A Nahanni River rafting or canoeing experience is truly the “Trip of a Lifetime”. For those with limited vacation time, this adventure allows you to experience the best of the Nahanni's “Grand Canyons”, Virginia Falls and many of the iconic features for which the Nahanni River is renowned. We follow a 7 day Nahanni River river route traveling over 240 kilometres (150 miles) from Virginia Falls to Blackstone Landing. Over this course, the Nahanni River drops 396 m (1,300 ft) or almost 9 feet per mile.
On our Nahanni river rafting and canoeing trips, we use rafts as well as 2-person canoes (or Voyageur canoe combinations depending on your experience level) on selected departure dates. Our Nahanni whitewater rafting expeditions are designed for people of any skill level including novices. Some Nahanni raft trips offer canoeing as an option. In this case, the canoeing prerequisites apply and must be met.
We offer a 5 or 6 day option as well as our 7-day traditional itinerary for this trip. With additional float plane and helicopter support, we can shorten the above trips for those with a tight schedule.
Craft Description: Raft - Raft on all trips, On certain selected trips you may opt for 2-Person Canoe, or Voyageur canoe combination (please check prerequisites).
Prerequisites: Beginners - Our raft expeditions are designed for people of any skill level including novices. Some raft trips offer canoeing as an option. In this case, the canoeing prerequisites apply and must be met.
Available Dates
The following additional dates will be opened after the first dates (above) fill.
Rate Details
CAD: $4,880 - plus $147.20 Park Fee
USD: $4,943 *fluxuates daily - (includes Park Fee)
Current CAD/USD Exchange Rate: 0.9832
**Please note that there is a $200.00 flight surcharge per person for the 2-P classic canoes (we bring one inflatable canoe per group at no extra charge).
5 or 6 day option for above - with additional float plane and helicopter support, we can shorten the above trips for those with a tight schedule.
6 DAY OPTION – Add $900 / per person (minimum 2) for additional float plane.
5 DAY OPTION – Add $1975 / per person (minimum 2) for additional float plane and helicopter.
Additional Nahanni River Trip Notes:Upon booking, we will need to know which craft you would prefer (Raft, 2-Person Canoe) on your application form. Numbers will indicate how thoroughly we will be able to match preferences for craft. Please call us with any questions:
1-800-297-6927.
Map 
A Nahanni River Experience is truly the “Trip of a Life time”. The following is a tentative agenda and has been designed with much thought to capitalize on the most scenic and exciting parts of the river while making time on other sections. Your guides will adjust the schedule to make the best use of river and weather conditions.
We adhere to the new departure regulation system of the Park, which works to ensure that all river travelers have the same wilderness experience.
The following initials indicate the meals included each day:
Breakfast = B | Lunch = L | Dinner = D
Rendezvous Point
South Nahanni Airways, Fort Simpson, NWT
Day 1 (D) MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN & CANYON FLIGHT
This is the first day listed for your trip.
Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views (on cloudless days), pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.
Your Trip leader will meet you at the airport (if you arrive the day prior, please make your way to your accommodation).
Once everyone has arrived there will be a chance for last minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details. Those requiring our river bags will have time to transfer gear from their own bags. You can leave unrequired items at our base/warehouse.
After loading our supplies and gear into the aircraft we begin one of the major highlights of the adventure - the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau, a visually stunning panorama unfolds in front of our eyes. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap with lots of film! Past participants have stepped off the plane declaring that “if the trip finished now, I would have my moneys worth!”
Following supper in camp at Virginia Falls, your guides will provide further briefing with the techniques for living comfortably along the river. A last look at the stunning scenery before bed will remind you that you are in one of the most scenic places on the planet!
Please note – Under certain conditions (weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make our upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, we have occasionally found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, we will have supper and find our selves camped in Ft. Simpson or on the shores of the Nahanni.
If we are required to overnight in Fort Simpson you are welcome to camp or take a hotel room (at your own cost).
Day 2 (B/L/D) VIRGINIA FALLS
We will make the final portage around the falls. The trail is downhill and well defined. You need carry only what is comfortable for you. Everyone pitches in to carry what they can and we take as long as we need to complete the task. It is impossible to spend too much time at Virginia Falls! We will assemble the boats and, after a late shore lunch and briefing, we will embark in the late afternoon, on an exhilarating run through Painted Canyon, also known as Fourth Canyon. The final challenge for the day will be Figure 8 Rapids (Hell’s Gate). Camp is finally made for the evening below Wrigley Creek.
Day 3 (B/L/D) CANYONS AND CHASMS
We drift past the confluence of the Flat River and enter Third Canyon, the walls of which loom 1200 m above the river. We camp halfway through this canyon near The Gate.
Day 4 (B/L/D) DEADMEN VALLEY
Paddling through the Big Bend and Second Canyon and past Headless Creek we will find our selves camped in the vicinity of Deadmen Valley. The view includes the Tlogotsho Plateau and Prairie Creek Canyon. It was here, on the shores of Headless Creek, that the bodies of the Mcleod brothers were found in 1905 and the legend of the Headless Valley was born. Downriver at Sheaf Creek, R. M. Patterson and his partner, Gordon Mathews, wintered over in 1928. Patterson later wrote Dangerous River, one of the most eloquent accounts of the early days on the river. Around the campfire, we will read from his book.
Day 5 (B/L/D) CANYON KINGDOM CANYON KINGDOM
We start the day by challenging the big waves of George’s Riffle and enter First Canyon, the deepest of all the canyons. Camp will be made at Lafferty’s Riffle.
Day 6 (B/L/D) KRAUS' HOT SPRINGS
After the waves of Lafferty’s Riffle, we take a quick dip in Kraus’ Hotsprings before bidding farewell to the canyons and entering the braided channels of The Splits. Here a broad valley is revealed and the surrounding mountains, ridge piled upon ridge, form a dramatic contrast to the enclosure of the canyons. Lush boreal forest bordered by steep ridges form a “story book” setting.
Day 7 (B/L) THE GREAT DENE WALL, VILLAGE OF NAHANNI BUTTE AND LIARD RIVER FLIGHT.
Stopping in the village we will have an opportunity to see this traditional community. Here we board a charter plane for our flight down the Liard valley back to Fort Simpson. You will need to book accommodation for this final night in Fort Simpson. The group can meet for dinner at the Sub-Arctic Cafe for a final farewell meal and good-bye to your guides (accommodation and meal not included).
Day 8 HOMEWARD BOUND
After a relaxing morning and time to look around the Village of Fort Simpson, you will board your homeward plane with a load of fond memories and a relaxed and renewed spirit!
Note: Upon booking, we need to know which craft you would prefer (Raft, 2-Person). Please note that there is a $200.00 per person flight surcharge for anyone selecting the canoe option. Numbers will indicate how thoroughly we will be able to match preferences for craft - please let us know your preference on the application form and call with any questions 1-800-297-6927. See The Details package for additional explanation of the craft.
8 Day or 12 Day?
If you have the time, consider the 12 day. The charter flights are our single biggest expense. So you achieve greater value on the 12 day.