The Coppermine River

In the summer of 2023, Canoe North Adventures commissioned me to create a short film showcasing the magic, beauty, and epic adventure one can expect on the Coppermine River. The video also touches on themes of community, resilience, and conservation. We paddled 360km downstream to the Arctic Ocean through stunted taiga forest, rolling tundra plateaus and rugged granite cliffs on land managed by the Inuit of the Kitikmeot Region. This was the same historic river detailed by explorers George Douglas, Samuel Hearn and John Franklin.

As an avid paddler, this was exciting for me as it was my first time in a white-water environment. All equipment had to be secured in waterproof pelican cases and made accessible while paddling. I also endeavored to capture underwater footage, drone, and still photography. The trip was challenging, with many days of tough weather, changing water levels, and a long portage. Despite these and other natural factors that seemed to conspire against our trip, we did manage some beautiful days filled with fishing, hiking, wildlife, and cooking! I am excited to continue to explore this form of adventure.

We premiered the film during the Paddle Film Festival in Orangeville in November 2023. The film is part of the 2024 World Tour, click here to catch a show!

Official Selection:

2024 World Tour Paddling Film Festival

2024 Waterwalker Film Festival

Credits

Client: Canoe North Adventures

Role: Director, Filmmaker, Editor, Director Of Photography

Assistant Camera: Connor Furneaux

Sound Engineer: Charlotte Duggan

Additional Music: Freddy Kwon

15min

2023