctic Red River River

★★★☆☆ 3.0

About

The Arctic Red River is an exotic 500+ km Arctic paddling expedition flowing from the Yukon highlands north into the Mackenzie Delta and Arctic coast. This remote, lesser-paddled route features dramatic geology—deep canyons with 300-foot cliffs, rocky ledge rapids, braided channels with challenging current dynamics, and a diverse landscape transitioning from mountain scenery to tundra. Paddling difficulty varies from Class I-II rapids to challenging wave trains and log jams requiring strong boat-handling skills; the river can be silty and fast depending on water levels. Wildlife includes black bears, falcons, geese, and sandhill cranes. Best paddled in mid-late July to avoid high water and silt; floatplane access from Mayo or Inuvik.

Highlights

Dramatic canyonsRemote wildernessVariable whitewaterArctic coast accessDiverse geology
Best season: Mid-late July

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of Arctic Red River River?

The difficulty of Arctic Red River River varies by section.

When is the best time to canoe Arctic Red River River?

The best time is Mid-late July.

Where is Arctic Red River River located?

Arctic Red River River is located in the Northwest Territories region of Canada.

View interactive map

Sources

canoetripping.net · myccr.com · canoenorthadventures.com