Coppermine River

The Coppermine River is a northern Canadian river that flows to the Arctic coast at Coronation Gulf near the community of Kugluktuk. It is known for its cultural and natural sites along its course and for its association with Indigenous copper resources.

The river corridor includes rapids and falls such as the well-known Bloody Falls site, archaeological sites, and areas of tundra and boreal transition. Recreational boating and guided trips occur in summer, while the river is largely remote and sparsely populated.

English explorer Samuel Hearne reached the river during his 1771 expedition; Indigenous peoples in the area long used native copper deposits. Over time the river’s role shifted from local subsistence and travel routes to also being a focus for conservation and historic designation at key sites.

Geographically it runs across the Arctic mainland toward the Coronation Gulf in northern Canada, with its mouth adjacent to the hamlet of Kugluktuk. The surrounding landscape is Arctic tundra and rocky rapids typical of the Western Canadian Arctic coast.

• Access: Access to the lower river is from the community of Kugluktuk on the Arctic coast; seasonal ice and river conditions limit travel to summer and winter roads or air transport.
• History note: The river is associated with historic Indigenous copper use and early European exploration; Samuel Hearne reached its mouth during his 1771 expedition.

What to See #

• Bloody Falls: A waterfall and rapids site on the river noted for archaeological sites, rock art, and Indigenous significance; now protected as Kugluk/Bloody Falls National Historic Site and accessible from the village of Kugluktuk.
• Kugluktuk (mouth): The river empties into Coronation Gulf at the settlement now called Kugluktuk, which serves as the main access point for trips upriver and to nearby historic sites.