Need-to-know information
Northern conditions can be tough and unpredictable. Keep the following factors in mind as you plan your trip and collect the gear you'll need.
Climate is the single over-riding consideration in planning a water trip in Canada's Northwest Territories. The two major climatic zones are the Arctic, above the treeline, and the Subarctic, farther south. The Arctic summer is cooler and windier than the Subarctic, with occasional snowstorms a distinct possibility. Overall, summer temperatures average from around 10° C (50° F) to 22° C (72° F). The weather is usually dry and sunny, with daylight lasting 18 to 24 hours. But the weather can be very unpredictable. Cold spells and high winds occur without warning, creating tough conditions for wilderness travellers.
Ice break-up is a major consideration when you plan your trip. Generally, streams and rivers begin to flow in May and early June, often rising to peak flows within two weeks. Great Slave Lake is usually free of ice between the middle and end of June. Great Bear Lake breaks up approximately three weeks later, typical for most big lakes in the northern and eastern regions of the territory. But break-up times vary from year to year. Local air charter companies can often provide you with valuable information on conditions. Freeze-up occurs in October and November, but is not a concern, since you should be off the water long before then.
Water temperatures are very cold in most NWT lakes and rivers because the ice breaks up too late to allow the sun to warm them up. Summer water temperatures can range from 0° C to 20° C (32° F to 70° F), which means a dunking can cause instant numbing. (You need to plan for this eventuality; see the information on hypothermia)
Water levels can vary enormously from year to year, and even during a single summer. Scout your river before you go, by contacting outfitters or NWT Tourism (1-800-661-0788).
Bugs can be pesky when you're boating or paddling in the Northwest Territories. Mosquitoes appear first, reaching their greatest numbers towards the end of June and throughout July. Blackflies peak later, reaching their height during July. In fact, the bug season is much shorter in northern areas than it is in southern Canada, but their sheer numbers here outweigh this advantage. Small bottles of liquid repellent are easier to carry than cans of spray. Buy the brand that has the highest concentration (80% - 90%) of DEET. Headnets provide relief on especially bad bug days, as do bug jackets. Camp in an exposed area — an open point of land, island or sandbar where breezes can blow the bugs away.
Gear and equipment should be selected with care. For maximum versatility,
choose an all-purpose, 17 foot tripping canoe that you feel comfortable with.
Ensure you have a minimum of three paddles per canoe, preferably four, with
different-sized blades for flatwater and whitewater.
Tents should be the type that sit low, with sewn-in floors and bug netting
at each end. Your tent should be mosquito proof, and above the treeline it
must be able to withstand extremely high winds. A good quality, three-season
artificial fibre sleeping bag will keep you warm in most weather. If you prefer
down, make sure you have an absolutely waterproof storage bag.
Choose appropriate clothing for a wide range of conditions, consisting of several thin layers, rather than a few heavy ones. Synthetic materials like polypropylene, pile or fleece are ideal, since they feel warm even when wet and are easy to dry. If you prefer natural fibre, wool is the most suitable, but does not dry easily. Cotton garments (especially jeans) are not recommended.
Canvas packs are heavier but more suitable for carrying gear than the nylon aluminum backpacker type. The canvas pack sits better in the canoe and is more resistant to rough treatment.
Food The North's cool temperatures combined with the exertion of paddling
will burn up a lot of energy, so northern canoeists tend to eat more.
Take along more than enough food to last the whole trip, in case your party
is delayed by bad weather.
Permits and licences Migratory bird sanctuaries in the NWT, set aside to protect the nesting habitats of birds from six continents. You should determine at the planning stages of your trip whether you will be passing through a migratory bird sanctuary, as 45 days are required to obtain a permit. For further information write the Canadian Wildlife Service, Box 637, Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9 or call (867) 920-8534.
Similarly, you need to register if your trip takes you through a National Park. Contact park headquarters for information. You do not require a permit to pass through Territorial wildlife sanctuaries, but there are restrictions on hunting and firearms. Contact the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Government of the NWT, Box 1320, Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9 Tel: (867) 873-7411. If you think you'll be tempted to fish our abundant waters, be sure to get a fishing licence before you set out.
NWT Tourism Box 610, Yellowknife NT X1A 2N5 Canada
Toll-free number: 1-800-661-0788
International: +1-867-873-7200
Email: info@spectacularnwt.com
