Great Slave Lake kayaking expeditions

For East Arm

In the morning, we board a boat shuttle from Yellowknife to the East Arm. Once at camp on a majestic rocky island, we take in our new surroundings: pristine air and clear deep water. It doesn't take long to reel in our first lake trout. Fish fry for dinner? 

For North Arm

In the morning, we head out from the capital city of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife. Our shuttle takes us down the road to "Frank's Channel". From there we will launch into Great Slave Lake and begin our 130 km paddle back to Yellowknife.

For East Arm

We spend our days moving to a new location each day, setting up camp on beautiful natural sites on the subarctic shield. As we work our way to the North end of Etthen Island, the scenery grows bolder. Spectacular granite cliffs rise along the shore. We are treated to Aurora that dances in the sky above our tents. The fishing is non-stop, and world-class. If the weather permits, we cross over to Utsingi Point for a day trip to hike and explore this stunning peninsula. 

For North Arm

Camping each night on the many islands of the North Arm, we make our way around the historic Old Fort Rae towards the spectacular area known as Trout Rock.

For East Arm

We paddle around the North end of Etthen Island and are treated to spectacular granite cliffs rising along the shore. It's a breath-taking and stunning scene that few will ever experience. We continue to paddle South, enjoying some of the most unique and beautiful campsites in the Northwest Territories. Perfect paddling on the profound blue depths off Etthen island will offer exciting days. Often, we spot wildlife such as moose or bears. Eventually, we are back to our original campsite having successfully completed our 70 km circumnavigation of Etthen Island. 

For North Arm

After a 10 km section of exposed shore, we tuck back into the cover of the thousands of islands in the North Arm. Water clarity improves as we paddle east, through the remote and beautiful wilderness of Great Slave Lake.

For East Arm

One last chance to pick our fill of wild berries before the boat shuttle from Yellowknife to the East Arm takes us 200 km back to the nearest civilisation of Yellowknife. After hot showers we meet up in town for cold celebratory beers and final farewells! 

For North Arm

It's a feeling of accomplishment as we paddle back into Yellowknife Bay. The colourful houseboats and a Jackpine Paddle shuttle meet us at the main dock. After hot showers, we meet for dinner, cold beer and final farewells!

While on the kayak trip accommodations are in tent camps along the lake. Hotel accommodations in Yellowknife are an additional cost.

What will the food be like? Really good. Your guides have fine-tuned a high-end, nutritious and well-balanced backcountry menu of unique and tasty dishes from years of expedition tripping – and look forward to sharing it with you. The flexible menu can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free preferences and will be tailored in advance for participants on each trip. Guests are always welcome to join guides in cooking and learn to cook our authentic, backcountry recipes.

Breakfast will include fresh fruit and a main dish, like eggs and bacon or pancakes. Lunch features locally smoked sausages, fruit, hummus, salads, bread and naan with a spread of cheese, jams, and a variety of nut butter. Dinner will offer an appetizer, main course, and dessert! Because the fishing is so good on this trip, we'll eat a lot of fresh, local lake trout caught on the same day including a fish fry, chowder, and fish tacos.