Irving Expedition 2024: An Unforgettable Journey

This summer, 10 Lakefield College School students, accompanied by two LCS staff (Ms. Frickey and Mr. Morton) and two Canoe North guides, embarked on the Irving Expedition from June 27 to July 11. This adventure took them deep into the Canadian wilderness, offering a blend of excitement, challenge, and breathtaking natural beauty.

The expedition began with a flight on Twin Otter wheeled planes, transporting the group to the Keele River. For 10 days, they navigated the river's white water rapids, pushing their limits and utilizing the paddling skills they developed at LCS. The final three days were spent on the Mackenzie River, where the team faced flat water paddling, strong winds, and challenging conditions.

Their journey concluded in the hamlet of Tulita, a name that translates to "where the rivers or waters meet" in Slavey. Here, the group had the opportunity to engage with local community members and elders, gaining insight into the area's rich history and culture. They also connected with staff from the Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve, deepening their appreciation for this unique region.

“The opportunity to experience something so much greater than myself, and to get to understand and connect with the earth the way I did on this trip is something I'll value for the rest of my life. We did so much, from seeing the landscape and wildlife (like sulfur deposits and coal lines, and moose, caribou, wolves, and even bears) to learning about local Indigenous legends and culture and meeting First Nations Elders. The things we did and saw, and what we learned from them along the way made the expedition so magical for me.” — Claire Melville ’24

To wrap up their adventure, the team was picked up by float plane on the Mackenzie River and returned to the Canoe North base camp in Norman Wells. They celebrated their achievements with an evening of reflection. The next day, they explored Yellowknife before heading home. The Canoe North base camp, coordinated by Al Pace ’77 and led on the river by Taylor Pace ’07, both LCS alumni, played a pivotal role in organizing and guiding this expedition.

The group covered an impressive 390 kilometres over 13 days on the river, encountering some of Canada's most stunning wildlife and landscapes. Their adventures included paddling past a grizzly bear, spotting Dall sheep, witnessing a caribou stroll into their campsite, observing a pack of wolves across the river, and seeing sandhill cranes. From the air, they flew over a herd of muskox and even came face to face with a mother moose and her baby.

Fishing was a daily activity, with students learning to fly fish and catching Northern Pike, which they filleted, cooked, and enjoyed one evening. The expedition also brought challenges, with rainy days and difficult paddling conditions testing their resilience. Yet, they were rewarded with magical moments, such as witnessing full double rainbows and experiencing the wonder of 24 hours of daylight.

The Irving Expedition 2024 was more than just a journey; it was a testament to the spirit of adventure, teamwork, and the incredible beauty of Canada's wilderness. Our students returned with not only memories of their remarkable experiences but also a deeper understanding of the natural world and their place within it.