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Kayaking the Thomsen River on Banks Island
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Banks Island, the westernmost island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, is the setting for this kayaking expedition in one of the world's newest national parks, Aulavik National Park. Paddle through the arctic landscape on this kayaking trip along the Thomsen River on Banks Island. Banks Island presents some of the richest wildlife habitat in the western Canadian Arctic. One of the only sites in the Arctic archipelago left largely unscarred by the last glaciation, the Island has evolved as an oasis and refuge for both flora and fauna. To the avid naturalist, Banks Island has much to offer and delight, including the world's largest population of Muskoxen; an astounding 70,000 animals. The showcase for much of the natural splendor of Banks is Aulavik, the National Park that occupies much of the islands' northern tundra. Most significant to this Park is the Thomsen River valley, a major wildlife corridor that is mantled in a profusion of wildflowers, lush sedges and grasslands.
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Snow geese, Sandhill cranes, Rough-legged hawks, Peregrine falcons, Snowy owls, Sabine gulls, and Yellow-billed loons are some of the tundra-nesting bird life seen along the route, while roaming wolf packs, Arctic fox, Arctic hare and ermine grace the landscape. Above the banks of the river, signs of people who came centuries and even millennia before us are evident. Ancient stone meat caches, tent rings and scattered remains speak of the adventurous spirit of those who first came to this land of solitude. This non-technical river-running expedition involves 3 to 5 hours of paddling per day with some layover days for base camping and daily opportunities to hike. Time in this magnificent Arctic sanctuary is one of discovery and great beauty as you join the ranks of the select few who have travelled through this special area.
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| Season: June to July |
| Requirements: Sleeping bag and pad. |
| Suggested Items: Daypack, camera, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, pocketknife. |
| Suggested Clothing: Warm clothing to suit a variety of temperatures. Rain gear, long pants, fleece or wool clothing, gloves, hat, warm jacket, wool socks. |
| Difficulty: Intermediate |
| Maximum Number of People: 8 |
| Equipment Provided: Camping equipment, kayaks and tents.
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| Transportation: Trips originate and end in Inuvik, NWT. Package includes flight from Inuvik to Banks Island. Inuvik is accessible by air from Edmonton, Alberta. |
| Accommodations: Accommodations in tent camps along the route. |
| Meal Information: All meals are included. Your guides take pride in providing gourmet menus, and always receive rave reviews about the nutritious and delicious food provided. |
| Guide Information: Your guides are seasoned expedition leaders trained in wilderness first aid, who care deeply about the areas in which they guide. While safety is their first and foremost priority, their aim is to ensure that everyone has a trip of a lifetime. You will find them to be great companions, and as wildlife biologists and naturalists, they provide a unique element of natural history interpretation and cultural education for each trip. |
| Weather Information: Cool and dry conditions are normal summer weather on Banks Island, but be prepared for sudden temperature fluctuations. |
| Trip Duration |
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15 days
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$8500.00* per person
June 23-July 7, July 6-20, 2008 |
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*Please add 5% Goods and Services Tax
If you have any questions or would like more information about a particular adventure, please email us.
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