Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Coppermine River, Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Nunavut, Canada
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Arctic tundra (200 m)
- Best season
- July – August
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Winter Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Arctic tundra (200 m)
- Best season: July – August
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Coppermine River
Topic summary
A 500-km arctic tundra river with grizzly, muskox, and Bloody Falls history.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – August
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Arctic tundra (200 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Coppermine River trip tools
How to get there
Kugluktuk is located at the river’s mouth on Coronation Gulf. Lac de Gras marks the river’s source near Great Slave Lake. Confirm transport and on-the-ground access arrangements for the intended section before booking travel.
- Kugluktuk
Community at the mouth of the Coppermine River, formerly called Coppermine. Use it as a geographic reference for an outlet-focused visit; launch, landing and transport arrangements require confirmation.
- Lac de Gras
Small lake near Great Slave Lake where the Coppermine River rises. It identifies the upstream end of the river, not a confirmed public access facility.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Coppermine River
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Coppermine River
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Coppermine RiverAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Coppermine River
Planning to fish Coppermine River, Nunavut? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Nunavut are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Coppermine River?
- A Nunavut fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Nunavut fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Coppermine River
Thinking about hunting Coppermine River, Nunavut? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Nunavut are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Coppermine River?
- Confirm the land around Coppermine River is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Nunavut?
- A Nunavut hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A river spanning two territories
The Coppermine River runs through the North Slave and Kitikmeot regions of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Its 845-kilometre course begins at Lac de Gras, a small lake near Great Slave Lake, and flows generally north to Coronation Gulf, an arm of the Arctic Ocean. Although this profile focuses on Nunavut, the river is not contained within that territory. That distinction matters when planning: a visit to the mouth and a journey along the broader river involve different geographic scopes. Treat the full river length as background, not as the distance of an established recreational itinerary. Start by identifying the section of interest, then confirm the transport, access and field conditions needed for that particular section.
Kugluktuk and the Arctic outlet
Kugluktuk, formerly called Coppermine, stands at the river’s mouth. It is the named community to orient around when considering the river’s outlet into Coronation Gulf. Here, the geographic focus shifts from a north-flowing inland river to its meeting with an arm of the Arctic Ocean. A mouth-focused visit should be planned separately from an extended river journey; the presence of a community does not establish a public launch, landing arrangement or transport service. Confirm those details before building an itinerary around them. For any time on the water, match equipment and decisions to actual river and coastal conditions rather than assuming that the outlet will behave like an inland stretch of the river.
Seasonal conditions and trip preparation
The Coppermine freezes in winter, but water may continue flowing beneath the ice. A frozen appearance therefore should not be treated as evidence that the river is safe to cross or travel along. Obtain current local advice before considering travel on river ice, and keep winter travel planning distinct from open-water planning. For an open-water trip, establish conditions for the intended section rather than relying on a general description of the entire river. Its long course, two-territory setting and Arctic Ocean outlet make location-specific preparation important. Build plans around suitable clothing, communication, drinking water and a way to respond if conditions change. Confirm access arrangements and any applicable requirements with the managing agency before departure.
Route options
- Coppermine River corridor: Lac de Gras to Coronation Gulf
The river flows generally north from its source to its Arctic Ocean outlet. This describes the geographic corridor, not a verified end-to-end paddling itinerary; navigability, access and section-specific conditions need confirmation.
- River-mouth focus at Kugluktuk
Focus planning on the river’s mouth beside Kugluktuk and its meeting with Coronation Gulf. No marked route or specific launch is established here; confirm a suitable local itinerary and access arrangements.
Sample itineraries
- Kugluktuk river-mouth visit · 1 day
Base a short visit in Kugluktuk, where the Coppermine River reaches Coronation Gulf. Focus on the river-mouth setting rather than attempting a river journey. Confirm safe viewing locations and current conditions locally before approaching the water.
- Kugluktuk and Coronation Gulf · 2 days
Allow two days in Kugluktuk to explore the setting where the north-flowing Coppermine meets an arm of the Arctic Ocean. Keep plans flexible for weather and local access advice. This is a community-based visit, not a timed paddling route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; confirm local ice conditions
Do not assume the river is open or that remaining ice is safe. Winter freezing does not necessarily stop the current beneath the ice. Seek current local advice before planning water access.
Summer
Summer; confirm navigability locally
Plan around current weather and river conditions rather than a fixed paddling window. The river's northern course ends at the Arctic Ocean; carry protection for cold, wet conditions.
Fall
Fall; confirm freeze-up conditions locally
The river freezes in winter, but do not assume a predictable transition date. Keep river-dependent plans flexible and confirm conditions before approaching or traveling on the water.
Winter
Winter; the river freezes
Water may continue flowing beneath the ice. A frozen surface is not proof of safe travel. Obtain local guidance rather than treating the river as an established winter route.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; confirm local ice conditions | Do not assume the river is open or that remaining ice is safe. Winter freezing does not necessarily stop the current beneath the ice. Seek current local advice before planning water access. |
| Summer | Summer; confirm navigability locally | Plan around current weather and river conditions rather than a fixed paddling window. The river's northern course ends at the Arctic Ocean; carry protection for cold, wet conditions. |
| Fall | Fall; confirm freeze-up conditions locally | The river freezes in winter, but do not assume a predictable transition date. Keep river-dependent plans flexible and confirm conditions before approaching or traveling on the water. |
| Winter | Winter; the river freezes | Water may continue flowing beneath the ice. A frozen surface is not proof of safe travel. Obtain local guidance rather than treating the river as an established winter route. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permits and access requirements with the managing agency for the section of river you intend to visit.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Current may continue beneath winter ice; surface freezing does not establish safe crossing conditions.
- Cold-water exposure warrants protective clothing and flotation for any boating.
- The river is 845 kilometres long; do not mistake its total length for a practical trip distance or a verified paddling itinerary.
- Seasonal ice conditions need local confirmation before water access or ice travel.
What to pack for Coppermine River
- Insulating layers
- Windproof and waterproof outerwear
- Warm hat and gloves
- Dry spare clothing
- Properly fitted personal flotation device
- Cold-water protective clothing
- Waterproof storage for essential gear
- Maps appropriate to the intended river section
- Communication equipment suited to the planned outing
- First-aid kit
- Locally confirmed access and conditions information
Coppermine River FAQ
- Where is the Coppermine River?
- It crosses the North Slave and Kitikmeot regions of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut in Canada. It flows generally north from Lac de Gras to Coronation Gulf.
- Where does the river meet the ocean?
- The Coppermine enters Coronation Gulf, an arm of the Arctic Ocean. Kugluktuk, formerly called Coppermine, stands at the river's mouth.
- How long is the river?
- The river is 845 kilometres long. That is its geographic length, not a recommended paddling distance or a basis for estimating travel days.
- Does the river freeze completely still in winter?
- The river freezes, but water may continue flowing under the ice. Do not infer safe ice travel from the appearance of the surface.
- Can these itineraries be used as paddling plans?
- No. They are short, community-based visit ideas centered on Kugluktuk. A paddling plan needs separately verified access points, river conditions, route information and emergency arrangements.