Firth River Rafting: Arctic Expedition
$6495*
Deposit $800
Additional Costs: 5% GST
*All prices in USD
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class III | 13 Yrs |
- Legend
- Directions
Enter your starting city
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Firth River Rafting Expedition in Canada's Arctic - Overview
The ancient Firth River in Canada near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge winds across a vast glacial landscape ringed with dramatic mountain peaks and rugged expanses of tundra, flowing northward to the Beaufort Sea. The Firth River is one of the world’s great rivers dubbed “the Serengeti of the North.” Beyond its inherent beauty, the Firth also exists as the sole means of access to a high Arctic region in Canada that is the summer home for 150,000 caribou which comprise the West Porcupine Herd. Migrating in small bands from their southern wintering grounds, caribou congregate in coastal calving grounds before moving in huge herds across the Firth River. By special permit and in the company of professional guides, Firth River rafting guests with O.A.R.S. have a unique opportunity to witness this amazing wildlife viewing event.
Firth River Rafting : Itinerary at a Glance
- Our Firth River Arctic expedition begins with a flight to Inuvik, NWT for a pre-trip meeting and orientation
- Fly 190 miles to the headwaters of the Firth River, landing on a remote gravel bar in the foothills of Canada's Brooks Range
- After a safety orientation, we raft downriver, drifting silently and scanning the landscape for caribou
- The pace quickens and we run our first major rapids, culminating with Fisher Rapid
- Sheer canyon walls begin to rise out of the river as we float past curious Dall sheep. We run a series of Class III rapids and stop for a hike at Sheep Creek
- Camp is set up on one of the many gravel beaches deep in this incised canyon. This portion of the trip holds the largest and longest rapids of the trip and we become engulfed by canyon walls, hundreds of feet high
- Hiking high above the river we are treated to a delightful view of the Arctic Ocean
- The river sweeps us out onto the vast North Slope as we pass through the summer aggregation grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd
- View icebergs floating in the Arctic Ocean, search for caribou, barren-land grizzlies and wolves
- Set up camp on the shores of the Beaufort Sea and watch for friendly seals and beluga whales
- Return to Inuvik and regroup for a farewell dinner to reflect on the Firth and its extraordinary wilderness
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Write a Review
“Let me preface this letter with the fact that I used to think the ideal holiday was to lie on the beach. That was until I experienced the Firth River. Wow. The scale and scope of the Firth Valley was impressive and humbling. The caribou, grizzlies, muskox, wolves and even wolverines put on a wildlife show that was beyond comprehension. The only thing topping this impressive display was the hard work and dedication of your guides. It’s a good thing the summer sun never sets in this part of the world because you guys were always busy feeding us, entertaining and leading us on incredible hikes. Who ever said paradise had to tropical has never been to the Firth. Thanks again, and we look forward to joining you on our next adventure.”
Steve Wilcox ~Chicago, IL
“My family and I did the Firth River with your organization. I have traveled to many different countries and places and this is the most beautiful and most special part of the world that I have ever seen! If you need to use my name for a reference or have people call me please do not hesitate! The trip was impeccably planned!!!”
Franny Abbott ~Westchester, PA
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | High | Low |
| June | 61°/16° | 40°/4° |
| July | 67°/19° | 46°/8° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| Average: 41 °/5° | ||
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Firth River Rafting: Arctic Expedition trip
This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.
Personal Equipment List:
Footwear:
- 1 pair light hiking boots
- 1 pair river sandals (Tevas are great)
- 1 pair of high top rubber boots
- 5-10 pairs warm wool socks
Upper Body:
- 2 long-sleeved shirts
- 3 quick dry t-shirts
- 2 long underwear tops (synthetic)
- 2 pile or fleece jackets (medium or expedition weight)
- 1 high quality waterproof rain jacket
- 1 down or synthetic vest or jacket (for in camp)
Lower Body:
- 2 pairs long underwear bottoms (synthetic)
- 2 pairs of quick-drying shorts
- 2 pairs of quick dry pants
- 1 pair high quality waterproof rain pants
- Undergarments
- 1 swimsuit
Head & Hands:
- 1 sun hat or visor
- 1 wool or fleece hat
- 1 pair paddling gloves (optional)
- 1 pair of warm fleece gloves for in camp
Additional Gear:
- Sunglasses with safety strap and/or extra prescription glasses (if necessary)
- Towel: small, quick drying, and washcloth
- Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature's Gate is recommended by our guides)
- Sunscreen: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher
- Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
- Insect repellent (with DEET)
- Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
- Pocket or Swiss Army knife
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Plastic bags: large trash bags and zip-lock bags to separate clean and dry clothes from wet and dirty
- Binoculars, Camera and accessories
- Fishing rod, with case and tackle (optional)
- Cash for gratuities and goodies
Optional Items:
- Sarong: also useful as a cover-up from the sun, when bathing or to discreetly change clothes
- Solar shower: small “solo” showers heat up faster and are easier to use
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Whiskbroom: small (no long handle) to sweep wet sand off tent and ground cloth
- Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
- Notebook, journal, reading material
Download our travel planner here:
Firth TP.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
