The Thomsen River is a rare "high arctic" gem that few have experienced but many dream of. Situated on Banks Island it is the most northerly river of it's size in North America. The river is best known for it's abundance of muskox. The trip begins and finishes with a Twin Otter flight from Inuvik NWT, across the Amundsen Gulf of the Beaufort Sea. On this 14 day trip we paddle approximately 150 km, traversing open arctic tundra, with plenty of opportunity for wildlife viewing, hiking, and photography. The river has shallow gradient and is not technically difficult.

Craft Description: Sea Kayak - Folding kayaks, (there is an option to select a folding canoe for an additional $250/ person fee).

Prerequisites: Beginners - some previous flat water canoe or Kayak experience is required.

Available Dates

Fri. Jun 29 - Fri. Jul 13, 2012

Book this date

Rate Details
CAD: $10,490.00 - Plus $150 Park Fees
USD: $9,937 *fluxuates daily - (includes Park Fee)
Current CAD/USD Exchange Rate: 0.991

Folding kayaks are used on the Thomsen. If you wish a folding canoe instead, there is a $250.00 fee per person.

Recommended Reading
Preparatory reading before visiting an area always makes the experience a richer one. Your guides will be carrying a small library on the trip Longitude Books has put together a wonderful selection of guidebooks, maps, field guides, novels and books on art, architecture, history, nature and culture for your upcoming trip at the web link below. If you have any questions or want advice, their staff is incredibly helpful and eager to find ways to get you what you need. You can call them at (800) 342-2164 or (212) 904-1144, or you can order online.

http://reading.longitudebooks.com/

Here is a selection of our favorite books on the Arctic

• Lopez, Barry, 1986. Arctic Dreams; Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape. Stefansoon, Vilhjalmur. 1921. The Friendly Arctic. MacMillan, New York.
• Lynch, Wayne. Aulavik – Our New Arctic Park is a vast Sanctuary for Muskox, Caribou, and Waterfowl. Canadian Geographic. Mar/Apr pp 24- 33.
• Struzik, Ed. 1991. The Magical Mystery Tour—Ecological oddities make Banks Island an intriguing place to visit. Nature Canada, July, pp 37-44.

Arrival in Inuvik.

We have made a hotel reservation for you at the MacKenzie Hotel, Invuvik's newest and only full service hotel. Please note that meals and hotels in Inuvik are not included in your trip.

The following morning (Day 2), weather and pilot hours permitting, we will board our Twin Otter for the four hour flight to our drop off spot on the shores of the upper Thomsen River, on Banks Island. Upon arrival, the group begins the task of preparing the folding kayaks and fitting everything into them prior to heading out onto the Thomsen River for our first night's camp.

For the next 11 days we’ll paddle from our drop-off site downriver to another airstrip approximately 150 kilometres away. Our travel each day will be governed by the weather, but some of the things we hope to see include carpets of blooming flowers, open rolling hills, vast vistas, a diversity of wildlife, and numerous archeological sites. Throughout the course of the trip your guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, and geographical features of the area.

On Day 14,
weather permitting, the group will be picked up by Twin Otter for the return flight to Inuvik. Please note that weather or loss of available aircraft hours may impose a later return date.

On Day 15,
the group is free to enjoy Inuvik before catching their early afternoon flight homeward.