Raft & Canoe Expeditions on the Mountain River in Canada's Northwest Territories

The Mountain River is considered a world-class wilderness river by paddling enthusiasts for it’s challenging whitewater and stunning northern setting. It features large volume rapids, swift currents and six steep-walled canyons. Those who travel the Mountain are rewarded with not only an exhilarating, challenging adventure, but also some of the most pristine wilderness the north has to offer. Caribou, moose, wolf, dall sheep, grizzlies and black bears are among the wildlife canoeists are likely to see while on the Mountain.

  • Considered a “secret gem” for world-class wilderness canoeing
  • Features challenging whitewater in one of the most stunning scenic regions in the North
  • Flows through gorgeous mountainous landscape

The Mountain River is a tributary of the mighty Mackenzie – Canada’s largest and longest river system. It originates near the watershed border with the Yukon high in the Mackenzie Mountains.

Flowing eastward, the Mountain joins the Mackenzie River south of the Arctic Circle and flows out to the Beaufort Sea. The confluence is only 40 metres (130 feet) above sea level and extends approximately 370 kilometres (230 miles) with a descent of about 1200 metres (3937 feet) over its course.

It’s commonly believed that Mountain River is named for the twin peaks that indicates the confluence of the Mountain and Mackenzie rivers. The two mountains were likely used as landmarks by early travellers on the Mackenzie and signaled their approach to the merge of the two rivers.

The river flows through the Mackenzie Mountains, which mainly consists of sedimentary rock like sandstone, shale and limestone, with the occasional granitic intrusion. Keale Peak is the highest point in the Mackenzie Mountain system at 2952 metres (9685 feet).

The Itsi and Rouge ranges of the central Mackenzie Mountains contain glacial fields and an infamous granitic intrusion – the Cirque of the Unclimbables.  The Cirque is a world-class destination for the most adventurous rock climbers and is a recent addition to Nahanni National Park.

Mountain River Trips

Mountain River Rafting: Mackenzie Mountains, Canyons and Whitewater

Trip Length: 12 days
Craft: Raft
Cost: $10,260 (CAD)

An exciting opportunity for those without advanced whitewater canoe skills to enjoy a spectacular northern river adventure experience by raft.

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Mountain River Canoeing: Whitewater Express

Trip Length: 12 days
Craft: Canoe
Cost: $10,260 (CAD)

A Mountain River canoe descent is whitewater paradise among stunning mountain peaks – the perfect way to enjoy a challenging northern mountain river if you don’t have advanced whitewater skills.

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Stories That Might Interest You

Rafting the Mountain River in Canada's Northwest Territories.

A Wild Mountain River Journey

July 26, 2019 | Discover the North, River Life

A tributary to the majestic Mackenzie, don’t let the classification fool you, the Mountain River is an important waterway in its own right and a spectacular journey for adventurous paddlers, by raft or canoe!

Read More

Rafting the Mountain River in Canada's Northwest Territories.

A Wild Mountain River Journey

July 26, 2019 | Discover the North, River Life

A tributary to the majestic Mackenzie, don’t let the classification fool you, the Mountain River is an important waterway in its own right and a spectacular journey for adventurous paddlers, by raft or canoe!

Read More

Visit the Arctic

An Arctic Community: Fort Good Hope

July 9, 2019 | Discover the North

Joel visits Rádeyı̨lı̨kóé in the Sahtu region of the Northwest Territories to learn about the region and its history. The K’asho Got’ine Dene have called the mountains and waters of the Sahtu home for millenia and with some new protections afforded to the region, the future of Fa?fa Neline (Mountain River) is looking bright!

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For Olivia Chow, 12 days on river offer chance to look back, move forward

March 30, 2012 | Tall Tales

Nearly a year after the death of her husband, Jack Layton, New Democrat MP Olivia Chow embarked on an Arctic river adventure – as she’d done with Jack in the past – to find solace and contemplate life without her soul mate.

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Lair of the North Wind

April 20, 2008 | Discover the North

The songbirds at your feeder depend on Canada’s boreal forest–and so do you.

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