The Back River at a Glance
The Back River is a long Arctic river in Nunavut, Canada, flowing across the barrenlands toward the Arctic coast at Chantrey Inlet. It is named after George Back, a British naval officer who explored it in the 1830s. The river is generally described as nearly 1,000 kilometers (roughly 600 miles) long and is considered one of the great northern canoe routes. It is a Canadian Heritage River.
This is an expedition, not a casual trip. The river is far from roads and settlements, travel is by float plane or charter aircraft, and rescue is slow and difficult. Treat this article as an overview for planning research, not as a substitute for current route guides, outfitters and official information.
Route Overview
Trips commonly begin in the headwater lakes in the interior and run downstream across open tundra, with the river alternating between lake sections and rapids before reaching the coast. The full route usually takes several weeks. Exact starting points, distances and durations vary by source and by the year’s water conditions, so confirm details with current guides and outfitters. A common gateway for northern trips in this region is Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, though arrangements differ by trip.
Some groups paddle only part of the river. Because of the cost and logistics of getting in and out, even a shorter section is a serious trip.
Rapids and Difficulty
The Back River has many rapids, and several named stretches are widely discussed among paddlers, including Hawk Rapids, Sinclair Falls and Escape Rapids. Sources describe difficulty ranging from easier moving water up to more serious whitewater, and rapids can change a lot with water level. Many stretches may be run, lined or portaged depending on the group’s skill and conditions.
Important planning points:
- You need solid river-reading skills, including scouting and deciding when to portage; our whitewater kayaking guide covers the fundamentals.
- Cold water makes any capsize dangerous, with hypothermia as a major risk (see kayak capsizing).
- Loaded canoes behave differently from empty ones, and rescue options are limited.
- Wind on the large lakes can delay travel for days.
For general planning ideas that also apply here, see our multi-day paddling trip guide.
Logistics and Permits
Remote northern trips require early planning. Research:
- Access. Charter flights are typically needed to get to the start, and pickup at the end must be arranged in advance.
- Permits and land access. Land and travel in Nunavut involve territorial and Inuit organizations, and requirements can change. Contact the relevant authorities and your outfitter well before departure.
- Outfitters. Several companies operate guided and outfitted trips in the north. Compare their experience, group size and safety practices.
- Insurance and evacuation. Ask what coverage you need for remote travel.
- Border and travel documents if you are coming from outside Canada.
Wildlife and Environment
The barrenlands have muskoxen, caribou, wolves, grizzly bears and, near the coast, polar bears. Bears are a real consideration, so groups often carry bear deterrents and follow strict food storage and camp practices. Learn from guides or bear-safety training before going. Weather can be cold and windy even in summer, and insects can be intense in warmer periods.
Skills and Gear
Beyond whitewater canoeing skills, you need:
- Experience with long self-supported wilderness trips
- Navigation with map and compass, plus GPS as a backup
- Wilderness first aid and repair skills
- Cold-weather and wet-weather clothing, and a tent that handles wind
- A satellite communicator or satellite phone, with emergency plans
- Enough food for the whole trip plus extra days for weather delays
- Spare paddles and boat repair materials
Build experience on shorter northern or remote trips first; kayaking the Yukon River is another remote northern river worth researching. A trip like the Allagash can provide practice with logistics and wilderness camping in a more accessible setting.
Timing
Trips typically take place in the short northern summer, after ice-out. Conditions vary significantly by year. Ask outfitters and recent trip reports about ice, water levels and timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Back River?
It is in Nunavut in northern Canada and flows to the Arctic coast.
Is the Back River suitable for beginners?
No. It is a remote river with serious rapids, cold water, wildlife and extreme isolation. Most paddlers who attempt it have extensive whitewater and wilderness experience or go with an experienced outfitter.
How long does the trip take?
The full route generally takes multiple weeks, but it depends on the route and the weather. Confirm with outfitters.