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 smooth out the flow of river travelers so that everyone has the same wilderness experience.
The following initials indicate the meals included each day:
Breakfast = B | Lunch = L | Dinner = D
Day 1 (D) FORT SIMPSON
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 we will have an orientation talk and equipment check.
You will have time to check out the sites of this small northern community as well as become acquainted with your fellow travelers. You will require accommodations this night in Fort Simpson (your responsibility).
Day 2 (B/L/D) MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
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!".
Weather permitting we will depart by Twin Otter for Island Lakes which is situated about 80 km (50 miles) north of the Park boundary. It is here that we will begin our adventure. We will spend the day preparing to depart and exploring the region around Island Lakes and relaxing in Moore's Hotsprings.
Day 3, 4 and 5 (B/L/D)
Enjoying the superb canoeing and views of the sharp granite peaks of the Ragged Range we will make our way to Rabbitkettle Lake.
Day 6 (B/L/D)
We will hike the 7 kilometres to the tufa mounds of Rabbit Kettle Hotsprings. Here we find unique geological features that help weave together the geological past of the Nahanni.
Day 7 and 8 (B/L/D)
We depart the lake. This portion of the river above Virginia Falls is a flat, meandering section that allows opportunity to learn the necessary canoeing skills from the guides or brush up on techniques. The mountains and U-shaped valley created by the glaciers will dominate the scenery. Camping will be in the most choice spots between Rabbitkettle Lake and Virginia Falls.
Day 9 (B/L/D)
We will camp at a small oxbow lake just off the river. This is a great site to see moose as well as fish or hike the surrounding mountains.
Day 10 (B/L/D)
The destination will be Virginia Falls. The vast area around the falls provides unlimited opportunities for exploring this natural wonder.
Day 11 (B/L/D)
The day may be spent exploring and photographing the area surrounding the falls. If weather permits, those who are up to an all-day hike may strike out for the summit of Sunblood Mountain for a panoramic view of the area or an overland hike to Marengo Falls and a bath in the cool water as it tumbles over this scenic falls.
Day 12 (B/L/D)
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 13 & 14 (B/L/D)
We enter Third Canyon, the walls of which rise 1200 metres over the river. Keen eyes may spot woodland caribou, moose and Dall sheep. Stopping at The Gate and Pulpit Rock, we will hike to the top of the canyon for a bird's eye view of the narrow gorge below and the expanse of the canyon walls. The following day camp will be down stream of Big Bend and inside of Second Canyon.
Day 15 (B/L/D)
Another hiking day spent in the vicinity of Second Canyon will offer more dramatic views.
Day 16 (B/L/D)
Paddling through Third Canyon and into Deadmen Valley, we will stop for a walk up a dry creek d for an overview of this immense region. After passing Headless Creek, we will find ourselves camped in the vicinity of Prairie Creek. 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. Down river 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 17 (B/L/D)
Camp will be in Deadmen Valley. You can spend a relaxing day around the campsite or explore the massive alluvial fan of Prairie Creek. There is a natural sheep lick located on the fan where we often see Dall sheep. For birders, it is the nesting grounds for upland sandpipers, common nighthawks, white winged crossbills, chipping and savanah sparrows. Fisherman will find both Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling inhabiting the pools and eddies of the creek.
Day 18 (B/L/D)
The highlights will include First Canyon, Canada's deepest river canyon at a depth of 1300 metres, George's Riffle and a quick stop at White Spray Springs. We camp for the night at Lafferty's Creek to allowing us time for a last night to hike in the canyons.
Day 19 (B/L/D)
After a quick splash through Lafferty's Riffle and a stop at Kraus Hot Springs for a soak in the 37oC natural springs, we leave the canyons and carry on to camp in the area known as 'The Splits'. Here the river braids and twists into many channels.
Day 20 (B/L/D)
While negotiating the huge meanders prior to the native village of Nahanni Butte, we will experience the river valley opening up to meet the forested flat lands. Camp will be in or near the village (population 80).
We will be hosted by a member of the community who will show us through the village, sharing the history and culture of the people who have made this area home for thousands of years. They will treat us to tea and bannock and try to answer any questions we may have about life in this remote part of the world.
Day 21 (B)
A power boat ride down the voluminous Liard River will take us to Lindberg's Landing where we will be the guests of Edwin and Sue Lindberg for showers, a BBQ and an overnight stay at their cabins.
Note: On rare occasions, we can encounter high winds and waves on the Liard. If this is the case, we will have to choose between waiting it out, hiring a native-owned power boat or calling an aircraft. The cost of this additional transport would be split evenly among the guests.
Day 22 (B)
We will be picked up by vehicle and driven to Fort Simpson to meet our plane home. There may be time to explore around town.