Explore the postglacial landscapes of the Golden Peninsula at your own pace as you hike the Esker Northern Divide to Fraser Canyon, near the Quebec-Labrador border.
If you are in good physical condition, and you want to hike in complete autonomy to discover unique natural wonders, then this trip should suit you perfectly!
From Wedge Hills Lodge, you will board a floatplane to get to the start point of the Esker Northern Divide trail. During this approximately 30-minute flight, you will fly over the magnificent postglacial landscapes of the Arctic tundra. The pilot of the floatplane will drop you off at the beginning of the Esker trail where you will start your hike that leads to Dry Canyon and the Fraser Canyon.
This route takes you through very diverse arctic tundra landscapes. You will hike the crest of the esker which crosses innumerable lakes with crystal clear waters, as well as cross the continental divide of the waters, "The Northern Divide", to discover magnificent canyons, geological formations, and mesmerizing waterfalls.
Throughout your hike in complete autonomy, you will pack your equipment and sleep in your tent under the stars.
If you dream of a 7-day or 14-day self-guided hike (depending on your explorer spirit), the Esker Northern Divide trail will please you with its postglacial landscapes, geological wonders, and arctic wildlife.
Once your package is booked, we will prepare your trip and then send you your travel documents by email.
Information
Price :
Price per person (group of 4): 3 500. $ CAD
Price per person (group of 3): 3 800. $ CAD
Price per person (group of 2): 4 200. $ CAD
Price per person (group of 3): 3 800. $ CAD
Price per person (group of 2): 4 200. $ CAD
Available :
July 24-30, July 30-August 5, August 5-11, 2022
Duration :
7 days / 6 nights | walking time: 5-1/2 days
Activities :
Autonomous trek, discovery of nature | Region: George River Plateau, Labrador Plateau
Trailhead :
Trailhead: Esker Lake 509 meters | End of trail: Fraser Top Lake 515 meters | Coordinates: start of the trail -56 ° 46’36 ’’ N 64 ° 15’20 ’’ W, end -56 ° 39’57 ’’ N 63 ° 37’10 ’’ W
Distance / day :
≃10 kilometers. No trail is marked. Total distance 53 km.
Altitude difference :
182 meters
Difficulty :
Moderate
Languages :
French and English
Supervision :
Autonomous hike
Highlights :
- Esker and canyon used as a hiking trail
- Diversified postglacial landscape
- Remarkable canyons and waterfalls
- Unpredictable encounters with wildlife
Departure information :
Departure is guaranteed with 2 people, the maximum is 4 hikers.
Group departures :
If you wish to join a group, but the dates proposed above do not suit you, do not hesitate to contact us to suggest a new group departure date.
Are you planning a solo trip? Contact us and we will offer you options.
Good to know :
When to go:
The best season for hiking on the Golden Peninsula in Quebec and Arctic Labrador is generally from July to mid-August, when the weather conditions are most favorable and the tundra is clear of snow. Keep in mind that the weather is one of the main difficulty factors on this hike. If it rains and the winds are strong, the cold can become a challenge. It is best to check the weather in advance and make sure you have the right equipment in case of sudden weather changes.
Crossing a river: This trip sometimes takes you across rivers. So be sure to bring appropriate footwear with a good grip. For this, it is advisable to bring sturdy sandals.
Inclusions
Includes :
The round-trip flight between Montreal & Wedge Hills Lodge
The round-trip float plane flight between the lodge and the starting and return point of the hike
Welcome cocktail
Group information meeting with your travel guide
1 night at Wedge Hills Lodge with private bathroom all inclusive
5 days in full autonomy on the Esker Northern Divide Trail to the Fraser Canyon
5 nights in bivouac in a tent
Additional activities (can be added during the booking)
Limited access to Wi-Fi
Does not include :
International flights
Meals in Montreal
Meals during the hike
Energy bars and drinks between meals
Hiking guide
Hiking and camping equipment
Alcoholic drinks
Tip according to your satisfaction
Travel insurance
Great weather guarantee
Taxes
To take with you :
Warm and waterproof clothes
Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle hold
Backpack for your photo equipment, clothes and lunch
Pair of binoculars
Canteen or water bottle
Camping equipment
Food
Camera
Your Daily Itinerary
Flight Montreal to Wedge Hills Lodge - Esker Northern Divide - Lake Drumlin
- Arrive at Wedge Hills Lodge to be welcomed by the owner-manager and meet with your travel guide.
- Welcome cocktail and presentation of the program for the coming days.
- After you will take the float plane on a 30 minute flight to Lake Esker where you will begin your hike in full autonomy. You start your hike at the west end of the Esker Northern Divide. From the top of the esker ridge that winds through the postglacial landscapes of the tundra, you will walk to Champ-des-Dunes-de-Moraine for a distance of 7 kilometers. Arriving at Champ-des-Dunes-de-Moraine you will see Lake Drumlin. On this part of the esker you can sometimes see caribou, wolves and foxes using the esker trail to cross the big Drumlin lake. At the point of Champ-des-Dunes-de-Moraine and Lake Drumlin you will set up your bivouac site for the night.Distance: 10 kmDifference in altitude: 63 mWalking Time: 5-6 hours
Additional information
For travelers who want to discover step by step the beauty of the landscapes of the southern ecozone of the Arctic Cordillera, guided hikes, treks and excursions in full autonomy are the best ways to connect with the unspoiled nature of Arctic Quebec and from Labrador.
Important information :
The water from springs, streams, lakes and rivers is perfectly healthy everywhere in Quebec-Labrador. There is no reason to buy or purify bottled water.
Optional Extras ($):
- satellite phone or Garmin InReach rental
- Camping stove fuel
Weather :
In Arctic Quebec and Labrador, the weather is the most important aspect that you will need to deal with every day. A popular saying from the Far North is: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes, and moreover, if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!”. It is important to understand that in the Far North of Quebec and Labrador the weather can change quickly.
Tips on what to wear :
To fully enjoy your trip to the Quebec-Labrador Peninsula, you must be happy to travel in any weather. Walk in the wind, rain and sun and embrace the elements with a sense of adventure.
We advise you to wear several layers of clothing that you can remove if you are too hot. Appropriate clothing will make your trip more enjoyable.
Local weather forecast :
The Quebec-Labrador Peninsula in summer: Average summer temperatures range from 7 ° C (45 ° F) to 16 ° C (60 ° F). In the Torngat Mountains and on the Labrador Coast, where our multi-day trips take place, the climate is colder and more variable. Average between 4 ° C (39 ° F) and 14 ° C (57 ° F). The hottest period is from the third week of July to the third week of August. During this period of warmth, it may be at the same time 20 ° to 30 ° C (68 ° F to 86 ° F) at Wedge Hills Lodge on the George River, 15 ° to 20 ° C (59 ° F to 68 ° F). ) in the Torngat Mountains and 2 ° to 12 ° C (36 ° F to 54 ° F) on the Labrador Coast.
Free of your itinerary :
With this autonomous hike, you are free to choose your own itinerary. Your travel specialist will be happy to advise you on the best views and options.
The bush flight :
Bush flights are often subject to last-minute changes in weather conditions; In this case, the dates of entry and exit between Wedge Hills Lodge and the starting point and return of the trek will be adapted according to the best possible alternative.
* PLEASE NOTE: If the weather conditions are favorable when you arrive at Wedge Hills Lodge, you can be transported earlier than expected to the starting point of your hike on the Golden Peninsula.
Alternatives :
Weather conditions sometimes delay bush flying for your trek on the Golden Peninsula. If this is the case, your guide will suggest different options of activities to do from the lodge.
On the barren mountain summits that line the George River you can take beautiful loop hikes to discover the postglacial landscapes.
Additional activities :
You can add extra activities when you are at the lodge! To make this trip even more extraordinary, you can enhance your days at Wedge Hills Lodge with different adventures that we offer at a reduced price if you book them at the time of your reservation. These include a fat-bike tour of the subarctic tundra or on a large sandbank on the shores of the George River, a trout fishing trip, and a boat trip on the George River.
You get an exceptional discount on daily activities by booking them at the same time as your stay.
Lodging :
Your package includes two night at the lodge to be used during the transfer days. Guests traveling alone will have a single room. Bookings for 2 people will be allocated a double room. For group bookings of 3 or more people (maximum of 8) rooms with different amenities will be offered. If these arrangements do not meet your needs, please let us know.
Deposit and balance due :
Payment of the trip possible in two installments. To do this, please send us an email.