Canning River

The Canning River  trip traverses the northern portion of the Arctic Refuge from the Continental Divide to the Arctic Ocean. We paddle approxi­mately 85 miles of its length from the headwaters to the river delta. The river is fast with multiple braided channels to choose from. Everyone joins in the fun of paddling the boats under the guidance of a raft captain. Previous paddle raft experience is not necessary, but participants should be in good health.

The Canning forms the western boundary for the controversial 1002 area of the Arctic Refuge, the land near the arctic coast that is being considered for oil exploration and development. This area is important habitat for caribou and muskoxen, both for calving and as an insect relief area. We may see these and other mammals (including bears, wolves and moose) along the Canning River. The caribou migrate from west to east along the coastline at this time of the summer. We may get lucky and see thousands of caribou as they move from their calving grounds back into Canada's Yukon. Follow the herd's movements on the interesting Porcupine caribou herd website. Abundant wildlife frequents ANWR's coastal plain undisturbed. Besides caribou, we often see wolves, bears, arctic fox and musk ox. This area of arctic is also rich in bird life; loons, eiders, snow geese, trumpeter swans, and snowy owls. The vast variety of the 110 birds that nest in the arctic offers birding at it’s best.

Decisions made over the next few years may affect the Canning River and the wildlife populations of this section of the refuge. Presently, the area has much to offer in terms of a remote wilderness experience; opportunities to view wildlife, excellent hiking in its rugged untouched mountains and paddling on its wild rivers.

We hope you can join us in this remote corner of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for a float trip of a lifetime, excellent hiking, dramatic mountain scenery and opportunities to view wildlife in the open arctic tundra.

Optional trip- Join the Canning Backpack immediately preceding the Canning River trip. The Canning Backpack offers hiking through the dramatic mountains near the headwaters of this arctic river . For the backpacker who wants more…, combine the Canning Backpack with the Canning River for a superb arctic adventure in the Brooks Range.

Included in the price of the trip: All air transportation beyond Fairbanks; camp food and cooking gear; boating gear; safety & repair gear; and trip leaders.

For dates and prices of the Canning River trip
For more river and backpack trips in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

ABEC's Alaska Adventures, LLC
PO Box 10791 | Fairbanks, Alaska 99710
Toll Free: (877) 424-8907 | Fax and Local Phone: (907) 457-8907
abec@abecalaska.com