Library
We've attempted to organize books on the Mackenzie River Basin, as well as
related topics here. Many of these books are out of print. These may be available
through book search services like Amazon.com.
Use the following key to determine if a book is in print or not.
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If you would like to review a book, or suggest one that we don't know about,
please email the webmaster (hpinson@indepthl.com)
Books are organized into the following categories:
Journals
History
Guides
Travel Technique and Food
Journals
- Reflections
on a River , by Elizabeth Noël ... Reflections on a River
is a journal of a family's seven week kayaking trip from Yellowknife on the
the shores of Great Slave Lake, NWT to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. Their
daily triumph as well as the daily drudgery, not to mention strife in the
ranks, is revealed. Reflections on a River also includes extensive instructions
for planning such an adventure yourself. The book includes everything from
equipment needed, checklist to make your life easier, to recipes. Their experiences,
the research they did to prepare for their trip, their mistakes, the things
they wish they'd done differently, and numerous lessons learned along the
way are all combined in this informative and often hilarious read. ***
Reflections on a River is like reading someone's
mail or personal journal. You will quickly become a member of the Noel party
as they paddle to the Arctic Ocean. The book tells the daily adventures,group
dynamics,history of the region and an in-depth planning guide to help you
plan your own paddling adventure. The Noels witnessed ragging forest fires,
biting mosquitoes, storm bound days, isolation and solitude, historic villages,
beautiful landscapes, and Inuit Burial grounds. All there experiences are
told to you by the person who experienced them herself. The book is a quick
enjoyable read often filled with laughter and awe. Its a must to just have
the extensive planning guide in the back which included recipes, map information,
contact numbers, and equipment. You will want to embark on your own trip after
reading this. I had the pleasure of meeting them while en-route on my own
adventure and spent several days in this remote wilderness. Great photos too!
-- Norm Miller
Buy directly from kayaksnkollectibles.com
- The Mackenzie: Yesterday and Beyond, by Alfred P Aquilina. 1981.
Hancock House Publishing Vancouver BC. ... A great historic and present day
account of the Mackenzie River region.
This is a must read for anyone who is traveling in
this region as it is full of history. There are many photos from the turn
of the century to the present. Provides details From the Hudson's Bay Days
to the Recent Oil Exploration. Gives fairly detailed information on historic
sites that are hard to find while paddling down the Mackenzie such as old
forts and villages. A great book to take with you while on your trip. The
struggles of the past and what lies in the future are detailed in this book
about the Canadian North. -- Norm Miller
- New York to Nome, by Rick Steber. 1987. North River Press. ... A
1936 account of two guys who quit there city jobs and paddle across the continent.
The winter over in Ft. Smith on the Slave and Paddle out the Mac. River over
to Alaska.
It was unheard of back in the great depression and
thought of as a foolish undertaking for two young men to quit there New York
City jobs and paddle to Nome Alaska. That's just what they did. This book
gives you a sense of what it was like back in the early part of the century.
The two men experienced numerous personality clashes and conflicts. They separated
during the winter months in Ft. Smith on the Slave River where they trapped
and sled dogged till the spring opened the river. This is the first known
account of anyone paddling across the North American Continent and to do it
in such difficult times was a great achievement. Includes some great actually
photos from there trip. -- Norm Miller
- Where Rivers Run, by Gary and Joanie McGuffin. 1988. Stonewall Press
Boulder Co. ... A husband and wife's account of a 6000 mile cross-Canada trip.
The paddle the entire Mackenzie River to Tuktoyaktuk.
A true life account of the McGuffins extended honeymoon
as they cross Canada from Ottawa to Tuktoyaktuk. Well written accounts of
there experiences with the land, people and its history. They don't go into
extensive detail about certain areas, but what they do write about is well
worth it. Not to be used as a planning guide, but more for the sense of what
"you" will feel and experience when taken by the water. Great photos.
Talks about the Mackenzie River Drainage and what you may see when en-route
on your own trip. -- Norm Miller
- One Incredible Journey, by Claton Klein and Verlen Kruger. 1987.
Wilderness Adventure Books, Fowlerville Michigan.
The true account of Verlen Kruger and Clint Wadells
historic paddle trip in the early 1970's in which they paddle from Ottawa
to the Bering Sea in ONE six month season. These two were out to prove and
set a record making it barely as there canoe became covered in ice as they
paddled into the Bering Sea. The book is comprised of Verlens journal account
records of there challenges and victories as they retrace the historic voyageur
canoe route for 7000 miles. Contains many photos. The book does not have detailed
descriptions but will give the reader a sense on the country that they paddled
through and the hardships of such an undertaking of human strength and spirit.
-- Norm Miller
Review
- The Mighty Mackenzie:Highway to the Arctic Ocean, by Lyn Hancock.
1974. Hancock House Publishing.
This is a simple 90 pages book filled with hundreds
of old photos many of people who live and work along the Mackenzie river.
Trappers, fisherman, paddlers, researched biologist,Inuit elders and children
along with scenic photos. The book is an account of a zodiac(motor boat) trip
down the entire river. Discusses the sites, towns, and people along the way.
Its a must just to see the old photos! Out of print but I searched a warehouse
for it on the net and found it for about $8.00. -- Norm Miller
- Down the Wild River North
Review
- Alexander Mackenzie's Journal, by Sir Alexander Mackenzie. ***
Review
Back to the top.
History
-
Dangerous River, by R.M. Patterson
Your will drift back into the early part of the
20th century to one of the blank spots on the map. This detailed account
of the Nahanni Region is a must for anyone who enjoys the adventures of
the men who braved the rugged lands long before our time. I really enjoyed
the stories of life threatening river running, murder mystery/hidden gold
mine tales, complete isolation and winter turmoils Patterson encountered.
I felt he does get carried away with his hunting exploits, but then again
it was practically his only source of food. Has some great old photos of
the Nahanni Region. -- Norm Miller
- Nahanni, by Dick Turner
Review
- Wings of the North, by Dick Turner
Review
- The Mad Trapper of Rat River
Review
Back to the top.
Guidebooks
- The Canadian Canoeing Companion: An Illustrated Resource Guide to
Paddling Canada's Wilderness, by Alex Narvey. 1988. Thunder Enlightening Press
Winnipeg Manitoba. ... Contains planning tips, gear, canoe techniques. The
good thing about this is the Resources and Bibliography which has hundreds
of information sources about paddling in canada. This book may be out of print
and difficult to find.
Review
- Canoeing Canada's Northwest Territories: A Paddlers guide, Edited
by Mary McCreadie, Published by the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association
Book contains trip reports of the Mackenzie, Slave, Mountain, Coppermine,
Kazan and 15 other major rivers. List water flows and maps needed for the
trip + much much more.
Review
Back to the top.
Travel Technique and Food
- Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardine's Guide to Lightweight Hiking, by
Ray Jardine. 2000. Published by AdvertureLore Press. ISBN# 0-9632359-3-1
Lightweight and low-impact travel techniques. This
book will change the way you think and act, in regards to wilderness travel
and perhaps in how you conduct your daily life. The author has a great deal
of experience kayaking and canoeing in the Arctic. Visit Ray's
website for more information. Practical methods
for all who love the out-of-doors, from walkers and backpackers, to long-distance
hikers. Click
here for a review and to order directly from Ray. Highly,
highly recommended for any wilderness traveler. -- Harlow Pinson
- Wilderness Cuisine: How to Prepare and Enjoy Fine Food on the Trail and
in Camp, by Carole Latimer. 1991. Wilderness Press. ISBN: 0899971148
- NOLS Cookery. Claudia Pearson, Ed. 1997. Stackpole Books; ISBN: 0811728609
- The Hungry Hikers Cookbook. Gretchen McHugh. 1982. Knoph Publishing.
May be out of print.