Churchill River Voyageur Paddling Odysseys

Enjoy these historical canoeing adventures on the Churchill River in northern Saskatchewan. The rock of the Canadian Shield is the oldest in the world and forms the breathtaking boreal landscape. The 5-day tour is an eco-education adventure combining the fields of geology, boreal forest ecology and ethnobotany. With the help of expert interpreters you will be exploring all of these fascinating topics against the dramatic backdrop of the Canadian Shield. Of special interest will be the discussions and demonstrations on edible and medicinal plants of the boreal forest. Where the landscape offers prime learning opportunities you will stop to discover some of the wonders of the natural environment. Woodland Cree legends and campfire tales of the voyageurs will round out the evenings. You will start where the Shield starts - in the picturesque, island-studded north end of immense Lac La Ronge. En route, you'll encounter legends of Aboriginal rock art and campfire tales of voyageur exploits on the rivers of the Shield. You will finish at the Cree community of Stanley Mission and visit a time-honoured landmark of the Shield - the stately Holy Trinity Church. The route will traverse the rocky island-studded north end of Lac La Ronge. Here the southern edge of the Precambrian Shield is prominent and imposing and will help establish the aura of this tour. You will follow a historic route to the famous Churchill River, traveled by trappers, fur traders and indigenous people for ages. You end with a visit to the church at Stanley Mission - a time-honored relic of missionary zeal on the Shield, and Western Canada's oldest church. The scenery is diverse and appealing. Numerous shoreline outcrops, beautiful mossy bedrock campsites, large and small lakes, winding lily-covered creeks and well-trodden, scenic portage trails are encountered. Wildlife, and particularly larger birds, such as bald eagles, white pelicans, and northern loons, frequent the area we travel through.