Norm Hann Expeditions is excited to partner with Jackpine Paddles, leaders in Arctic paddling expeditions in the North West Territories, to offer a journey into the true wilderness of the fabled East Arm of Great Slave Lake and "the land of the ancestors," Thaidene Nene National Park. This is land celebrated by locals for its raw beauty and remote feel. As you paddle, you’ll glide through deep, crystal-clear waters, weaving among countless islands and narrow channels framed by towering red cliffs. This dramatic landscape, part of one of Canada’s newest and most protected national parks, is sculpted from some of the oldest rock on Earth—2.7 billion years old—creating a backdrop of staggering beauty and unforgettable campsites.
Each day brings new perspectives: sheer granite walls rising from the water, quiet bays perfect for exploration, and endless horizons where sky and lake meet. Along the way, you may spot moose grazing along the shorelines, black bears wandering the hills, and eagles soaring above, all thriving in this pristine wilderness. Evenings are spent around camp on wild, rocky shorelines, soaking in the silence and immensity of the North. For those who enjoy fishing, the East Arm is legendary for its spectacular lake trout, and there’s nothing quite like a fresh shore lunch cooked over an open fire.
To heighten the magic, our trip dates align with the autumn Aurora season. At night, look skyward to witness the northern lights—brilliant ribbons of green, purple, and red sweeping across the stars. Great Slave Lake sits directly under the magnetic “Aurora Belt,” making this one of the most reliable and awe-inspiring places on Earth to view the dancing sky.
This is more than a paddle—it’s a northern wilderness immersion in the protected beauty of Thaidene Nene National Park or "Land of the Ancestors", filled with wildlife, epic landscapes, and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Great Slave Lake is big. This freshwater lake, located in the southern half of the Northwest Territories, is the 11th largest in the world and, after Great Bear, the biggest entirely within Canada. It measures in at 28,568 square kilometres, roughly the same size as Belgium.
Indigenous peoples were the first settlers around the lake after the retreat of glacial ice. Archaeological evidence has re- vealed several different periods of cultural history, including: Northern Plano Paleoindian tradition (8,000 years before present), Shield Archaic (6,500 years), Arctic small tool tradition (3,500 years), and the Taltheilei Shale Tradition (2,500 years before present). Each culture has left a distinct mark in the archaeological record based on type or size of lithic tools.
Great Slave Lake was put on European maps during the emergence of the fur trade towards the northwest from Hudson Bay in the mid 18th century. The name ‘Great Slave’ came from the Slavey Indians, one of the Athapaskan tribes living on its southern shores at that time. The name was influenced by Cree disdain for this rival tribe, with whom they shared a sordid history. As the French explorers dealt directly with the Cree traders, the large lake was referred to as “Grand lac des Esclaves” which was eventually translated into English as “Great Slave Lake”. We’ll paddle along the Hearne Channel during this trip, named after British fur trader Samuel Hearne when he explored Great Slave Lake during the winter of 1771.
Great Slave Lake’s East Arm is a world class scenic and geological wonder. A stunning landscape, but a waterscape too, and wonder to behold. Spectacular cliffs drop 180 metres into waters as clear as glass and as cold as fresh-melted snow. Underwater dark, abyssal canyons surround Etthen Island that drop 2,000 feet below the surface, holding secrets from the ice age. On the surface the scen- ery is primeval, the result of glaciation in North America and of a clearly visible fault in the earth’s crust.
Our paddling trip will take us around Etthen Island, with “Et-then” meaning “Caribou” in Chipewyan, as the Bathurst and Beverly herds would migrate through here in the past. Arguably the most beautiful island in the East Arm, rocky cliffs rise prominently from the westside of Etthen Island and slope down towards the east. Unique gravel and shale beaches can be found along the island with the largest at the northern tip. The landscape is similar to the Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior, in a more remote and true wilderness setting. The Etthen island is remarkably pristine and far from any industrial development. We have hosted paddlers on this trip who have kayaked extensively in destination hotspots such as Baja, British Columbia, and the Caribbean. When comparing Etthen Island to anywhere else, one remark we get often is the pristine and wild nature of Etthen Island, both with regard to the clarity and quality of the water, but also the natural shores of granite and forests free of litter, garbage, and other human mess. This is a true wilderness trip in the remote backcountry of the Northwest Territories.
Etthen Island is dominated by rocky outcrops, while soil and moss is found in its valleys and low ground. There are signs of a large forest fire on some parts of the Island about a decade ago. Where growth has rebounded blueberries, raspberries, crowberries, wild strawberries and cranberries can be found in abundance and should be ready during our trip. These berries keep the local black bear population well-fed and we typically spot between 2-8 bears during the trip, often in the early morning hours on exposed slopes where the berries grow. There is also a population of moose on the island, and cliffs that team with many species of birds including terns and raptors.
The East Arm is an angler’s Shangri La. It’s not uncommon that we will enjoy fresh fish every day. Etthen Island shelters Lake Trout up to a century old and as fat as a fireplug. Arctic Grayling have been caught at many of our campsites. We’ll show you the best spots and you’ll receive specialized information on spinning and fly fishing recommendations upon registration for this trip. But you don’t have to be an expert to have luck fishing on the East Arm; it has a local and international reputation for trophy fish. Whether sinking your line into the seemingly bottomless depths offshore of Etthen Island, or trolling behind your sup, you’ll gather fish stories to last a lifetime.
Thaidene Nene National Park
Despite the absence of industrialization in the area, there is a rich human history to the East Arm. Meaning “Land of the Ancestors,” Thaidene Nëné is one of Canada's newest National Parks. Since time immemorial, Thaidene Nëné has been home to Dene people – especially the Dënesųłiné. Often called Chipewyans, a thousand generations of them have paddled the waters, roamed the ridges and camped in the bays of the East Arm, the very same places we will explore.
Our standup Paddleboard expedition on the East Arm is planned to take advantage of autumn Aurora season. As you tip your head back in awe to catch the glittering lights dancing across the sky, we’ll show you the best of our spectacular Aurora. No guarantees, however the East Arm lies directly in the magnetic “Aurora Belt”, which means it’s one of the most reliable places on earth to spot the northern lights.
OUR ROUTE
Our route around Etthen Island is 70km. Our relaxed schedule over 7 days allows options to take advantage of the numerous side-trips along our route including exploration of the interesting Fossil Bay, hiking at Utsingi Point for an unforgettable view, or a layover day at a shale beach for fishing, hiking or photography.
As the summer is short in the Northwest Territories, fall is approaching during our trip. We plan one day for bad weather in the case of strong winds.
Welcome to Yellowknife, the gateway to your stand-up paddleboarding adventure in the North! Today is all about settling in, exploring the vibrant northern capital, and preparing for the journey ahead.
Arrival in Yellowknife
Fly into Yellowknife (YZF) at your convenience.
Check into your accommodations and take some time to relax. We recommend a stroll through the Old Town or along the scenic Frame Lake Trail if you’d like to stretch your legs after your flight.
Afternoon & Evening
Enjoy free time to discover the unique character of Yellowknife—browse local galleries, visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, or sample northern cuisine at one of the city’s restaurants.
Pre-Trip Meeting at Jackpine Paddle Headquarters
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Jackpine Paddle Headquarters (address provided prior to your trip).
Here you’ll meet your guides and fellow paddlers. We’ll review the expedition itinerary, cover safety considerations, distribute gear, and answer any final questions. This is a great opportunity to ensure you’re fully prepared for the days ahead on the water.
Evening
After the meeting, enjoy a relaxed evening in Yellowknife and get a good night’s rest—you’ll want to be fresh and ready for the adventure that begins tomorrow!
We’ll start the day with a 10:00 AM pick-up from your accommodations in Yellowknife before heading to the docks. From here, board our boat shuttle for a spectacular ride deep into the remote wilderness of Great Slave Lake’s East Arm.
Upon arrival, we’ll set up camp together—pitching tents, enjoying a hearty shore lunch, and going over camp orientation. Once settled, the afternoon is yours to ease into the northern pace of life: swim in the clear waters, cast a line for legendary lake trout, explore a short hike, or simply relax on the rocks.
As the sun dips lower, we’ll gather for our first dinner together—though not before a friendly challenge to see who can be the first to catch a fish before the meal is served!
Embark on an unforgettable paddleboarding journey into the remote wilderness of Great Slave Lake’s East Arm and around Etthen Island. Each day, we move to a new camp on stunning granite shorelines, taking in the ever-changing scenery as cliffs rise dramatically from huge, clear bays. Paddle through narrow channels, weave among countless islands, and explore hidden coves that feel truly untouched.
Along the way, the East Arm offers legendary lake trout fishing, and there’s nothing quite like fresh shore lunches cooked over an open fire, surrounded by the silence and beauty of the North. Opportunities abound to venture into “Fossil Bay” if conditions allow, discover wildlife along the shoreline, or simply relax on smooth granite slabs and soak in the northern tranquility.
For a change of pace, we may take a lay-over day at the north end of Etthen Island, giving you a chance for a day hike to explore Utsingi Point or search the island’s backcountry for rare Chaga mushrooms.
Evenings are spent around campfires, sharing meals, swapping stories, and watching the Aurora Borealis dance across the northern sky. With each passing day, the wilderness grows more spectacular, offering a paddleboarding adventure that combines pristine waters, epic cliffs, exceptional fishing, and the serene magic of the North.
As we continue our journey, we’ll explore breathtaking granite cliffs and paddle along the dramatic coastlines of Etthen Island, keeping an eye out for moose and black bears that roam the hills. Anglers will have the chance to cast a line at “Trout Rock,” our secret lake trout hotspot, renowned as the best on the East Arm. Over the course of the final days, we’ll make our way down the west shore of Etthen Island, completing our 70 km adventure through some of the most remote and spectacular paddling country in the North, with memories of pristine waters, towering cliffs, and northern wilderness that will stay with you forever.
After a final breakfast on the shore and a last chance to pick wild berries from the surrounding islands, it’s time to bid farewell to the East Arm wilderness. Our boat shuttle will roar to life, carrying us 200 km back to the nearest civilization in Yellowknife.
Along the way, take in the last views of the granite cliffs, clear waters, and islands that have been our home for the past week. Once back in town, enjoy hot showers and a chance to freshen up, before we gather for a celebratory final dinner at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect way to toast our accomplishments, swap stories, and reflect on an unforgettable northern paddling adventure.
Price: $3850 + gst (Cnd)
Dates: August 12-18th, 2026
Locations: Yellowknife, NWT
Inclusions:
Boat shuttle from Yellowknife to the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, return
Shuttles from the airport when in Yellowknife
Sup Expedition Guides Norm Hann & Mariele Guerro
Group gear for each expedition (tarp, kitchen equipment, utensils, water filtration, etc)
Expedition first aid kit and sup repair kit.
Emergency satellite phone, two-way radios for guide staff
Expedition tents
Hearty and nutritious meals including snacks while on trip
Exclusions:
Travel to and from Yellowknife, NWT
Accommodations in Yellowknife before and after trip
Inflatable Touring Board, Paddle, Leash, PFD
Personal Gear including dry bags, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Meals in Yellowknife before and after the trip (Day 1 Breakfast and Day 9 Dinner)
Gratuity for guides
Wine or spirits
Insurance including evacuation, medical and trip cancellation
Northwest Territories fishing licence available online
With 26 seasons guiding wilderness paddling, wildlife viewing, and salmon fishing adventures on the coast of British Columbia, Norm Hann leads clients into some of the world’s most remote and inspiring landscapes. For the past 16 seasons, he and his team have run multi-day standup paddleboarding expeditions in Canada and internationally, blending focusing on immersive wilderness experiences, wildlife and cultural history.
At Norm Hann Expeditions, our goal is to connect you to Wild Landscapes and guide you on a journey of personal tdransformation.
For more information please contact us at:
Email: explore@normhann.com
Call: 604 848 8792
Website: https://normhann.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NormHannExpeditions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normhann/