The North Saskatchewan

Description of Tour:

The upper North Saskatchewan River is considered one of the most beautiful and scenic river trips in the Canadian Rockies. The North Saskatchewan has been designated a Canadian heritage river since 1989, its headwaters originating at the Colombia Ice-field at an elevation of 2080m, the North Saskatchewan has a total length of 1287 km before emptying into Lake Winnipeg. Along its course the North Saskatchewan runs east through the Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, eventually draining into the Nelson River and finally into the Hudson Bay. The North Saskatchewan uniquely constitutes one of the Rivers in the only continental divide system of North America in which three rivers originating from the same source (the Colombia Ice field) empty into three different global Oceans (the Colombia, and Athabasca River consisting the other two). From its glacier headwaters, the upper sections of the North Saskatchewan run through landscapes of towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine wilderness. The North Saskatchewan river is one of the top paddling river trips in the Central Rockies and is a must see and do for any outdoor enthusiast.

The trip is 7 Days (six days spent on the river itself and one day spent on the lake practicing paddling skills) in length.

 

 

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1

Meet the guide(s) and other members of the group. We check personal gear and equipment to make sure everyone is adequately prepared. We van Shuttle (including all our gear and equipment) from Edmonton, approximately 300 km to the small hamlet of Nordegg. Our first evening we camp on the boarder of Banff National Park on the pristine shores of Lake Abraham, we pitch our tents in the meadows surrounded by the mountains and grasslands of the picturesque North Saskatchewan Valley. In the evening enjoy a welcome B.B.Q by the camp fire as everyone becomes familiar with the members of the group with whom we will be sharing this adventure over the next couple of days.

Day 2

After a leisurely breakfast around the campfire, we spend an entire day being introduced to canoeing. We practice and hone skills for maneuvering and managing the upcoming river of the next couple of days. We make sure you are confident and ready to tackle the relaxing but at times swift currents you will encounter on the upper sections of this river visually stunning river. Evening options include a walk along the shore of lake Abraham or a quick visit to some local Native ceremonial grounds.

Day 3

After breakfast we break camp and start our first day canoeing down the river. An easy paddle eases you into the river all the way to Dutch Creek, and the start of the so called "Gap". Here you will encounter the first of a short set of rapids, some faster chutes and the occasional bolder dodging is the name of the game before we make camp around Saunders landing. The first couple of days we have fun encountering the occasional rapid on some of the more exciting sections of the river as it flows swiftly in the narrower regions of the mountains. We are rewarded by majestic views of the eastern Rockies as open valleys and mountains flank both sides of the river. We pitch our camp on Islands, or on the banks of River, enjoying the view and tranquility of the Rockies. In the evening there is the chance of building and experiencing an authentic sweat lodge, or cook bannock over the open fire. You can fish or simple enjoy the evening stars falling asleep by the camp fire.

Day 4

Our stretch today runs roughly from Sauders landing to Horburg. We encounter a few faster chutes through Saunders rapids and with the exception of the occasional bouncy wave after Suanders rapid the river runs leisurely but swiftly through the end ranges of the rockies into the rolling foot hills. We aim to have lunch at the old Phoenix Ferry Crossing, that once supported a historic logging camp. After lunch we paddle past the confluence with the Ram river and the swift but generally "flat" section of the river up to the Horburg camp site.

Day 5

From Horburg through to Devil’s Elbow we encounter some light class II rapids but the river remains generally easy going. The long shale ledges of Devil’s Elbow marks the start of the fun section run through to the so called "Brierly’s. Depending on water level this section can provide some good class II to III rapids and riffles. After Cow Creek and the easily avoidable Fisher’s rapids, the river flattens out slightly as we aim to camp on the banks past Rocky-Mountain House.

Day 6

From Rocky-Mountain House the North Saskatchewan opens up as it flows through the foothills of the Rockies. Channels and islands braid the river along its length to the small town of Drayton Valley. We still might encounter the occasional rapid or riffle but avoiding gravel bars and maneuvering channels has become our main concern. This last two day section of the river provides ample opportunity for wilderness camping on Islands, fishing, or simply enjoying the serenity of this historical fur trade route.

Day 7

We leisurely float past the confluence with the Baptiste, and Nordegg River. If time allows we make camp slightly earlier today to scout for a proper camp on which to build an authentic Native sweat lodge with hot rocks. A bonfire by sunset accompanies the experience of an authentic spiritual sweat on the banks of the river.

Day 8

On our last day we spend a half day on the river. We aim to arrive by midday or early afternoon in Rocky Mountain House. We take out the Canoes, unpack and clean our gear and equipment. We load up the Van and return back to Edmonton in the early evening were we are rewarded with hot showers and a celebration supper to commemorate the adventure of the last couple of days.

What is included: ( Show )

All river and paddling equipment (including canoes, rafts, spray skirts, life jackets, helmets, paddles, dry-bags, etc.)

Small group sizes (max 14)

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)

Dry Bags large enough to keep all personal items water-tight and dry

Wet suits

All meals for the entire length of the trip (Menu is varied and is nutritious and delicious)

Introduction to river and lake canoeing

Experienced and fun-loving guide

Van and equipment shuttle (transportation) to and from the river

What is excluded: ( Show )

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: ( Show )

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.