Landing on the alpine waters of Glacier Lake, the Twin Otter delivers us to our camp for the nite. Dinner is in full view of the face of Mount Harrison Smith. A majestic setting!
After breakfast the following morning, the helicopter arrives to lift us up the valley and through a stunning pass into…
The Cirque of the Unclimbables! These granite spires dominate the alpine beauty of Fairy Meadow.
The meadow is home to a peaceful stream and a cascading waterfall.
Gentle hiking opportunities as well as more challenging ''boulder hopping'' routes, fan out in several directions within the massive Cirque.
There are 3 main branches of the Cirque that radiate from Fairy Meadow.
Granite buttresses, spires and faces fill the horizon.
A view of Camp in the Cirque.
Taking a relaxing break during a hike.
A curious marmot checks us out.
Toe of the glacier in the most westerly valley.
Blocks the size of buildings in the meadow.
''Home sweet home'' - and what a view!
A brook running through camp.
The moodiness of morning mist in the Cirque.
On the third morning the helicopter returns to shuttle us to the next phase of our adventure.
View of Glacier Lake on the return to our rendezvous with the Twin Otter that will shuttle us to Rabbitkettle Lake.
Landing on Rabbitkettle Lake.
Secrets of the millennia unfold at Rabbitkettle Lake and Hot Springs. Geological clues reveal the unique tale of a land that was mostly spared from the scouring of the last ice age. Not far from the lake, Rabbitkettle Hotsprings has created Canada's largest tufa mounds - high terraces of soft calcium nearly half the size of a football field. From faults in the earth's crust, hot sulpherous water laden with dissolved calcium, gurgled to the surface. As the streams trickle off the mounds, they leave behind fragile carbonate terraces. So delicate are these features that even footsteps can erode them; and barefoot hikers must tread lightly on these natural wonders in the accompaniment of a Park interpreter.
Water trickling over the delicate features of the tufa mounds.
The mounds are thought to be approximately 10,000 years old.
Pools, not unlike an oriental garden, are created by the action of the calcium.
For 3 days we enjoy the mountain scenery and the flat, moving water of the river between Rabbitkettle Lake and Virginia Falls. This section of the river does not require whitewater experience.
Albert Faille was a trapper and prospector in this country early in the century. He was the central character in the 1962 National Film Board Movie entitled Nahanni. You can obtain this classic from our office.
Albert Faille's cabin on the Flat River.
We came upon this cabin in 1984. It was built on the outside of a river bend, likely 50 feet from the bank. By the time we found it, the bank had eroded back to the cabin and 1/2 way under. It was teetering over the water. Two months later it was gone. A graphic example of the erosive force of the river. To find out more about what makes a river meander, click here.
Virginia Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. Nailicho is the Dene name for the falls. The center spire of harder rock that splits the flow, is referred to by canoeists as Mason's Rock. Bill Mason was a film maker, artist and environmentalist who did much to educate the public about wild rivers and wild places. The falls were named after the daughter of American explorer, Fenlay Hunter in 1928.
Virginia Falls dominates an area so large that it has its own map!
The power of the falls is captivating.
Our Twin Otter arrives to meet us at Virginia Falls.
Leaving the falls and flying homeward, we enjoy a ''bird's eye view'' of the canyons below Virginia Falls!

Contact Us

Canadian River Expeditions
Nahanni River Adventures

Visit: www.nahanni.com

Canadian River Expeditions &
Nahanni River Adventures
PO Box 31203 Whitehorse
Yukon, Canada Y1A 5P7
Phone (867) 668 - 3180
Fax (867) 668 - 3056
Reservations 1 (800) 297 - 6927