Seal River to Hudson Bay Canoe Trips Route

The Seal River located in northern Manitoba is truly a “pristine” river in that it remains in it’s natural state throughout, one of the few in Manitoba. It is remote, it’s big, it is demanding, the water is damn cold and it’s very challenging. It flows through the land of the Dene people who still use this corridor to carry on traditional hunting and trapping.

The Seal River abounds with opportunities to view wildlife. Black Bears, Tundra Wolves, moose and even caribou are common in the area and are frequently seen (or evidence thereof). In addition, the fishing is great, Lake Trout in Shetanei Lake, plus Northern Pike, walleye, and in the fast water, Artic Grayling! The next real surprise is the harbour seals. These speedy swimmers are often seen way up river loafing on the shore, basking in the sun. Then, once in the estuary, Beluga Whales! These curious whales seem to enjoy following and diving under canoes providing an experience you’ll never forget!

Warning: Polar Bears also frequent the estuary and in certain times of the year travel inland and along the shoreline looking for food. These bears are very unpredictable, so extreme caution should be exercised while in the vicinity of the coastline.

Seal River Canoe Trips - Start Point:

Access to the Seal River is via air from Venture Air Float Plane Base in Thompson Manitoba. Canoes, people and gear are transported by a deHavilland Otter float plane to the outlet on Shethanei Lake (or any location preferred on the lake).

Seal River Canoe Trips - Difficulty:

HIGH – This is a canoe trip for the experienced white water canoeist. White water is plentiful and spray skits for the canoe are recommended. The volume of the river is also quite high creating rapids in the class III and IV category (classification is also dependant upon run off for that particular year, in a wet year, categories could be increased by a factor of 1 throughout the River). From Shethanei Lake, the river drops about 700 feet over the 155 miles (about 10-12 days by canoe) without any water falls, so there are numerous rapids, many of which, are very long felsenmeer rapids are continuous for nearly 9 miles). The river terminates in the Seal Estuary, but not before one of the most memorable rapids on the river system, Deaf Rapid. Rated as a class VI, the river drops about 50 feet to Hudson’s Bay. This is a dangerous rapid and only the very experienced should attempt it and only then after a thorough evaluation from the shore.

Seal River Canoe Trips - End Point:

The Seal River estuary on Hudson’s Bay Manitoba. Avoid any temptation to paddle Hudson’s Bay to the town of Churchill. Churchill Manitoba is about 45 miles down the coast through very shallow tidal waters in very unsettled weather conditions. Don’t do it! Arrangements can be made with a barge for pick up and transport to the town of Churchill. There is a shack on the north bank that can be used and is especially handy if the weather delays the pick-up. Upon arrival in Churchill, load up the canoes on VIA Rail for the return to Thompson Manitoba.

Seal River Canoe Trips - Pricing:

Pricing is from Venture Air Float Planes Base in Thompson Manitoba. All tours and trips are self guided, however, experienced river guides are available with prior arrangements. All pricing is for two canoes and four people (canoes must be able to nest, one on top of the other for transport as an external load on the aircraft / float plane struts).

Seal River Canoe Trips via Shethanei Lake: $ 1180 CDN/person – party of four

All pricing includes:

• Tie on fees for canoes Air transport to start point as described ( includes return trip for aircraft to base)
• Co-ordination of pick up arrangements at end point (i.e. barge or optional charter flight)
• Hotel reservations in Thompson Manitoba

Optional services include rental of:

• Canoes (royalex Old Town or similar) $200 per week per Canoe
• Satellite telephone - $200 per trip
• Firearm with ammunition for personal protection (shotgun); instruction provided.-$60 per week

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