Canoeing

Fort Smith is one of the most practical and cost-effective access points to the largest wilderness left in North America: the storied Arctic Barren Lands (mainland tundra) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Canoeists from all over North America and Europe come to Fort Smith to paddle the Barren Lands on some of the most remote and wild rivers on the planet.

Between the treeline and Fort Smith lies the largest boreal forest wilderness in Canada, spattered with thousands of unnamed lakes and coursed by major rivers like the Taltson, Snowdrift, Tazin, and Thoa. These rivers and their legendary tundra counterparts to the north -- the Thelon, Back, and Dubawnt -- are all accessible by float plane from Fort Smith. They offer the adventurous canoeist unparalleled opportunities to see extraordinary wildlife roam the Barren Lands: massive caribou herds, muskoxen, wolves, and grizzlies. Outfitters such as Canoe Arctic Inc. can take you there.

Whether your canoeing party requires a flight of 50 km or 1,000 km, Fort Smith air charter operators can provide float plane access to any location in this great wilderness. Businesses in the community provide canoe rentals, outfitting services, and guided canoe trips on the remote Arctic tundra.

Much closer to Fort Smith, and accessible by road, are one-day and multi-day canoe trips on other rivers. Routes on the Slave River and rivers within Wood Buffalo National Park can be done by paddlers of all skill levels.