Over the course of 50 years of providing adventure travel holidays, we have paddled and hiked thousands of kilometers with countless satisfied customers. We've learned how to make your trip very special. Over 70% of our clientele are returning participants! Join us this season for an incredible adventure - challenge yourself, make new friends, experience something new, laugh and create great memories.

Overview

The Natla River is one of the most spectacular, little-known rivers in the Northwest Territories. The 9-day trip begins with an awe-inspiring flight through the mountains to its headwaters at O’Grady Lake– a blue jewel near the Yukon border. The river drops over 600 metres (2000’) in 120 km of swifts and class II/III rapids – similar to the famous Rock Gardens on the Nahanni. This southernmost branch of the Keele River is for avid canoeists with solid whitewater skills.
At the confluence of the Natla and Keele Rivers, you can fly back to Norman Wells or continue to paddle down the Keele River for another 300 km through a beautiful mountain range to the mighty Mackenzie River (see Natla-Keele River trip information). The Keele River valley is home to caribou, grizzly, Dall sheep and wolves and contains plentiful fun, runnable rapids suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. The Natla River trip is a good choice for those with solid whitewater skills, previous river canoe trip experience and reasonable fitness for your age. Novices should gain experience elsewhere before considering this route. Less experienced paddlers are welcome to join at the Natla-Keele confluence for the journey to the Mackenzie River (see Keele River trip information).
Starting at
$9395 CAD
Package Price

Trip Highlights

  • High alpine scenery
  • Challenging whitewater
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Delicious trail meals and snacks

Over the course of 50 years of providing adventure travel holidays, we have paddled and hiked thousands of kilometers with countless satisfied customers. We've learned how to make your trip very special. Over 70% of our clientele are returning participants! Join us this season for an incredible adventure - challenge yourself, make new friends, experience something new, laugh and create great memories.

Quick Facts

Paddlesport

  • Canoeing

Activity

  • Whitewater
  • Expedition
  • Canoe Tripping

Experience/Service

  • Paddling Trip

Waterway

  • Whitewater Class II
  • Whitewater Class III

Destination

  • North America

Length

  • 9 Days

Accomodation

  • Wilderness Camping

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Fully

Special Interest

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Advanced

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

Meeting Place

Norman Wells, Northwest Territories

Ground shuttle from Norman Wells Airport to the Float Plane base and fly to O'Grady Lake headwaters on Day 1. Paddle 120km down the Natla, dropping over 600m in elevation. Day 8 arrive at Keele River confluence and fly out to Norman Wells for a night in a hotel. Explore the town and fly out Day 9.

Dates & Packages

NWT - Natla River Canoe Trip


Guides: 1:6 ratio
Meals: delicious trail meals and snacks from Day 1 lunch to Day 8 lunch
All Norman Wells transportaton to and from the River. Details below.

Canoeing Equipment
• expedition canoes with spray decks and knee pads
• paddles, PFDs, throw bags
• paddling helmets, paddling suits (semi-dry)

Camping Equipment
• tents: free-standing, custom expedition dome tents - 2 per tent
• "kitchen": tarp, firebox, cooking stoves, utensils, dishes, etc.
• containers for food and group equipment

Safety Equipment
• first aid, safety, river rescue, and repair kits
• communications equipment (satellite phone)

Accommodation (double occupancy)
• 8 nights camping, 1 night hotel in Norman Wells

Included Travel:
- Ground transfer between Norman Wells Airport and Black Feather Base/float plane docks - Day 1
- Charter float plane from Norman Wells to O'Grady Lake headwaters – Day 1
- Charter float plane from Natla-Keele confluence to Norman Wells - Day 8
- Ground transfer between hotel to Norman Wells Airport - Day 9
- Transportation of guides, group gear, food, etc. to Norman Wells

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Black Feather
Our Team

Our team is ready to work with you, from your first call to the office or online booking, all the way to the expedition's final day. We know how to take care of the details so you can just relax and enjoy an incredible experience in some of the most amazing places on earth! With 50 years of experience you know you are in good hands.

Learn More
Our Team

Our team is ready to work with you, from your first call to the office or online booking, all the way to the expedition's final day. We know how to take care of the details so you can just relax and enjoy an incredible experience in some of the most amazing places on earth! With 50 years of experience you know you are in good hands.

Learn More
Our Services

Black Feather provides exceptional wilderness adventure holidays for individuals and small groups. We specialize in remote, northern expeditions - from sea kayaking in Greenland to basecamping on the arctic ice at the floe edge, to hiking across incredible tunda and canoeing Canada's wildest and most beautiful rivers, we have the trip for you!

Learn More
Our Services

Black Feather provides exceptional wilderness adventure holidays for individuals and small groups. We specialize in remote, northern expeditions - from sea kayaking in Greenland to basecamping on the arctic ice at the floe edge, to hiking across incredible tunda and canoeing Canada's wildest and most beautiful rivers, we have the trip for you!

Learn More
Equipment & Outfitting

Black Feather is a leader in gear innovation - many of the items you see in use today were conceived by us! We update our trip equipment constantly, and as our guides come up with better and more streamlined systems we adapt them into our program. You can feel safe and well-taken care of with equipment that supports you in the wilderness!

Learn More
Equipment & Outfitting

Black Feather is a leader in gear innovation - many of the items you see in use today were conceived by us! We update our trip equipment constantly, and as our guides come up with better and more streamlined systems we adapt them into our program. You can feel safe and well-taken care of with equipment that supports you in the wilderness!

Learn More