Canoe North Adventures
For over 30 Years, Canoe North Adventures has been making memories for life. With bases in Norman Wells & Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, CNA provides guided wilderness canoe and rafting trips on some of the most renowned wilderness rivers in Canada, including the Nahanni, Keele and Horton Rivers. Owners Al Pace, Lin Ward and Taylor Pace have dedicated their lives to curating quality expeditions for their guests that provide a backdrop to unwind, reconnect and share a truly spectacular wilderness experience in the most wild spaces left in Canada. CNA's professional guides will share their enthusiasm with you and provide a safe and fun experience while on trip. Let the adventure begin!
Overview
Trip Highlights
- Tranquil river sections of the Nahanni River
- Tufa Mouds at Rabbitkettle Lake
- Virginia Falls
- No portages!
- 3 day overnight hike to the Cirque of the Unclimbables
Canoe North Adventures
For over 30 Years, Canoe North Adventures has been making memories for life. With bases in Norman Wells & Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, CNA provides guided wilderness canoe and rafting trips on some of the most renowned wilderness rivers in Canada, including the Nahanni, Keele and Horton Rivers. Owners Al Pace, Lin Ward and Taylor Pace have dedicated their lives to curating quality expeditions for their guests that provide a backdrop to unwind, reconnect and share a truly spectacular wilderness experience in the most wild spaces left in Canada. CNA's professional guides will share their enthusiasm with you and provide a safe and fun experience while on trip. Let the adventure begin!
Quick Facts
Paddlesport
- Canoeing
Activity
- Expedition
- Canoe Tripping
Experience/Service
- Paddling Trip
Waterway
- Rivers and Streams (no whitewater)
- Whitewater Class I
Destination
- North America
Length
- 14 Days
Accomodation
- Wilderness Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Photography
- Wildlife Viewing
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Adventure Level
Itinerary
60°42'54.0"N 135°04'31.4"W
Meeting Place
Whitehorse, Yukon
A 14 day Odyssey begins in Whitehorse, Yukon. After a days drive, your flight to the Nahanni Awaits! experience the best the Nahanni has to offer-without the portage or any whitewater. The trip Ends in Fort Simpson, NWT
Day 1:
Depart from Whitehorse to beautiful Frances Lake, a 6 1/2 hour drive away down the fabled Alaska Highway. After the gorgeous drive, with lots of opportunity to stop, see the sights & spot wildlife, set up camp for the night on the shores of the tranquil mountain lake.
Day 2:
The floatplane arrives in the morning, and then its off! Fly to Honeymoon Lake, an beautiful jewel like lake in the heart of the Ragged Range- the tallest mountains in the NWT. Enjoy a day of orientating yourself to life in the wilderness, and fish in the lake!
Day 3:
Begin your descent down the Nahanni. Paddle past views that will make your head spin as the river winds its way through some of the most rugged and beautiful mountain scenery in Canada.
Day 4:
Descend into the broad, glacial valley of the Nahanni River, and camp beside the crystal clear Broken Skull River, where monster lake trout await your cast.
Day 5:
A beautiful calm paddle past the Vampire Spires takes you to basecamp for your multiday hike to the Cirque of the Unclimbables.
Day 6:
A 18km hike takes you to the beautiful Glacier Lake, tucked away against the tallest mountains in the NWT. Camp along the lake for the evening.
Day 7:
Either a restful layover day to explore the lake, or if the weather is good, a fantastic hike up into the cirque of the Unclimbables, a jagged group of granite spires.
Day 8:
Return back to the river, and paddle a short distance downstream.
Day 9:
In the morning, paddle down 1km to the trail to Rabbitkettle Lake. Hike in to see the tufa mounds, and back to the river in the afternoon to head 15km downstream.
Day 10:
A full day of paddling takes you takes you to Hell Roaring Creek, a beautiful campsite with a clear creek.
Day 11:
A full day of paddling takes you takes you to a beautiful alluvial fan
Day 12:
A layover day to enjoy this beautiful spot, and potentially hike!
Day 13:
A long day that takes you to an oxbow lake 10 km above Virginia Falls
Day 14:
A early morning start leads you to the thundering Virginia Falls at around 10 AM. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the Falls. Your charter flight to whisk you home arrives just after 2pm!
