Overview
The Keele River’s turquoise waters flow through the towering Mackenzie Mountains offering thrilling, friendly whitewater for novice, intermediate or advanced paddlers with spectacular mountain vistas, superb fly-fishing and wildlife viewing. In 2012, Canoe North was honoured to have the Canadian Tourism Commission designate our Keele River Expedition, a coveted Canadian Signature Experience!
The Keele River offers an iconic Canadian wilderness canoeing experience through the majestic and stunning Mackenzie Mountains of the Northwest Territories. Turquoise waters flow from high in the divide between the Yukon and NWT through towering mountain scenery and broad valleys full of rugged black spruce with inviting vistas around every bend. Although fast and boisterous, the Keele River has a generous heart providing lots of options for safe travel. Paddling is challenging but not technically difficult. Very few experiences bring such a range of personal enjoyment, inner peace and the deep satisfaction of individual and group accomplishment.
Starting at
$7895 CAD
Package Price
Trip Highlights
- Stunning canyons
- Paddle the ancient Mountain Dene route
- Possibility to see northern lights
- Superb fishing opportunities
Quick Facts
Paddlesport
- Canoeing
Activity
- Fishing
- Whitewater
- Expedition
- Canoe Tripping
Experience/Service
- Paddling Trip
Waterway
- Whitewater Class I
- Whitewater Class II
- Whitewater Class III
Destination
- North America
Length
- 12 Days
Accomodation
- Wilderness Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Wildlife Viewing
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Adventure Level
Itinerary
65°16′53″N 126°47′55″W
Meeting Place
Canoe North Adventures Lodge & Outfitting Centre
Norman Wells, NWT
The river braids and narrows into chutes as it glides down a steady gradient drop towards the Mackenzie River winding through spectacular mountain scenery. Enjoy superb fishing opportunities, breath-taking hikes, delicious meals after long days of paddling fun and challenging whitewater.
Dates & Packages
Keele River, Northwest Territories
July 1 - July 12, 2024,
July 12 - July 23, 2024,
July 23 - August 3, 2024,
August 3 - August 15, 2024
Airport pickup and return in Norman Wells (complimentary airport shuttles are available in Yellowknife and Edmonton).
Charter flights to and from the river.
Royalex Canoes 17′, with spray decks (if required).
Grey Owl paddles, Kokatat PFD’s and Level Six splash jackets.
WRSI Helmets on Natla, Mountain and Coppermine.
60L personal watertight barrel with harness (holds about 30 to 35lbs of clothing and gear).
Eureka K-2 Expedition Tents.
All quality camping equipment and gear.
Camp chairs for each person on the trip.
Certified guides with a maximum ratio of 5:1.
Hearty and nutritious trip meals including two snacks (GORP) each day.
Emergency satellite phone and two-way radios for guide-staff.
First Aid kit.
Access to our medical director, Dr. Aaron Orkin.
Access to discounted rates on Canadian North Airlines.
What Guests Are Saying
Fantastic trip! Fantastic tour company! We paddled the Keele River this summer - Al and Lin worked with us for 3 years through COVID to make this trip-of-a-lifetime happen for us. We had terrific guides who were knowledgeable, helpful, and full of fun and adventure.
- Ellen V