The Coppermine River is a Canadian Heritage River flowing 845 kilometres northwest from Lac de Gras across the Arctic Circle to Kugluktuk on the Arctic Ocean. This epic Arctic expedition features intermediate to advanced whitewater including the iconic Rocky Defile Canyon and named rapids (Sandstone, Muskox, Escape), flowing through dramatically varied terrain from boreal forest to tundra to barren coastal plains. Paddlers encounter abundant wildlife—barren-ground caribou herds, muskoxen, grizzly bears, wolves, and exceptional nesting raptors (gyrfalcons, eagles)—plus archaeological sites reflecting millennia of Copper Inuit presence. Best paddled July-August, trips are 14-18 days requiring intermediate-to-advanced skills; access via float plane charter from Yellowknife.
The difficulty of Coppermine River River varies by section.
The best time is July-August.
Coppermine River River is located in the Northwest Territories region of Canada.
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