Canoe North

The Mackenzie River

Mackenzie River

The 1,800 km (1,120 mile) Mackenzie River is the longest river in Canada and forms part of the Finlay-Peace-Mackenzie River, the tenth longest in the world. Travelled by First Nations for generations, by the explorer Alexander Mackenzie in 1789, and later by fur-traders, missionaries, and adventurers.

The Mackenzie River passes through the Dehcho Region, by the communities of Fort Providence, Jean Marie River, Fort Simpson (the oldest fur trade settlement along the river) and Wrigley. The river continues through the Sahtu region where you will visit the communities of Tulita, Norman Wells, and Fort Good Hope and then on to the communities of Tsiigehtchic, and Inuvik in the Gwich'in Region and finally through the Inuvialuit Region to the Arctic Ocean and Tuktoyaktuk.

Hay River is the perfect location to start your adventure. If you drive to Hay River you can either put your vehicle on the barge and it will be waiting for you in Inuvik or Tuktoyaktuk when you complete your paddle.  You can contact The barge system Marine Transport Systems (MTS) in March to determine when you have to have your vehicle at their dock, the cost is determined by the weight/length of your vehicle. The other option is to catch a plane back from Inuvik to Edmonton, Yellowknife or Hay River. 

If you paddle to Tuktoyaktuk you can either fly out with the local airlines or take a boat ride back with Tundra North Tours or check with the locals if there are people travelling to Inuvik.
 
Approximate timing of paddling sections of the Mackenzie River:
  • Hay River to Inuvik takes approximately 4-7 weeks  (It has been completed in 3 weeks by two crazy New Zealand paddlers).
  • Hay River to Fort Providence takes 4 days (on the road system)
  • Fort Providence to Fort Simpson 8-9 days (on the road system) 
  • Fort Simpson to Wrigley 5 days (on the road system)
  • Wrigley to Norman Wells 10-14 days (no road access)
  • Norman Wells to Inuvik 10 days (no road access)
  • Inuvik to Tuk is 4-7 days depending on wind.

Begin Your Journey

Contact us to arrange rentals, and schedule a pickup or dropoff. Your journey awaits!

Maps

Coming soon

Mileage Chart

The Mileage Chart is only a rough guide as it doesn't take in the speed of the current. There is a good current going through Ft. Providence and then there is little current until the river narrows after Mills Lake. You will then have good current until you hit the delta and then it will slow again.  The current varies with the water levels. So you would expect the flows to be quicker in June than in August.

Travel and Acommodations

The best way to reach us via plane. There are many options for accommodations while you are here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare for your trip.

Self Guiding the Mackenzie River

Canoe North Ltd. A division of MSS Ltd.