Frequently Asked Questions
No question is too small when planning for a northern river adventure. If you don’t find the answers you need here, please contact us any time.
Choosing a Trip & Booking
What kinds of trips do you offer?
We offer expeditions to suit almost every interest – from week-long trips for those with limited time to 3 week long expeditions for the experienced paddler. Our trips are river based and allow you to explore majestic areas with unique cultural significance, flora and wildlife. With our options of different craft and challenge levels there is a choice for every level of adventurer. All of the trips include some hiking and some allow plenty of opportunities to explore what lies off the river. You can find out more about each of our rivers, with detailed itineraries for each expedition, on this website. We have a dedicated Expedition Planning team who is available to support you with your planning and is happy to answer any questions you may have. Reach out anytime by phone or send an email to info@nahanni.com !
Which is the best expedition?
It depends on your interests – each expedition takes you through a unique landscape with a distinct cultural and ecological significance. Most have great hiking. The Nahanni River, flows through Nahanni National Park Reserve which boasts Virginia Falls (twice the height and four times the volume of Niagara Falls!), four distinct canyons with walls over 4000 feet high and hot springs to luxuriate in. The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are best described as some of the most visually spectacular in the world, flowing through the world’s largest non-polar ice cap, with mountains over 15,000 ft. high and glaciers calving icebergs into the river in front of us. The Firth River offers remote barrens above the Arctic Circle with an incredible abundance of iconic Arctic species, including Porcupine Caribou, wolves, grizzly bears and birds of prey. The Coppermine River follows in the footsteps of Sir John Franklin on a wilderness and wildlife journey to the “Polar Sea”. Our Horton River expedition offers a journey down mainland Canada’s most northerly river and is famous for its nesting raptors. Our whitewater canoe trips such as the Wind, Snake or Broken Skull River, provide exciting challenges for canoeists.
What are the expeditions like?
Welcome to the Land of the Midnight Sun; a country of diverse landforms, abundant and diverse vegetation and new delights to the eye, every day. Flowing across these lands are the rivers, the veins of the Earth, lifelines to the ecosystems they support. Imagine paddling through these majestic landscapes as a humble visitor and hiking to awe-inspiring viewpoints, to be rewarded each day with delicious, high quality meals freshly prepared by our guides.
You will be accompanied by your knowledgeable guides who share their passion for the area, and with them you unfold the mysteries and experience the beauty of the North. You will wake up each morning to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, safe in the knowledge that the adventures of the day to come will provide you with stories to inspire your friends and family for years to come.
You may be one who prefers to be challenged physically or you may be looking for a peaceful natural retreat experience – we can help you find a trip option to meet your desires. You can be certain that our goal is to begin working together with you now to plan a holiday that will meet and exceed your expectations in as many ways as possible and be one of those “trips of a lifetime” that we all dream of. Our years of experience tell us that you will return home refreshed, revitalized and already planning your next adventure!
When is the best time to go?
Welcome to the Land of the Midnight Sun; a country of diverse landforms, abundant and diverse vegetation and new delights to the eye, every day. Flowing across these lands are the rivers, the veins of the Earth, lifelines to the ecosystems they support. Imagine paddling through these majestic landscapes as a humble visitor and hiking to awe-inspiring viewpoints, to be rewarded each day with delicious, high quality meals freshly prepared by our guides.
You will be accompanied by your knowledgeable guides who share their passion for the area, and with them you unfold the mysteries and experience the beauty of the North. You will wake up each morning to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, safe in the knowledge that the adventures of the day to come will provide you with stories to inspire your friends and family for years to come.
You may be one who prefers to be challenged physically or you may be looking for a peaceful natural retreat experience – we can help you find a trip option to meet your desires. You can be certain that our goal is to begin working together with you now to plan a holiday that will meet and exceed your expectations in as many ways as possible and be one of those “trips of a lifetime” that we all dream of. Our years of experience tell us that you will return home refreshed, revitalized and already planning your next adventure!
Do I need to sign a waiver?
All our guests are required to read and sign our waiver and release form in order to reserve their space. A copy of the waiver will be provided to you at the time of booking. Canadian law stipulates that we must receive a fully signed waiver prior to taking payment for your expedition. Guests are required to re-sign their waivers at their pre-departure orientation at the start of their expedition.
To ensure your waiver is completed correctly:
Read the waiver in colour, and if possible, print in colour.
Ensure that you have put your initial in the box in the top right corner of the first page.
Have a witness sign under the witness signature section on the second page.
Print, sign and return to info@nahanni.com !
OK, I’m going! How do I sign up?
Fantastic! Simply call us or Email (or visit our online reservation page) and request to reserve your required number of seats for your desired expedition :
Toll free: 1 (800) 297 – 6927
Europe or local call: (867) 668 – 3180
Fax: (867) 668 – 3180
Email: info@nahanni.com
We offer as much flexibility as possible when booking. The trip deposit is refundable up until 90 days before departure, for private expeditions deposits become non-refundable on January 1st. Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including suggested reading lists and advice on clothing and equipment. There’s much to see in the North! If you’d like to explore on your own, plan to arrive a day or two early or extend your trip after your expedition dates . Feel free to ask for some great suggestions for trip extensions.
About Price and Value
We work hard to ensure you receive the greatest value from your experience with us. This is your trip of a lifetime, so that’s how we treat it.
We have earned a reputation as the best river outfitter in the North and there are some good reasons for this. We have chosen to set the highest bar, and refuse to cut corners.
The north is not a mass market destination – thank goodness! The experiences found here are like nothing else in the world. Visitors come from across the world to experience something North of ordinary; pristine wilderness, fascinating history, and of course Northern hospitality. Our prized rivers are remote and require charter aircraft to fly in, out or both; this is our single biggest expense. Operating in such remote regions with a short season, brings expenses not encountered elsewhere – but the results are priceless. We – and many of our previous guests will attest – that the memories made on our river journey far exceed any price tag.
We continue to survey our guests every year to determine what they value on these trips and we plan our programs accordingly. You can be certain that, for Northern river expeditions, day for day, kilometer for kilometer, guide for guide – you get what you pay for.
What sets us apart as the best? What are the most important factors? Most companies will have good gear, good food and a reasonable itinerary on paper. So why choose us?
Our guests seek the richest experiences and want to bring home the best stories. We design our itineraries to maximize your time in these amazing destinations which will grant you indelible memories and riveting stories for family and friends .
Experience has taught us that the most important factors are the guides and the ratio of staff to participants (1-4 max.). Even the best guides can only be in one place at one time and this is not an area in which to compromise. You are making an important investment in this special trip, you deserve the best from your guides and they can only provide this if they are not “spread too thin”.
We have the greatest retention of staff in the North, with some having served us for 30 years.On average, our guides have worked with us for over 10 years. We also prioritise the support that the guests and staff receive before, during and after the season, both “up front” and “behind the scenes”. This directly effects the quality of your experience and most importantly, safety. We are proud to say that we shine in this area.
In addition, we commit to the goal of having the most “consistently” knowledgeable staff in the areas of local interpretation such as flora, fauna, geology, geomorphology, human history, and unique details pertinent to the area. On our trips we bring an extensive library of reference material. One individual guide cannot have all of this information memorized, so the realistic role of a guide is to work with you to uncover the beautiful details and hidden gems of the watershed you find yourself paddling through.
We are confident that in the areas where we operate, we are leaders in consistently maintaining these standards. It begins with the depth and breadth of information you see here, and continues with our communications, information and attention to detail throughout your trip and even long after you have returned home.
We welcome any questions you may have on this topic. This is a very special trip for you. You will likely not travel the same river a second time, so you want to do it right. We understand this and that is why we set our standards as high as we do.
We will provide you with the richest experiences possible, from initial enquiry and early communications, to your journey of discovery through the North to post-expedition follow up.
It’s not surprising that most of our guests return to explore another river with us. After all, we are the premier Northern river outfitter and this is the Magnetic North!
Planning, Travel & Documents
Essential Travel Documents: Your Passport
International visitors to Canada will need a passport to enter, with at least 6 months from the end of your visit to the expiry date. You will need to renew your passport if it does not meet this requirement.
Visitors who are not US citizens or permanent residents will also need to apply for an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization). You can find out more about the eTA process here:
Please carry your passport on you; do not pack it in your checked-in luggage.
Please note, our Tatshenshini and Alsek River expeditions cross the US-Canada border, so guests will need to bring their passports and apply for an ESTA visa for entry to the US if you are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents!
Day ‘0’ on my itinerary – what is that?
Different rivers present different logistical considerations. On our Nahanni 1 week expeditions we board a float plane soon after your arrival in Fort Simpson. On other expeditions it works better if we have our pre-departure meeting in the evening of Day “0” and then depart early the following morning for the “put-in”. We have used “Day 0” for those trips where you meet in the evening.
On any trip, you need to arrive at the meeting point on the date listed as the first day in the “Dates and Rates” list and you may travel home on the last date listed for your trip.
We will confirm these dates, timing and locations in your Welcome Aboard Package and Trip Confirmation document which we send you after your have booked your trip. Please feel free to confirm this with us before booking your plane tickets and accommodation.
What about Insurance?
We strongly recommend trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical evacuation insurance. Call our office for more details on what your insurance should cover. The cost is approximately 7% of the trip fee and is non-refundable. Please check to ensure your medical insurance will cover you away from home and whether it includes evacuation coverage outside of your home region.
Preparations for our expeditions begin with a great deal of planning, months (in some cases, years) in advance. For this reason we must maintain the policy that no refunds are available within the 90 day period before each departure.. Medical evacuation insurance is encouraged because if you require an evacuation the expenses incurred will be billed to you. Due to the remote wilderness locations of our expeditions, an evacuation could easily cost over $50,000.
Trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical evacuation insurance may be purchased separately. The price will vary according to your personal details, where you reside, and the location of your trip. If you have any questions about the insurance, or if you would simply like a price quote, please ask us to connect you to Uniglobe Specialty Travel or you can reach out directly via the contact info below.
Karin, Uniglobe Specialty Travel
Toll-free within Canada: 1-866-932-2565
Direct for US/International: 1-867-668-3300
E-mail: karin@uniglobespecialtytravel.com
Travel agents in major centres are sometimes unfamiliar with smaller Northern airlines and may require assistance. Be assured that the flights are available and if you run into any difficulty obtaining information, please contact us.
We plan our schedules around the daily commercial flights to our meeting points. All are serviced by airlines such as Air Tindi, Air North, Canadian North and Air Canada.
You are welcome to make flight reservations through your own agents or if you wish you may contact the agents we recommend (see contact details under Getting Here).
Air Travel – How do I get there?
Agents in major centres are sometimes unfamiliar with Northern airlines and may require assistance. Be assured that the flights are available and if you run into any difficulty obtaining information, please contact us.
We have planned our schedules around the daily commercial flights to our meeting points. All are serviced by airlines such as First Air, Air North, Canadian North and Air Canada.
You are welcome to make flight reservations through your own agents or if you wish you may contact our agents (see contact details under Getting Here).
Agents in major centers are sometimes unfamiliar with Northern airlines and may require assistance. Be assured that the flights are available and if you run into any difficulty obtaining information, please contact us.
Tipping – Is it required and how much?
Most guests tip their guides. If you feel your guides have been especially helpful and instrumental in increasing the enjoyment of your trip, and have gone out of their way to make you feel comfortable, you may wish to leave a tip at trip’s end to show your appreciation.
Consider $40 per day, per person as a starting point (“Example: 12 Day Alsek Expedition – $40 x 12 days = $480 per person to be split amongst the guide team.”). While there is no requirement to leave a tip they are always gratefully received.
How do I get to the meeting point?
You will find travel information in the “Getting Here” section. Each of our meeting points are accessible by airlines on the days listed for pre-departure meetings.
What do I need to bring?
We have included an easy to follow equipment list in the “What To Bring” section. To serve you best, we have created a video for making packing easy:
You provide your personal gear and we provide the rest: top-quality tents, river gear, safety gear, kitchen and camping equipment and bush plane transportation.
What if I’m travelling alone?
We often have solo travellers join our group and we do not charge a single supplement. You will be provided with a private tent at no additional charge. If you would like to canoe, but don’t have a partner, we will pair you up with someone suitable, either a guide or another solo paddler.
Who goes? I’m not sure about travelling in groups.
The majority of people who come with us are from North America, but it is not uncommon to have folks join us from further afield . We have welcomed guests from most countries in Europe as well as South Africa, Australia and Asia. Most share the common goal of a strong interest in the outdoors and nature and enjoy meeting and making new friends.
They come alone, in couples, as a family or in groups of friends. They range from 8 to over 80 years of age. On our regular trips we keep our guide to guest ratio 1:4 and we always provide a minimum of two guides. Another example of our commitment to providing this highest quality of experience to our guests.
Custom trips may have a lower ratio at an additional cost. The number of participants on any expedition is governed by the parks we travel through. It ranges from 12 to 20 guests plus guides. Feel free to inquire about the number of guests on your trip or discuss any concerns you may have with our Expedition Planning Team.
Our detailed, well organized itineraries and our experienced guides ensure the daily flow will feel seamless.
Skills Required
What are the skill prerequisites?
We welcome guests of all experience levels on our raft expeditions!
These expeditions are designed for people of any skill level, including complete beginners. Some raft trips offer canoeing as an option. In this case, the canoeing prerequisites apply and must be met.
For our canoe expeditions, selecting an appropriate trip for your skill level is critical to both the safety and enjoyment of your time on the river.
Tandem canoe trips are much more skill specific and careful thought must be applied to assessing your canoe skill level (see below). On some sections of rivers we can implement our “canyon rig strategy”. Above the rapids, we catamaran the canoes together in pairs, meaning you can enjoy greater stability while going for the bigger waves. We then disassemble the rigs in calmer waters and you can canoe as normal.
The following are the considerations for each canoe trip:
Yukon River canoe
You have canoed previously and know the rudimentary strokes: bow, reverse, “j”, draw, pry and sweep. You are comfortable paddling in the bow and working with another partner or you have river reading skills and can control the canoe from the stern while working with another partner.
Stikine, Wind canoe
You have mastered the skills above. You have taken an introductory river canoeing course and have experience paddling on Grade II rivers. In addition you have river reading skills and can work effectively with a partner to side slip and back ferry to move the canoe laterally in Grade II water with precision. You can comfortably apply these skills to navigating tight bends and avoiding log jams. You have swum through a rapid with a capsized canoe.
Nahanni 2 week, Nahanni 3 week hiking, or canoeing on a 8 or 12 day Nahanni trip, Coppermine canoe
You possess the skills above and have completed a whitewater canoe course. You have swum through a rapid with a capsized canoe. You are able to read Grade III water and quickly formulate strategies while working with a partner to navigate. Unless you opt for the canyon rig strategy for the main rapids you match the following description:
At least once a year for the two previous seasons or more, you paddle Grade II/III whitewater with friends or a canoe club. You are committed to at least one “warm up” trip or course prior to the planned trip this season. We can modify these requirements by the use of “canyon rigs” for the rapids but this must be discussed with us before booking.
Moose Ponds, Mountain River Canoe, Snake River
You possess the abilities and judgment level above and have a more extensive “whitewater” background. For the last 3 years or more you have paddled Grade III whitewater at least 3 times per year and enjoy practicing technical moves. You are committed to at least one “warm up” trip or course prior to the planned trip this season.
Canyon Rig Description
On some rivers we have an alternative approach that can modify these requirement with the use of our “canyon rig” strategy. Above the rapids, we can catamaran the canoes together in pairs, which means you can enjoy greater stability while going for the biggest waves. In the flatter sections we disassemble the rigs and canoe conventionally.
What if I am a whitewater kayaker and have not canoed previously?
If this is the case, please contact us directly and we can discuss your background in relation to the trip you are considering. Are You a Whitewater Paddler? Have you swum through a long rapid with a flipped canoe?
If not, you have yet to earn your stripes as a whitewater canoeist. Take a whitewater course and practice whitewater recovery skills before your trip.
Canoes and “swimming”
Only on a rare occasion will a participant fall out of a raft. On the other hand, tipping a canoe and “going for a swim” is considered an integral part of “canoe sport”. One or more canoes flipped at any time is a normal event and is not considered an “emergency” or “incident”. The group simply recovers the swimmers and boats. When all is secure, the group continues down the river. It’s part of the fun.
In class II and greater rapids, a neoprene wet suit or fabric dry suit is mandatory. On the other rivers many will opt for the neoprene wet suit although some paddlers (with strong internal “furnaces”) will opt for rain gear worn over polypropylene and fleece on the whitewater days. Feel free to consult with us for more information specific to the river you have selected. Due to the use of spray covers, helmets are mandatory on the Moose Ponds, and recommended on the Mountain River canoe, Snake and Burnside canoe trips.
I am in my senior years, can I still do one of your adventures?
Yes! Our raft adventures require no experience and anyone in good health can join us. Prior experience is required for our canoe expeditions but there is not an age limit. We have had every age from 5 to 85 on our expeditions over the last 30 years. We are prepared and willing to help those who cannot carry heavy loads, etc. However we believe part of our responsibility is helping ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible and are happy to discuss what adventure is most appropriate for you. Please get in touch directly with our office to learn more.
How active are these expeditions?
We believe in showing you all aspects of the areas we are travelling in and not just “the river banks”. To achieve this we have scheduled all our adventures to allow plenty of time for hiking, exploring, photography or just relaxing. We try to include as much hiking as possible – these range from short 1 or 2 hour walks from our canoes or rafts to all day hikes from the camp. With a minimum of two guides along and often three or four, we are able to offer different options to suit every pace and endurance level including skipping the hikes to relax in camp.
What kind of shape do I need to be in?
All canoe participants should be healthy, reasonably fit and comfortable in and around water. Our raft expeditions have no exceptional requirements. Previous experience is not a requirement for many of the journeys. The individual itineraries have specific comments in this regard.
On all expeditions, we provide many hiking opportunities from one hour to all day. Participation is entirely up to you – you can lead the group, go only part way, go for a short stroll or choose to relax in camp and read a book. All participants are required to fill out a medical form for their own health and safety. We require a doctor’s note for guests who are over 80 years old.
A good general level of fitness is recommended; the trip will be much more enjoyable if you are in good physical condition. Most hiking will not be overly strenuous but we will be walking up and down hills, often on unstable ground such as narrow trails with rocks or scree. We recommend regular exercise prior to the trip such as walking, swimming, or participating in a fitness program.
How hard is the experience? Can I participate?
A few examples may be helpful. On our raft journeys we have had people in their eighties as well as those as young as 5 years old. The average age of our guests is mid-fifties. We try to plan the pace to accommodate the abilities of the group of guests we are guiding.
Attitude tends to be the main criterion. If you are capable of walking over rocky, uneven ground, if your bad back is manageable and if your doctor tells you that you should go and enjoy yourself, then you will likely manage OK. Please contact us with any questions you may have about this. We can also connect you with one of our previous participants for a third opinion.
Who does the rowing on raft expeditions?
There is one guide per raft, typically 3 to 5 rafts per expedition and the guides do the rowing. Paddles are typically available though paddling is optional and there may be times when paddling is not an option.
On our Nahanni raft expeditions, there is the option to rent inflatable kayaks or packrafts for guests to enjoy the river at their own pace.
What type of craft will we use?
Various trips place different demands upon guest participation. Here is an explanation of the differences:
- 2-Person Canoes
The traditional 16’ and 17’ canoe. Previous canoe experience is an asset. Physical fitness and comfort on and in moving water are important. Refer to the specific trip itinerary for additional skills that may be required for your trip. - Raft
The safe and stable expedition raft is ideal for those who desire their hands free to photograph or travel in a more relaxed fashion. The guide maneuvers the raft with oars and paddling by participants is completely optional. - Inflatable Kayaks and Packrafts –Packrafts and Inflatable kayaks are available on our Nahanni raft trips. Both of these crafts are very accessible regardless of paddling experience and are a lot of fun on the whitewater and calm water. These crafts allow you the chance to experience the river on your own terms with the option to return to the raft ‘mother ship’ at any time. Please inquire with our Expedition Planning Team for more details.
On our combination raft and canoe journeys a tandem canoe may be arranged.
Note: There is a $280.00/person flight surcharge for the tandem canoe. Inflatable kayaks and packrafts are also subject to rental charges reflecting the extra weight for our charter flights.
A Word About River Ratings
Physical requirements for river trips are generally modest, but can vary depending on the nature of the rapids (on some rivers, portages are necessary at times). Rivers are ranked according to the difficulty of their most severe rapids, and we’ve indicated the class of rapids for each river trip throughout the site. (Note -the scale recommends that these ratings be increased by one when remote location or cold water is considered.)
- Class I – Easy flat water and mild waves. Some maneuvering may be required to navigate around log jams or sweepers.
- Class II – Standing waves up to 3′.
- Class III – Moderate waves and narrower channels due to obstructions such as rocks or gravel bars. Quick and accurate river reading is required with instinctive maneuvers orchestrated with a paddling partner.
- Class IV – Expert whitewater canoeist (4 is considered to be the top extreme of canoe capability). Difficult, with narrow channels obstructed by rocks, steep and narrow drops.
- Class V – Possibility of overturning a raft. We always use caution and judicious safety measures and portage around anything that looks doubtful.
Our river guides are the best in the north and you can feel confident in their hands.
How do you rate the experience required and difficulty of each trip?
On each itinerary you will find a description of the prerequisites (if any) and the difficulty level for that particular trip; or view our ‘Notes about Prerequisites’ on the trip pages. Most importantly, we strongly recommend that you address any questions directly to us, so that we can clarify any questions that you have.
On The Trip
What about regulations concerning artifacts?
Please note that our guides strictly adhere to all regulations concerning treatment of artifacts, fossils, flora and fauna. Violation of these regulations is punishable by law. Law enforcement agencies actively pursue violators. If you have any questions about the local regulations concerning such things, please contact our office or ask your guides. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
What is the daily routine?
We have structured our expeditions to allow personal time and lots of time to hike and explore the area we are travelling through. Travel days on the river can be anywhere from a short day of 2 hours to an occasional long day of 8 hours, depending on the location of the next campsite, river levels and weather conditions. We plan frequent shore breaks. Many trips have one or more “lay-over” days when we stay put and enjoy camping two nights in iconic spots. Typically layover campsites are chosen for their spectacular scenery and / or hiking opportunities.
We like to get our groups on the river fairly early each day, usually by about 10 am, to allow us to make the most of the day and give plenty of time to stop to watch wildlife, do a short hike or allow us to photograph or explore around camp during the evenings.
You are welcome to participate with in-camp chores and routine, but this is totally optional (Remember this is your holiday, the guides are along to work). Pick the role that will be most enjoyable for you. If at any time you are puzzled about expectations, feel free to ask one of your guides. They are very approachable and would rather clarify your questions than have you wondering.
For early risers, coffee (roasted in the North!) is usually brewed at 7am. You may keep yourself busy by seeking out panoramic photographs or pursuing other personal interestsreading, journaling, art or enjoying the reference materials in our library as you discover the flora and fauna around you. Getting up, preparing and eating breakfast, making plans for the day, striking camp and loading the boats is a process that usually takes about three hours. If the camp is a “two nighter”, we have a relaxed start, things are tidied up and we enjoy the highlights of that particular spot. Please see your specific trip itinerary for layover days.
Evenings are usually unstructured. A campfire, fishing, enjoying the midnight sun (June and July) or countless other activities may occupy the time. Except for short forays within the vicinity of camp, travelling alone out of sight of camp is discouraged for safety reasons.
Sanitation?
We have several washing strategies. We have a convenient hand washing station that is set up in every camp. Your guides will direct you to environmentally friendly ways to wash and look after sanitary concerns. Here are two popular strategies for personal bathing: Some bring a Camel Back style of water bladder. This can be filled with some warm water from the stove, hung in a tree and voila a shower! Others will use a collapsible bucket with some warm water from the stove for a “bird bath”. Most people will do some personal laundry once or twice during the trip as well.
What about a bathroom and how does it work?
On our trips we make it easy and comfortable. The toilet in every campsite is established in a private location and well away from the camp and any water. In the “Arctic” where there are no trees, we set up a tent that works both to keep you out of the bugs and to provide you with the necessary privacy. Relax! There is a seat, just like at home.
Do you get up in the middle of the night? No problem. Many of our seasoned travelers have opted to bring a container that they can use as a “chamber pot” in the comfort of their tent. A wide mouthed container and lid, such as a yogurt container works well.
Will we see other groups on the river?
Although we are travelling on a wilderness river, we may encounter other visitors. We do our best to avoid this, but often, particularly at points of significant interest, it is likely that we will see other groups. Once away from these places it becomes easier to maintain our solitude.
How long do we spend on the river each day?
We have structured our expeditions to allow lots of time to hike and explore the areas we are travelling through. “Travel days” can be anywhere from 2 to 7 hours long. There is usually a shore break every hour. We like to get on the river fairly early each day, usually by about 10 am to give us time to stop during the day to watch wildlife or do a short hike or to allow us plenty of time to photograph or explore around camp at night. All our longer expeditions have at least 3 layover days for hiking (see the individual itinerary for specific details).
Is there time for hiking, photography, fishing and relaxing?
Yes, our time on the river each day will vary, leaving time for other pursuits. Learn more about your daily routine.
What will we be eating?
We have three guidelines for our nutritious and delicious food selection: quality, quantity and variety. If you have special needs or desire a copy of our detailed meal descriptions, please let us know. With advanced notice (90 days’ minimum) we can accommodate most special dietary requirements. Snacks and treats are provided but if you have any special favourites, feel free to bring some along!
We take great pleasure in delivering the best selection possible and appropriate in these remote and beautiful settings. Over twenty years of practice has allowed us to fine tune our menu to ensure we achieve our measurement of success: we call it the “wow” factor. Our menu includes high quality meats and cheese, abundant salads and plenty of fresh fruit.
One of the highlights of travelling to an exotic location is the opportunity to sample local foods. If this interests you, we have some exciting local dishes to try. We serve these selections as appetizers, so that the choice is yours and they are separate from the main meal. Local specialities may include Arctic char, Taku River salmon, caribou and more!
Where do we stay or sleep?
All our expeditions are camping adventures. We provide you with a top quality, free standing expedition tent. Our tents are spacious enough for two people. If you are travelling solo we will provide you with a tent for your self.
Who are the leaders?
We are proud of our tremendous staff. Some have guided with us for over two decades. They continue to return each season because of their sincere love for their work and the places it takes them. As the premier Northern outfitter, we naturally attract the best guides. Our guides are friendly, knowledgeable, hard working, highly skilled women and men who love the North and enjoy sharing its beauty and secrets with others. All our guides are highly qualified and certified and the fact that we are viewed by other operators and National Parks as the “standard to aim for” perhaps says it best.
A number of them are trainers and examiners in fields including paddling, rescue, first aid and interpretation. In the off season, these people are often upgrading the staff of other operators and National Parks. Junior guides come to us through our demanding practicum program that serves to ensure we employ only the “cream of the crop”. Entry requirements are high and the program yields an exceptional Northern river guide. We have little turn over, with most guides returning year after year – along with returning guests!
Weather Wildlife & Bugs
What weather conditions may I expect?
Weather conditions in northern mountainous environments range widely between extremes. The only fact you can bet on with mountain weather is that it can change instantly. This means that although we may enjoy fine weather we must also be prepared for changes. On any given day you may experience sunny, hot, dry weather that is interrupted by periods of rain or on rare occasions – even snow. In general, the weather is moderate with average temperatures of 16°C (62°F) in July, and 14°C (56°F) in August. When packing, please be prepared for heat waves and cold spells. For tundra river trips, please refer to the specific notes in the itinerary regarding weather. Remember, as mere mortals your guides have no control over the weather. This may seem obvious but it is surprising how many well-educated people will look for someone to blame for poor weather. The best we can do as guides and outfitters is to suggest proper clothing, and we have done this in the equipment list. Please call for any clarification you may require.
When is the best time to see the flowers of the area?
Our Tundra journeys are timed to coincide with the blooming of the flowers of the area. Pick a late June or early July adventure on the Tatshenshini or Nahanni River if this is of prime interest.
You can read more about different blooming times of the Nahanni’s wildflowers here: https://nahanni.com/blog/wildflowers-of-nahanni-river/
Will I see any wildlife?
Each river brings its own opportunities to view iconic Northern species . If seeing wildlife is your prime reason for going, a Tundra expedition (Coppermine or Firth) can provide excellent wildlife viewing . These rivers are located above the tree line and this allows us to see wildlife more easily. The Firth river offers the chance to see abundant caribou, wolves and muskox and birds or prey.
Alternatively, the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers flow through the world’s largest bio-preserve and are known for their high densities of bears (black and grizzly), wolves, moose and eagles (Golden and Bald).
On the Nahanni we can see Dall sheep, moose, black bear, grizzly bear, Woodland caribou, wolf,among others, if it comes to the river when we are nearby. The North is rich in wildlife even if it is not readily seen. Our guides will do their best to point out animal “signs” such as tracks, scat, bear scratching posts, etc. as they come across them. The interpretation of natural history is a significant focus on our trips. We do our best to impart our knowledge of the geology, wildlife and prehistory of the area and we are always learning more with each journey!
What about bears?
There is no doubt about it – there are plenty of bears in the North! However, the chances of encountering a “spoiled bear” is unlikely, as we travel in remote and unpopulated areas. Our attitude is that bear sightings are a special privilege… a sign of the wilderness at its finest. We take a proactive approach to bear safety and your guides carry bear bangers and bear spray. On all trips we promote cleanliness and a high standard of camp management regarding garbage and human waste, as it is crucial to minimize bear/human habituation and the potential of creating spoiled bears. We also watch for “signs” i.e. tracks and bear trails and do our best to avoid high bear-use areas.
In the spirit of our philosophy, we feel that because this is the bears’ territory, we need to take responsibility for being the intruders. Your safety is always our first concern. Our greatest advantage in most situations is our strength in numbers and a knowledge of the country/bear biology which helps us prevent a situation before it happens. Your guides will give you a thorough bear safety briefing at the start of each trip, and of course feel free to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have at any point.
What is the fishing like?
If fishing is high on your list of priorities consider the Firth or Coppermine Rivers which are famous for Arctic Char. All of the rivers we frequent (with the exception of the Tatshenshini, Alsek and Stikine) boast Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling and in places Northern Pike. These species are wary and although fishing can be well rewarded, it does require patience and persistence. Small spinners seem to yield best results for grayling and Dolly Varden, while medium to large lures yield better results for Char and Lake Trout. Although some try their hand at fly fishing be aware that a number of our rivers are big and wide and at times can be very windy. So on these bigger rivers, a medium to heavy weight fly rod and line is required. Fishing on the Tatshenshini and Alsek is poor due to the siltiness of its waters. Licenses are available at our rendezvous locations. Your guides can provide details.
You can read more about fishing on our river journeys here: https://nahanni.com/experience/fishing/
What are the bugs like?
Mosquito populations vary according to temperature, rainfall, and wind. Generally, we are able to camp in places that have few or none of the pesky critters. However, on occasion (particularly in early season), try as we might, we may be unable to avoid them. Be prepared with mosquito repellent and a head net, or better yet – a “bug jacket” with screened hood. On the high arctic tundra, “bug jackets or shirts” are an absolute necessity. If you cannot locate one please call us for assistance. We always have a screened bug shelter along though it is often not needed.
Do you have more questions or personal concerns?
If this is your first river holiday, you likely have many questions. Please feel free to call with any questions you have. We regularly address health concerns, feminine hygiene, dietary needs, washing and other factors. Our job is to ensure you feel comfortable while making the best use of your valuable holiday time.
