Northwest Territories

Burnside River

~ Intermediate
★★★★☆ 4.0

About

The Burnside River is a classic Arctic tundra paddling route flowing from Contwoyto Lake across the remote Contwoyto Plateau to Bathurst Inlet. This 250+ km journey is renowned as the 'wildlife river' with exceptional Class I-II whitewater and long stretches of continuous rapids suitable for intermediate paddlers. Highlights include rolling esker landscapes, deep canyons near the ocean, and unparalleled wildlife viewing: caribou herds, muskoxen, grizzly bears, and raptors are almost guaranteed. Over 125 wild flower species bloom along the tundra shoreline. Access is by floatplane from Yellowknife; paddlers enjoy flexible daily mileage and excellent fishing for Arctic char and grayling.

Highlights

Wildlife riverEasy-moderate whitewaterArctic tundra landscapeGuaranteed caribou migrationEsker plateau scenery
Best season: June-early July

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of Burnside River?

Burnside River is estimated at Intermediate. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.

When is the best time to canoe Burnside River?

The best time is June-early July.

Where is Burnside River located?

Burnside River is located in the Northwest Territories region of Canada.

View interactive map

Sources

nahanni.com · adventures.com · wikipedia.org · myccr.com

Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use

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