While each month in the northern summer is unique, June is a special time in Nahanni National Park. Offering continuous daylight, higher water levels, wildflowers in full bloom and no end of natural and geological phenomena, early summer is a magical time to be in the North.
If you think that an adventure on the Nahanni River could be your next dream vacation, let’s dive into why a June trip is on Nahanni River Adventures’ owner and guide, Joel Hibbard’s summer schedule every year!
A Mosaic of Colour
The Nahanni is world renowned for its visually arresting landscapes and geological diversity – part of why UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1978. In June, the boreal forest is alive with renewed energy from the recent snow melt; spruces, aspens, balsams and poplars colour the forests in emerald and viridescent shades, while wildflowers bedeck the Park’s rich alpine meadows.
Camas, river beauty, arnica, ladyslippers and monkshood all create a vivid mosaic to travel through. With summer so short in the North, new species appear every week – a delight for botany enthusiasts!
The saffron hues of Arctic poppy and intricate petals of Alpine milkvetch are just a couple of the resplendent wildflower species Nahanni National Park plays host to each June.
Adventure Under the Midnight Sun
With the summer solstice on June 21st, the Nahanni River is doused in 24 hours of daylight to adventure under, giving boundless options to hike and explore the many peaks and side canyons on foot.
This also provides exquisite opportunities for photographers; long days and extended golden hour sunsets create the perfect ambiance to capture your dream shots.
Waves & Whitewater
With the frechette expected (peak snow melt) in the middle of June, whitewater lovers can enjoy higher water levels early in summer. Sections of the river such as Fourth Canyon and George’s Riffle will have bigger waves – making a raft, packraft or inflatable kayak a ton of fun!
Avian Wonders
For birders, June is a special time to be in the North. Nearly 80% of 180 bird species documented in Nahanni National Park are summer-only residents, meaning the beginning of summer is the peak time to catch them on their migration north.
The calls from Swainson’s Thrushes and White Crowned Sparrows echo around our camps in Canada’s deepest canyons, an auditory reminder of the untouched wilderness we are paddling through.
Nighthawks and Least Sandpipers will be nesting on gravel bars and alluvial fans; careful observation allows a birder to identify nested pairs and look for their young.
For guests who are newer to bird identification, each of our guides are passionate naturalists and will provide expert interpretation into the natural wonders around you. Merlin is an excellent mobile app for identifying bird species through their calls – a favourite of lead guide Ursula Kilbridge!
Canyon Solitude
Though Nahanni National Park receives fewer visitors per season than Banff does on an average day, July and August do receive more visitors than the other summer months.
June is a wonderfully quiet time at the start of summer, with the watershed’s remote tranquility granting the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the business of the modern world.
A far cry from busier destinations down south, you could find yourself floating through one of North’s America’s greatest geological masterpieces, quietly contemplating the awe inspiring landscapes and wilderness surrounding you.
Whether it is vibrant wildflower displays, midnight adventures, serene soundscapes, or whitewater excitement, June is a diverse and thrilling month to paddle the Nahanni!
Get in touch with our friendly Expedition Planning Team to start planning your dream river trip of a lifetime!
