Unencumbered by dams and largely untouched by human hand, Manitoba’s Seal River offers canoeing opportunities that only a handful of intrepid adventurers experience each year. Spanning for 260 km from its source at Shethanei Lake to Hudson bay, the Seal River allows you to witness some of Canada’s wildest and most pristine landscapes. The river flows through a mix of boreal forests into a transitional subarctic environment and through arctic tundra, eventually reaching the estuary on Hudson Bay. During the course of two weeks, you’ll encounter both short rapids and more demanding, long and technical ones as well as numerous small canyon sections. Apart from canoeing, you’ll spend your days preparing delectable food, breathing in the spruce-scented air, and observing the rich flora and fauna found in the area. And since this canoeing heaven is not easily accessible, you’ll have it all to yourself—it hardly gets better than that!
Difficult access means the nature here is untouched
The river corridor is home to 30 plant species and abundant wildlife
Witness natural features such as 300 m wide eskers, as well as drumlin and boulder fields
Head into Canada’s wilderness and enjoy two weeks of guided canoeing on the Seal River in Manitoba. Paddle the Seal River and its series of rapids ranging from easy swifts to more challenging white water as you make your way from boreal forests to a subarctic environment and arctic tundra. Soak up the views of stunning landscapes, revel in meals at campsites, share stories with your fellow canoers, and let your guide organize an unforgettable adventure!
After you arrive in Thomspon, Manitoba, you’ll meet your guide who will carry out a gear check. You’ll have dinner and spend the night in Thompson. Get ready because a two week adventure is ahead of you!
Kick off the day with breakfast and catch a flight to Shethanei Lake, the source of the Seal River. Once you arrive, you and your guide will set up a camp and review canoe skills so that you can prepare for the upcoming week on this beautiful river.
Over the next 12 days, you’ll explore the Seal River which flows through dense boreal forests and the barren and rocky subarctic wilderness. Your guide will navigate your way through the amazing landscapes that surround the river as you deal with long sets of rapids and a boulder-strewn tidal estuary. You’ll also hike to the top of eskers to marvel at the panoramic vistas. Apart from paddling, you will spend your days watching the beautiful wildlife and rarely-found plant species, camping each night on a rocky outcropping or by a sandy esker, eating delicious and filling meals over a wood fire or camping stove and relaxing next to the Seal River.
Once you arrive at the tidal estuary, you’ll meet your boat shuttle that will take you across Hudson’s Bay to the town of Churchill in Manitoba. During the ride, make sure you take in the views of polar bears and beluga whales. Once in Churchill, check into your hotel for a hot shower and you’ll be able to have an optional group dinner. Spend the night in Churchill and get ready to depart on the next day.
Today is the last day of your adventure. These two weeks have gone by really fast, but you’ve made some memories that will last a lifetime! Get ready to head back home from Churchill and exchange your contact info with your fellow canoers.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures on the Seal River, MB, please refer to the official website of the Province of Manitoba.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
You need to have a very good level of fitness to participate in this canoeing trip. You should be capable of carrying a heavy load (packs and barrels) or a canoe (75 lb / 34 kg). There will be some mandatory portages which can be in poor condition and will undoubtedly have poor footing and mud. You should be prepared to carry your share of the group’s load. The pace will be fairly brisk but you’ll have time for instruction and coaching along the way. You’ll be paddling and hiking for 13 days.
In order to participate in this canoeing adventure, you need to have previous whitewater canoeing experience. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be familiar with all whitewater maneuvers and safety since the rapids range from easy swifts and short rapids to more challenging sustained whitewater with rock, ledges, drops, and large waves. The challenging river trip includes cold-water lake paddling, long and technical sets of rapids, and a boulder-strewn tidal estuary. You’ll also encounter some longer rocky “pool and drop” rapids, a number of small canyon sections
Canoes, paddles, personal floatation devices, helmets, throw lines and other accessories, tents, all cooking equipment, first aid and repair kits, communications equipment, and canoe rescue gear will be provided by your guiding service. Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Canoeing on the Seal River can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to your meeting point in Thompson, Manitoba, you can fly into Thompson Municipal Airport (YTH) or, if there are no direct flights, into Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG). From there you can fly into Thompson Municipal Airport (YTH), 10 minutes away from Thompson by taxi.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you will meet your guide in Thompson, where you’ll spend the night, and on Day 2 you’ll take a charter flight to Shethanei Lake. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
On Day 15, you’ll take a boat shuttle to Churchill, Manitoba, where you’ll spend the night and head home after that.
A deposit of 50% of the total price is due with your booking unless otherwise indicated. Once your guide confirms your booking, your trip departure is guaranteed. Final payments are due 120 days before your trip starts. If you book the trip within 120 days of departure, full payment is due upon booking. Please note that deposits are absolutely non-refundable, and final payments are non-refundable after the final payment date. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
