If a trip to Canada’s spectacular north has been on your bucket list for a while these majestic islands offer a place like no other; unspoiled, remote and iconic. Craggy cliffs and rocky islands support Bald Eagles, terns and gulls. Breathtaking cliffs on these islands are as old as 2.7-billion years (the oldest in the world), making for some of the most epic campsites you’ll ever experience.
Ethan Island is 150 km from the nearest road which is in Yellowknife. We will access the location by boat or chartered float-plane at the start and end of the trip with all of our equipment along with us. This means we can go from the wilderness to a hotel shower in around 45 minutes.
This freshwater lake is located in the southern half of the Northwest Territories and is the 11th largest freshwater lake in the world at roughly the same size as Belgium. On this sea kayaking expedition, we will be exploring the eastern arm of the lake and paddling around Ethan Island. The eastern arm has a spectacular reputation with northern locals for its deep, clear water with abundant islands, narrow channels with tall red cliffs, and world-class fishing.
If you like fishing, you’ll definitely want to bring your rod to enjoy the seemingly bottomless depths surrounding the islands. They are swarming with trophy-sized lake trout and because the lake is clean and cold the fish keep near the surface in the summer making for plenty of fishing opportunities from your kayak or from camp.
The Great Slave Lake lies directly under the magnetic “Aurora Belt”, which means it’s one of the most reliable places on earth to spot the northern lights. While it is impossible to guarantee such a sight there is a chance that to add an element of magic to this expedition we may catch the start of the autumn Aurora season.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our expedition kayak trips. Email or call us 1-905-399-1216
Participant Skill Level
Please contact us with any question related to these trip prerequisites.
- You should have Paddle Canada Level 1 skills or equivalent or higher
- Ability to wet-exit and rescue quickly
Trip Itinerary
A day-by-day plan to guide your journey ahead. Just keep in mind that it may change due to weather or group needs.
Arrival in Yellowknife
Arrive in Yellowknife on Aug 13th or earlier. Stay in accommodation.
Day 1
Shuttle from your accommodation to the docks to take boat shuttle Yellowknife to Ethan Island in the eastern arm on the Great Slave Lake. (Potential to boat shuttle on August 14th or 15th if needed depending on weather)
Day 2-8
On trip paddling around Ethan Island, backcountry wilderness camping self-supported in our sea kayaks.
Day 9
Charter flight from the Eastern arm back to Yellowknife. Shuttle to your accommodation.
Depart Yellowknife
Fly out of Yellowknife on August 22nd or later if you choose.
Meet Your Guides
Karl Vollmer
Karl is a Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Instructor Trainer. He has also been a volunteer member of the Paddle Canada board and skill development committees for years.
Greg Mason
Greg has been paddling and teaching kayaking on Georgian Bay for around 25 yrs… since he was not but a wee grasshopper.
What's Included
Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.
Included
- Boat Shuttle/float-plane charter.
- Shuttles from local accommodations and back to the charter flight
- Equipment (kayak, safety gear, paddles, skirts)
- Gourmet meals and snacks* (Once informed, we can accommodate most food allergies and preferences.)
- Group cooking and camping gear
- Expedition First Aid Kit. Guides are Wilderness Medical Associates First Responder Certified.
- Communication devices. Guides have their VHF Marine Operators License. We travel with a satellite messenger device on all OSKC trips.
- Camping fees and all permits
- Large tarps (in case of rain or intense sun)
- Your guides, James and Dympna, are Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia trained, they are also senior level Paddle Canada instructors.
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Yellowknife
- Any accomodation required in Yellowknife
- Trip cancellation, interruption evacuation and medical coverage. (Plans are cheap and we can give recommendations.)
- Shuttles from Yellowknife airport to your accommodation
- Meals while in Yellowknife
What You Should Bring
A detailed gear list is sent before the start of the trip but this can get you started.
- Sleeping Mat
- Your tent, one can be provided if needed
- Sleeping bag in a dry bag no larger than 15 L
- Personal clothes for on land, in a dry bags no larger than 15 L, maximum 2 bags
- Personal on-water garments (Drysuits available to rent)
- Hiking shoes and water shoes
- A detailed gear list is sent on booking
I love exploring new places from my kayak. Thank you Dympna and James for making this opportunity possible, yet a second time (previously BC). I feel so safe traveling anywhere with you guys.
Nearest International Airport
The Small Print
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about this trip or about any of our other trips or courses.