Missinipe to Sandy Bay

This trip combines spectacular scenery with varying levels of interaction with people. The first portion of the trip you will undoubtedly see groups of people as you paddle from Missinipe, through Otter Lake to Robertson & Twin Falls, down Mountain Lake to Stanley Mission & its historic church, and beyond to the majestic Nistowiak Falls, with a few rock painting sites to wet your ancient curiosity.

However, beyond Nistowiak Falls, you will see fewer people as you head eastward on the Churchill River. With the feature of moving water, some of which lack portages, this trip is safe for intermediate paddlers. The names of Drinking Lake, Keg Lake, & Trade Lake harken back to the fur trading era. Transitions between the lakes have moving water, some that do not have portages, so scout carefully. The western half of Trade Lake lacks islands, in contrast to Keg Lake and Drinking Lake, though its eastern half has more islands as options to find the wind's lee.

Uskik Lake is long and narrow with several options for campsites, plus there are rock paintings near its eastern end. On the western end, take note of Frog Portage, the site of the Churchill River's first trading post, which takes one to the Saskatchewan River system further south. Picturesque Kettle Falls is a great place to camp and take photographs.

The Reindeer River flows into the Churchill River after Kettle Falls, and the next portion of the trip, Iskwatam Lake & Pita Lake is characterized by options for exploring the fast-moving water. Extending your trip by a couple days to play in this area is something to consider.

The final portion of this trip, before your takeout at Sandy Bay, has narrow passage with several campsite options.

A worthy longer northern Saskatchewan trip!