This 10 day canoe adventure begins with two nights of camping and a full day of exploration at Virginia Falls. Experience rarely explored viewpoints or take in the spectacular view from the summit of Sunblood Mountain. Your friendly and engaging guides ensure one on one canoe instruction before we begin our exploration of some of the Nahanni’s most spectacular landscapes and the traditional territory of the Naha Dene.
Drifting down river from Virginia Falls you become immersed in the ‘grand canyons’ of the Nahanni, Canada’s deepest canyon system. Our schedule has been refined over decades of service and hundreds of trips to provide a wilderness experience like no other. We’ll have time for two nights at the best campsites with additional hiking opportunities. On the river your guides will share their wealth of knowledge of the Nahanni’s history and point out wildlife. Each evening revel in the magic of the North as you soak in the scenery while your guides prepare and serve gourmet meals. This true wilderness adventure is sure to make memories that will last a lifetime and is the perfect introduction to expedition canoe travel.
Skill Prerequisites
- Class II whitewater experience
Learn more about canoe trip skill prerequisites >
Trip Highlights
- Canoe Canada’s deepest river canyons, camp at Nailicho (Virginia Falls) – nearly twice the height of Niagara, soak in the hotsprings and explore the very first UNESCO World Heritage Site and Nahanni National Park, one of the largest parks in the world
- A must-do journey for avid canoeists who also enjoys hiking, wildlife, wildflowers, geology and history
- 9 river days
- Two stunning flights, one from Fort Simpson to Rabbitkettle Lake, and a second from Nahanni Butte to Fort Simpson at the end of your river journey
- 4:1 Guest to Guide ratio ensures your safety and comfort throughout the entire journey
Trip Details
We travel on the Nahanni River from Virginia Falls to Nahanni Butte over approximately 220 kilometres (136 miles) with an elevation drop of 550 metres (1800 feet).
If you’re an avid whitewater canoeist, you already know the Nahanni River in Canada’s Northwest Territories is a mecca for serious canoe trippers. For many of those who love this adventure sport, a canoeing expedition on the Nahanni is a once in a lifetime “pilgrimage.”
Depending on water levels, it is customary on the Nahanni River to sometimes employ the use of Canyon Rigs (catamaraned canoes) for some rapids to ensure greater stability. This decision is made on site by the guides, based on a safety assessment of prevailing conditions.
