Itinerary
DAY 0 – FORT SIMPSON, NWT
Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views on cloudless days, pass through quieter and friendlier airports, and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold. This is the arrival day and is the first day listed for your trip. There are two scheduled flights that arrive in Fort Simpson from Yellowknife.
Please make your way to your hotel and plan to rendezvous with your guides at the meeting point confirmed in your Welcome Aboard package at 8 p.m. for an orientation meeting with the trip leader. There will be a chance for last minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details.
This is the first date listed for your trip.
Day 1 MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN & CANYON FLIGHT
After breakfast (not included), your trip leader will meet you to transfer you to the float plane base. After loading our supplies and gear into the aircraft we begin one of the major highlights of the adventure – the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau, a visually stunning panorama unfolds in front of our eyes. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap! Past participants have stepped off the plane declaring that “if the trip finished now, I would have my money’s worth!”
Winging west, to the upstream boundary of Nahanni National Park, Rabbit Kettle Lake, on the edge of the Ragged Range, is our destination.
Day 2 RABBITKETTLE HOTSPRINGS (GAHNĮHTHAH MĮE)
In the company of a knowledgeable park warden we will hike the 7 kilometers (round trip) to the tufa mounds of Rabbit Kettle Hotsprings (subject to availability of Parks Canada staff). Here we find unique geological features that help weave together the geological past of the Nahanni. The 1 kilometer portage from the lake to the river will be made in the late afternoon. After a second blissful night camped at Rabbitkettle Lake you will begin travelling downstream, camp will be within the vicinity of the Rabbitkettle River.
Day 3 & 4 MOUNTAIN PEAKS
This portion of the river which is above Virginia Falls is a flat, meandering section that allows opportunity to learn the necessary canoeing skills from the guides or brush up on techniques. The mountains and U-shaped valley created by the glaciers will dominate the scenery. Camping will be in one of the choice spots between Rabbitkettle Lake and Virginia Falls.
Day 5 OXBOW LAKE
As the river descends the valley, it begins to meander through lush vegetation. Moose, wolves, black and grizzly bear may be spotted here. The final camp before the falls will be on a small oxbow lake just off the river. This is a great site for wildlife viewing or fishing or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Day 6 & 7VIRGINIA FALLS (NÁĮLĮCHO)
Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara) will be the destination. This is the other spot within the National Park where planes may land and we may see other campers here. Once here, the day may be spent exploring and photographing the area surrounding the falls. The vast expanse of the falls captivates photographers and hikers with a tireless display of powerful drama. On the following day,K keen and fit hikers may undertake an all-day expedition to the top of Sunblood Mountain for an excellent view of the surrounding area. Others can enjoy exploring the expansive area overlooking the brink of the falls.
Day 8 CANYON FLIGHT
Those remaining to join the One Week Nahanni Canyon Adventure from Virginia Falls will have the chance for more hiking and relaxing at Virginia Falls.
Those departing the Nahanni will board the Twin Otter for the down river flight back to Fort Simpson. Nahanni’s canyons, following the river downstream, the dramatic flight will include views of the upper canyons, The Gate and Pulpit Rock, before heading across the Nahanni Plateau and karst lands, providing tremendous photographic material! Arriving in Fort Simpson, you will have time to explore the northern town before leaving the next day (accommodation not included).
Day 9 HOMEWARD BOUND
This is the last date listed for your trip.
After a relaxing morning and time to look around the Village of Fort Simpson, you will board your homeward plane with a load of fond memories and a relaxed and renewed spirit!
Please note: The above is a tentative agenda and has been designed with much thought to capitalize on the most scenic and exciting parts of the river while making time on other sections. Your guides will adjust the schedule to make the best use of river and weather conditions. We adhere to the departure regulation system of the Park which works to ensure that all river travelers have the same wilderness experience. Under certain conditions (weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make our upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, we have occasionally found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, we will have supper and find ourselves camped in Ft. Simpson or on the shores of the Nahanni. If we are required to overnight in Fort Simpson you are welcome to camp or take a hotel room (at your own cost). Hotel costs and meals while in Fort Simpson are not included in the trip fee. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included from the pre-trip meeting until the final river meal. Any other meals off the river are your responsibility.
