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Birding
in the Deltas
Like a busy international airport,
the Peace-Athabasca Delta west
of the Slave River basin hosts
migratory birds from all four
North American flyways. Thousands
of ducks, geese and swans seek
shelter in the shallow lakes,
marshes, sedge meadows and meandering
channels of the largest inland
freshwater delta in the world.
The delta may be accessed by
water from the community of
Fort Chipewyan.
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A
Nature Safari on the Slave
Wondering about wildflowers? Curious about
culture? While hunting and fishing lodges
abound in the land of the Slave, the nature
tour companies of the Northwest Territories
are well-equipped to cater to visitors who
would rather shoot a photo than a firearm.
Whether "flightseeing" from the
air, backpacking on land or floating on
a river raft, the expert interpreters, naturalists
and wildlife biologist of the north's adventure
travel companies offer personalized eco-tours
and expeditions. For wildlife viewing in
Wood Buffalo National Park, birdwatching
in the waterfowl staging areas of the Peace
and Slave River deltas, guided canoe, kayaking
and rafting river trips, and even boat cruises
on Great Slave Lake, consult local nature
tour operators.
Snowshoeing,
Snowmobiling and Sledding
Not all northern outfitters end their season
when the snow falls. For a true taste of
life along the Slave, plan to visit during
Snow Season. You can:
· "mush" a sled dog team
across the ice of Great Slave Lake
· take an overnight snowmobile trip
· visit a traditional trap-line
· fish through the ice
· ski forever along frozen rivers
and lakes.
Wear the latest in state-of-the-art cold
weather gear, or experience the warmth of
a fur-trimmed parka: tour operators can
supply both. Enjoy it all amidst the backdrop
of one of the most breathtaking and surreal
sights on earth-the Northern Lights.
Kayaking
the Slave River Rapids
Land of a Thousand Holes…Rip Curl …Upper
Fury…Dread Ledge...a landlubber's worst
nightmare or a river-runner's dream come
true? For thrill-seeking kayakers, the heart-revving
twists, turns and drops of the Slave River
Rapids fall squarely into the second category.
Their lure is so great, in fact, that the
swirling water that once claimed the lives
of early explorers, and forced river traders
to haul their fur-laden barges through the
woods, is now known to kayaking enthusiasts
as "The Playground." Popular runs
have earned colourful nicknames, including
the mysterious and intimidating "Locals
Only."
Competition Central:
The four extreme drops that make up the
rapids between Fort Fitzgerald and Fort
Smith include the Cassette, Pelican, and
Portage Rapids, and the Rapids of the Drowned.
Demanding the utmost in daring and skill
from experienced kayakers, this frenzied
stretch of the Slave River has been the
site of many whitewater slalom kayaking
races. It was home to the Canadian National
races in 1994, and hosts the Territorial
competition each year. |
