Has anyone paddled the Firth River (access from Inuvik) in a canoe?

I once talked to a Firth River guide at the Inuvik airport who was flying a group out to the Firth. This was circa 1997? We had just completed the Horton so we asked the same question as we had heard that the scenery was fantastic. His answer to our question was no. I took his word for it, looked at the river's profile when I got back home and decided he was right.

GG

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A smart man learns from his mistakes,
A wise man learns from the mistakes of others.
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email: geraldguay@hotmail.com

The Firth is an amazing the river! The best of everything -
tundra-check
mountains-check
great hiking-check, check
wildlife-check, check
white water-check
Also get to end at the Arctic Ocean, go to Herschel Island and the potential for great wildflowers if you there early enough.

All that being said, I would not canoe this river. Yes, it likely could be done, especially later in the season when the water is lower. However, if it rains any amount while you are in the canyon section you are in trouble. The water comes up very fast and the rapids get quite big. I would not want to be in a canoe when that happens. For this reason I would not canoe the Firth. Best to use a raft or white water kayak.

rab

It has been canoed for sure. I know at least one person who did in a solo canoe.
I can't recall if there was raft support on the trip, since that is how it is usually run.

Yes. What do you want to know? It is best suited for kayak or inflatable canoe. Mainly for transport as gear has to fit inside the Otter. Decked canoe is possible as long as you have enough time to wait out a high water flood at the canyon, which usually happens quickly and ends quickly. Great hiking, great fishing, expensive to fly out. Shore ice can block your way to the sand spit at the Beaufort Sea so scout the channel you are taking. Send me a PM if you have more questions, otherwise have a safe trip.

Talk to Wendy Grater of Blackfeather. They have. One of the issues is the geology creates very sharp rocks which one up the boats.