Canoe North Ltd.

Canoe North Ltd.

Canoe North Ltd.
5
About
For over a decade, Doug and Theresa Swallow of Canoe North Ltd. have promoted paddling sports in the Northwest Territories and helped adventurers from all over the world discover the natural beauty of Canada's North. Located just 40km from the source of the renowned Mackenzie River, Canoe North has successfully outfitted hundreds of paddlers for exciting river trips that span hours, days, weeks, and even months. With convenient pick-ups and drop-offs in various northern hubs, guests also never have to worry about arranging transportation and instead, focus on experiencing one of the most unique landscapes in the world.
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles10 reviews
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Quinzan
Edmonton, Canada1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2014 • Solo
I decided to rent a kayak with Canoe North instead of bringing my own boat because it was complicated to get my kayak back from Tuktoyatuk. But I was concerned about the quality of the rented material, so I took my own paddle with me and rented a kayak with spare paddle only.

When I picked up the material in Hay River I realized that the spare paddle they gave me was better than my own paddle and the kayak was just the perfect one for this kind of trip. Unlike most rent places I know, all the material was very good: bailing pump, neoprene spray deck, kayak in perfect condition,... And their river guide is thought to be used in the river: good paper and wire binding, so you can carry it open in the page you need. With more information than you need to go down the river and interesting notes about local culture and fauna.

On top of that they provided me with all the information I needed, and even helped with the emergency plan. Having my family, thousands of km away, as emergency contacts for the SPOT (satellite emergency device) wasn't really useful. I was glad to know that if I hit the help button someone that actually knows what to do will be contacted.
Written 4 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert H
Washington DC, DC338 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A friend and I paddled down the Mackenzie from Hay River to Tuktoyaktuk. We had no previous experience in canoeing. Doug and his family at Canoe North didn't just rent us the canoe. They also trained us on proper canoeing techniques. They helped us choose the proper canoe equipment that we would need. They gave us invaluable logistical advice. In short, they were very accessible and helpful, and their prices were very reasonable. The Mackenzie is wild and remote. We had a tremendous adventure paddling down it. Canoe North helped us immeasurably. If you are looking for a long distance canoe adventure, I highly recommend Canoe North!
Written 17 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Yvon C
Gatineau, Canada1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2016 • Solo
I went on a canoe trip on the Mackenzie river for the first time in 1976. Last winter (2016), I decided to go back, but this time solo and in a kayak. I contacted Doug Swallow at Canoe North, after few short phone calls and emails, I had answers to my questions and a kayak booked for the following summer.
I flew to Yellowknife and from there, I took a bus (Frontier Coachlines) to Hay River. Without asking, the bus driver dropped me off at my hotel door, which was greatly appreciated. I had a bike and all the gear for the river trip with me in order to cycle home

At Canoe North, the people were very friendly and helpful. They picked me up at the hotel, wrapped my bike on a pallet and drove me to Northern Transport Company (NTCL) to have the bike shipped to Inuvik on a barge. They really made things easy for me. My kayak was in very good condition, clean and well equipped, not a speed demon but not sluggish either, roomy and one that could take the punishment, there are many shallows on the Mackenzie. Cargo space is restrictive in a kayak, so the amount of food you can take with you is limited. This said, I had no problem resupplying in the communities along the river. It was a great occasion to met the local people and spend some time in the community. In 1976, I had a bundle of over 20 topographic maps 1:250 000 with me. This time, all I used was "The Mackenzie River Guidebook" in a map case, all the maps for the trip at 1:50 000, a must.
In Inuvik, I paddled to the dock of Northern Transport Cie. they put the kayak, in their warehouse and drove me to the campground in Inuvik.
All In all, it was a wonderful trip. Beautiful scenery, lots of wildlife, waterfowl, bald eagles all along the way, peregrine falcons, swans, otters, black bears, grizzly bears, wolverines, muskox and yes, wolves everywhere. I met wonderful people from day one to the end. I am very grateful to Canoe North in making this trip a reality.
Written 27 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cathy C
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2016 • Couples
Canoe North outfitted us for our us with a Clipper Canoe to paddle the 1700km from Hay River to the Beaufort Sea. The boat was in very good condition, spacious, comfortable and stable and quickly became a good friend to us.

We sent regular check-in messages to Doug along the whole trip and it was reassuring to know that we had someone local to help us should we need it.

In Inuvik at the end of the trip our boat was promptly picked up at the riverside by Marie on the same day we arrived. So easy.

Without Canoe North the logistics of this trip would have been very difficult, but with Canoe North help this amazing adventure to the end of the Americas was made easy peasy.
Written 4 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

P3nn
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2014
We boated the Mackenzie from Hay River to Inuvik and beyond. Doug was a wealth of information and a priceless help!!! Thank you!!
Written 30 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Terry R
Hay River, Canada8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2013 • Friends
My understanding is they offer alot of products but I have only done one- the trip down the Hay River, they pick you up, and drop you off about 25km from Hay River, set you up with all the gear and you get to paddle downstream along a very beautiful backdrop, eagles, bears and lots of other wildlife as well as some very nice scenerary.
Rates I felt were very reasonable for the product offered, highly recomend doing this if you are in Hay River for a day.
Written 10 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dan w
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2017 • Solo
I used Canoe North as my outfitter to run the Mackenzie in summer 2017. Doug Swallow, (and by proxy Michelle Swallow and "The Mackenzie River Guide") gave me the right gear and guidance to safely run the river to Tsiigehtchic alone.
Doug's staff picked me up after a series of four plane flights from CA to Hay River, let me pick my boat from a broad assortment, gave me space in the warehouse to work, assisted me as needed, and was very flexible on the rental contract, adding and subtracting as needed.

During my 3-1/2 week trip I heard from Doug's staff just enough! Doug worked with me on logistics, a changed pull-out, and put me in touch with locals in several towns, and when it came to turn in my boat.

There was no haggling or acrimony about the boat or damages, even though I was the first one to 'break in a new boat.'

I highly recommend Canoe North as an affordable provisioner and outfitter.
Written 28 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

716Brian
Buffalo, NY4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2016 • Couples
I can't say enough good things about Doug Swallow and my experience as a customer with Canoe North. We rented an 18.5' canoe, paddles, barrels and life vests. The canoe was in perfect shape and served us well. Doug did all the logistics work, getting us to the put-in, showing us the ropes to ship our truck north. And as an added bonus, when we had trouble with our camping stove, he delivered a new one to us in Fort Providence. Every step of the way, Doug was helpful, professional, and generous. You can trust your trip with him.
Written 2 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brian T
Rossland, Canada3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2014 • Family
Canoe North has everything you need for your paddling adventures. Great quality gear, knowledgeable owners and excellent guides! They can help you with the logistics of your trip; drop-offs, pick-ups, barge transport etc. and they do it with a smile, because they love what they're doing. They've even got a retail shop in case you forget something important at home! If you're planning a trip on the Mackenzie River or anywhere in the Great Slave Region, this is who you need to work with!
Written 24 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

patrickchelsea2013
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2014 • Business
The Canadian Canoe Foundation contracted Canoe North to provide canoe logistics (guiding, equipment, travel) for our Mackenzie River Youth Environmental Education Canoe Trip (Fort Simpson to Wrigley). The owners and guides went out of their way to help set up and deliver an amazing learning experience and adventure for our youth participants (canoe and camping instruction, wildlife sightings, fishing). I highly recommend their services to anyone interested in exploring the Mackenzie River.
Patrick Henry
Chair and Founder
Canadian Canoe Foundation
Written 18 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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CANOE NORTH LTD.: All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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