About

Nahanni River Adventures & Canadian River Expeditions

Since 1972, we’ve been guiding adventure vacations on the top rivers in northern Canada and Alaska. Our trips are 5 to 21 day premium-class rafting and paddling expeditions.  The rivers we travel are conduits for exploring some of the last wild places in North America. With us, you have the opportunity to not only embrace a unique destination, but also experience an adventure vacation that’s truly the highest quality in every respect. Read on to find out why National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated us one of “The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.” 

An Experienced Leader

At Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions, we helped pioneer the sport of whitewater padding in the early seventies. From the iconic Nahanni River to the high Arctics’ Soper, from Alaska to Nunavut, we know all of our 20 rivers well – from their campsites to their eddies to their rapids to their wildlife, geology and history. We have in depth knowledge guiding multi-day wilderness trips from contingency planning to operational logistics to how to bake cinnamon buns for breakfast over a camp fire. We make it a point to stay on the cutting edge of land and water use legislation to ensure that our river gear and equipment is of the highest quality and our guide skills incorporate the latest in whitewater safety standards. We have taken over 10,000 paddlers downriver since 1972 and our guest repeat rate of over 40% speaks for itself.

While others have left the business, we decided to stay the course…it’s that important to us. In 2006, we merged the two leading outfitters in the North, Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions and we continue our strong involvement at the national level to preserve our great northern rivers and further environmental protection of this important wilderness resource. Our memberships in the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon (WTAY), Yukon Wild, Nahanni River Outfitters Association, Alsek Tatshenshini Outfitters Association, Tourism Association of Canada, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Association and participation in the Canadian Tourism Commission is testament to our longstanding commitment to protecting the environment in Northern Canada and Alaska.

The Best River Guides

Our talented wilderness guides deliver our trips with an authenticity that mirrors the unspoiled wilderness we travel through. Their passion for living, learning and teaching regional geology, wildlife and history is matched only by their sense of adventure, paddling skills, and leadership acumen. They create memorable experiences from which you will bring home the best stories.

A Premium Experience

You expect more on your adventure – and so do we. We give you ultimate choice – 20 rivers and 30+ unique itineraries so that you can take on as much adventure or as much relaxation, as you like. The small groups on our trips accommodate much more personalized service and our attention to detail begins long before our rivers start running in the spring. We work with you closely to plan your holiday so that you get maximum adventure during your precious vacation time off. From the comfortable tents we use at night to your own private river bag for your personal gear, from fresh fish, baked goods, fruit and produce to that delicious lasagna accompanied by a fine red wine at dinner, our trips deliver quality every step of the way.

We’re Passionate About Rivers

We remain passionate about these rivers and the land through which they flow. This means the richest experiences and stories possible when you travel with us. Our vast and loyal cohort of returning guests are testimony to this. We hope you will soon be one of this distinguished group.

Rafting through Canada’s deepest river canyons on the Nahanni River (Photo: Noel Hendrickson).

Authentically Us

We are heartened that being “green” is so in vogue…although frankly, we’ve been green since 1972! Our longstanding commitment to the environment is one of our most important values and one which we are exceedingly proud of. You might hear talk of “ecotourism”…at Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions, you will find the very definition of this – in practice. We decided many years ago to make the environment a priority and have been an active political advocate in support of this objective. We donate hundreds of hours to environmental causes every year.

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