Itinerary
DAY 0 – WHITEHORSE, YT
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, and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold. This is the arrival day and is the first day listed for your trip.
You might opt to arrive one day earlier to spend time discovering all that Whitehorse has to offer. If you arrive on this date ensure you arrive by 12pm to attend a pre-departure meeting at 1pm where you will repack into your river bags.
There will be a chance for last minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details. After the meeting you will depart Whitehorse via charter flight to Inconnu Lodge on McEvoy Lake. Dinner will be provided with expansive views of the lake and you will enjoy an evening getting to know your Trip Leader and your river companions. We will enjoy one last night sleeping under a roof in the cozy cabins at Inconnu Lodge.
Please note that the charter flight to McEvoy Lake/Inconnu Lodge is not included and is approximately $400 per person. This is the first date listed for your trip.
Day 1 MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
After breakfast at Inconnu Lodge (included) we begin one of the major highlights of the adventure– the flight into the South Nahanni watershed. You will fly over the majestic Vampire Peaks and the Ragged Range, home to the world
renowned Cirque of the Unclimables and the highest peaks in the NWT. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap! Past participants have stepped off the plane declaring that “if the trip finished now, I would have my money’s worth!”
Following lunch in camp at Honeymoon Lake, your guides will provide further briefing with the techniques for living comfortably along the river. The afternoon will be spent enjoying the stunning scenery of the lake. Your guides will lead a canoe skills session where everyone will receive one-on-one canoe instruction.
Day 2 DOWNRIVER TRAVEL
Moores’ Cabin and Hot Springs are points of interest. It is along this portion of the river that we have spotted wolves in the past. The Vampire Peaks loom large as the clear water of the Broken Skull swirls into the Nahanni’s grey green waters. We will enjoy views into the Cirque of the Unclimbables, the renowned hiking and rock climbing area a two day trek from the South Nahanni river. The armchair glacier of Mount Edna is your first landmark for the impressive peaks of the Cirque.
Day 3 & 4 RABBITKETTLE HOTSPRINGS (GAHNĮHTHAH MĮE)
Everyone will enjoy a lay over day at stunning Rabbitkettle Lake. Pending availability of Nahanni National Park Reserve staff, we will enjoy a guided 7 kilometre round trip hike to the tufa mounds. These fascinating geological features are the largest tufa mounds in Canada and believed to be as old as 10 000 years, a wonderful example of the diverse landscapes contained within Nahanni National Park Reserve. Throughout your journey, our knowledgeable guides will be sharing cultural and ecological interpretation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Nahanni culture.
Day 5 & 6 MOUNTAIN PEAKS
This portion of the river is a flat, meandering section that allows opportunity to learn 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 one of the choice spots between Rabbitkettle Lake and Virginia Falls.
Day 7 OXBOW LAKE
As the river descends the valley, it begins to meander through lush vegetation. Moose, wolves, black and grizzly bear may be spotted here. The final camp before the falls will be on a small oxbow lake just off the river. This is a great site for wildlife viewing or fishing or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Day 8 VIRGINIA FALLS (NÁĮLĮCHO)
Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara) will be the destination. This is the other spot within the National Park where planes may land and we may see other campers here. Once here, the day may be spent exploring and photographing the area surrounding the falls. The vast expanse of the falls captivates photographers and hikers with a tireless display of powerful drama. On the following day, keen and fit hikers may undertake an all-day expedition to the top of Sunblood Mountain for an excellent view of the surrounding area. Others can enjoy exploring the expansive area overlooking the brink of the falls.
Day 9 CANYON FLIGHT
Those remaining to join the One Week Nahanni Canyon Adventure from Virginia Falls will have the chance for more hiking and relaxing at Virginia Falls.
Those departing the Nahanni will board the Twin Otter for the down river flight back to Fort Simpson. Nahanni’s canyons, following the river downstream, the dramatic flight will include views of the upper canyons, The Gate and Pulpit Rock, before heading across the Nahanni Plateau and karst lands, providing tremendous photographic material! Arriving in Fort Simpson, you will have time to explore the northern town before leaving the next day (accommodation not included).
Day 10 HOMEWARD BOUND
This is the last date listed for your trip.
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!
PLEASE NOTE
The above 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 departure regulation system of the Park which works to ensure that all river travellers have the same wilderness experience.
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 the event of a delay, we will enjoy the stunning scenery of McEvoy Lake and the comforts of Inconnu Lodge until we are able to safely depart for the river. Meals and snacks are included from arrival at Inconnu Lodge until lunch on the final river day.
