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!
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
- 11 Days
Accomodation
- Wilderness Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Photography
- Wildlife Viewing
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Adventure Level
Itinerary
65°15'31.1"N 126°41'34.0"W
Meeting Place
Canoe North Adventures Lodge
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories
A 14 day Odyssey begins in Norman Wells, NWT. After arriving at Island Lake, a short portage will take you to the Nahanni, where you will spend the next 11 days exploring its secrets. The trip Ends in Fort Simpson, NWT
Day 1:
Depart from our lodge in Norman Wells! Fly to Island Lake, a 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 2:
After a short 1km portage, 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 3:
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 4:
A beautiful calm paddle past the Vampire Spires takes you to basecamp for your hike to Glacier Lake.
Day 5:
A 9km hike takes you to the beautiful Glacier Lake, tucked away against the tallest mountains in the NWT. Paddle along its shores before returning to the river.
Day 6:
Continue downstream to camp at the magical Rabbitkettle Lake.
Day 7:
Enjoy a hike to the famous Rabbitkettle tufa mounds, then in the afternoon head 30km downstream.
Day 8:
A full day of paddling takes you takes you to a beautiful alluvial fan hemmed in by towering mountains
Day 9:
A layover day to enjoy this beautiful spot, and potentially hike!
Day 10:
A long day that takes you to an oxbow lake 10 km above Virginia Falls
Day 11:
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!
