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March 2003
Government of Nunavut
Canadian Heritage Rivers System - Department of Sustainable Development
Parks and Tourism Division Soper River (Kuujuaq)
The Soper River ("big river") winds its way from the highlands of the Meta Incognita Peninsula to Soper Lake and then mixes fresh tundra water with the salt waters of Pleasant Inlet along the south coast of Baffin Island, creating tides of over 10.6 meters. The valley's microclimate has created a landscape rich with willow, sedges, heathers and berries not found elsewhere in the Arctic Islands.
Designated a Canadian heritage river in 1992, the Soper runs through Katannilik Territorial Park, a 1,270 km2 destination park in South Baffin. The valley creates a thermal oasis that often enjoys temperatures well above the norm. The result is a lush greenhouse of flowering and leafy plants that creates an ecosystem that includes such wildlife as caribou, wolves, polar bear, hares, lemmings, and birds such as peregrine falcons.
Visitors from around the world come to Katannilik Park to canoe or raft the Soper River, or hike and camp along the valley. The trend is toward longer trips that enable visitors to better appreciate the unique environment through hikes into the valley and up into the hills.
In 2002, the Government of Nunavut (GN) initiated a 10-year review of the existing Soper Heritage River Management Plan. The review will reaffirm community and regional support for the heritage river, indicate any changes to its nomination values, and verify that the goals of the heritage river still reflect those of the GN and the community of Kimmirut.
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