One of the highlights of our Nahanni River journeys is the iconic Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls).
Our raft journeys and 10 day canoe journeys begin with a breathtaking flight into Náįlįcho, while canoeists from some of our longer canoe journeys will paddle from further upstream. Meaning ‘big, falling water’ in Dene, the falls are an awe-inspiring geological masterpiece standing at 315 feet (over twice the height of Niagara!)
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a newcomer to the river, being prepared for this section of the journey is key to both safety and enjoyment. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to navigate the portage with confidence and ease.
Why the Portage?
Because of the sheer size of Náįlįcho, it is unnavigable in boats so we must portage ourselves and everything we are taking downriver. In fact, we have SO much river gear to move that we fly two guides into the falls 1-2 days early so that the bulk of our food and equipment is already below the falls when you arrive. Each guide typically portages the equivalent distance of a half marathon each trip!
Portaging may sound daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s a manageable and rewarding part of the adventure. Plus, the portage trail itself offers incredible views of the falls, giving you an opportunity to see it from all kinds of different angles as you move down the portage trail.
Steps to Prepare for the Portage:
Safety First
The age old proverb, “slow and steady wins the race” is certainly true on the portage trail!
- Eat a hearty breakfast: Our guides will have hot cereal and a main breakfast meal prepared for you in the morning before you start down the portage trail. Make sure you fill up on breakfast so that you have lots of energy for the walk down to the bottom of the falls!
- Have a full water bottle: Make sure to drink water as you’re eating breakfast and to have a full water bottle before you start portaging. The summer sun can be very strong in the North, and you’ll want to ensure that you’re starting your trip hydrated and feeling good!
- Wear sturdy footwear: Make sure your boots or shoes have good tread for traction on potentially wet, uneven ground. (Check out more of our recommendations for river footwear here!)
- Pack light: Keeping your personal gear well organised will make the portage easier and safer. When you are packing at home, consider the weight of the items you are choosing to bring with you. (See our blog post Packing for your River Trip Made Easy for our packing tips and recommendations.)
- Stay in groups: Always walk in pairs or small groups when portaging for safety. We find that walking and talking can make the portage feel like it’s gone by a whole lot more quickly!
Mind the wildlife: The Nahanni River is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including bears, so be aware of your surroundings. Though it is rare to encounter bears along the portage trail, be sure to make lots of noise as you hike to avoid surprising any animals.
Understanding the Route:
The portage trail around Virginia Falls is well-marked. From the portage platform you will take the right fork and start heading uphill on the boardwalk. (The left fork will bring you to view points above the falls.)
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll encounter:
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- Trail Length: The portage is 1.3 kilometres in length. Most of the route is a boardwalk, though the final section has several steep, gravel switchbacks.
- Trail Conditions: Be aware of loose stones and potentially slippery parts if raining.
- Views of Virginia Falls: The portage route offers spectacular views of Náįlįcho from several vantage points. Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the falls’ power and beauty before continuing your way down the trail. In certain spots you can even feel the mist from the falls on your face – a welcome cool down on a hot day!
Moving Gear: Portaging is a team effort!
- What if you are unable to carry your pack?: We recognize that some folks may not feel comfortable carrying their packs down the trail. If you do not feel up for carrying your pack, fear not! Our guides will move your gear down the trail for you. If you are able, we encourage you to help carry anything that you feel comfortable with. Even the lightest items, like empty water buckets or life jackets helps to make the portage go efficiently and smoothly. There is no expectation, but any help is greatly appreciated!
- Portaging super stars: For those folks who love type 2 fun as much as we do, we encourage you to go back up the trail and do as many loads as you are able! The faster we move all of our gear, the faster we will be moving down the river!
- Multiple Trips: It’s better to take fewer items and move down the trail with ease, than to have too much and have to constantly shift items around on your back and in your hands. Remember, a light load is easier to carry and reduces the risk of injury!
Arriving at the End of the Portage
Once you’ve made it to the end of the trail, you’ll find yourself between a majestic view of Náįlįcho and Fourth Canyon, downstream. Take a moment to soak up this visually arresting panorama!
Your guides will be busy setting up a delicious lunch and rigging rafts. This is often a “hurry up and wait” moment, so take the opportunity to get yourself organized and enjoy a riverside picnic while your guides finish up rigging the boats.
Over the next few days, you will be surrounded by more of the Nahanni’s incredible landscapes and history before you finish your journey at Nahanni Butte. Arguably Canada’s most iconic river and a true wilderness gem, this is sure to be the trip of a lifetime!
Whether you are a pro canoeist or first time raft enthusiast, the Nahanni has something to offer for everyone.
Get in touch with our friendly Expedition Planning Team to begin planning your dream river trip!
