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

The South Nahanni River is a Canadian Icon. Flowing through its namesake Nahanni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the river plunges almost 100 meters over majestic Virginia Falls before carving its way through 4 incredible canyons filled to the brim with adventure. There is no paddling experience necessary. Enjoy the ride downstream relaxing in a raft, while one of our certified and experienced guides expertly pilots you down the mighty Nahanni.
The Nahanni River is truly the crown jewel of river trips in the NWT. Made famous to the outside world by RM Patterson’s book “Dangerous River” published in 1957, the river’s true history is one that is intertwined with the Mountain Dene People of the Dehcho Region of the NWT, who have lived here for thousands of years. Please note that the earlier season trips tend to have higher water and bigger splashes- than later season raft trips. Youth must be 75lbs to raft.
Starting at
$7235 USD
$9885 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning canyons
  • Fun whitewater
  • Paddle the deepest canyon in Canada
  • Excellent hiking opportunities

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

  • Rafting

Activity

  • Whitewater
  • Expedition

Experience/Service

  • Paddling Trip

Waterway

  • Whitewater Class II
  • Whitewater Class III

Destination

  • North America

Length

  • 10 Days

Accomodation

  • Wilderness Camping

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Fully

Special Interest

  • Family
  • Youth
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Beginner

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

61°52′00″N 121°21′26″W

Meeting Place

Canoe North Adventures Base

Fort Simpson, NWT

Witness a stunning flight into the heart of the Mackenzie Mountains arriving at the majestic Virginia Falls. Spend the next 10 days rafting through towering canyons while listening to the mysterious lore of the legendary Nahanni. Enjoy some delicious meals and some deep laughs with fellow paddlers.

Day 1:

Depart for the river around 11:30 AM. Stunning flight into the heart of the Mackenzie Mountains arriving at Virginia Falls, set up camp and overnight. Explore the stunning scenery around Virginia Falls

Day 2:

Enjoy a fantastic day of exploring this natural wonder of the world that is Virginia Falls. Either hike up sunblood mountain to get a birds eye view, or hike along the rim of the "sluice box" right up to the lip of the falls to feel the power of the Nahanni.

Day 3:

We complete the 1.5km portage around Virginia Falls and load the rafts prior to entering Nahanni’s legendary canyons - the first which is known as Painted canyon. Inside its towering walls lay some of the biggest rapids on the Nahanni River, up to class 3 in difficulty- Super fun in a raft!

Day 4:

We raft down through the Third Canyon with 800m walls as it makes its way through the Funeral Range. We camp in the shadow of the Nahanni Gate.

Day 5:

We start the day by hiking up the Gate, an incredible lookout high above the river, and spend the rest of the day relaxing in its shadow at this majestic spot.

Day 6:

Another glorious day on the river takes us through 3rd canyon & 2nd Canyon. After drifting through 2nd Canyon, we float through into the Headless Valley, a place shrouded in mystery, myth and legend about lost gold and headless men.

Day 7:

In the morning we take the time to explore up Dry Canyon, before departing in the afternoon to shoot the rapids of Georges Riffle before entering 1st canyon, the deepest canyon in Canada at over 1km tall. This exciting stretch of river is some of the most scenic on the whole river.

Day 8:

A layover day! If weather permits we will explore the side canyon of Lafferty creek, and its turquoise coloured pools and slot canyons.

Day 9:

After shooting Lafferty's Riffle and stopping for a short soak in Kraus's hot springs, you enter the splits- a section of river with a myriad of channels and braids. After a long day of navigating through this maze with the chance to see bison grazing along the river, you will arrive at last chance

Day 10:

A Dene Guide meets us at our campsite and whisks you towards civilization and the town of Nahanni Butte. From Nahanni Butte, you will depart by plane back to Fort Simpson, where you will stay the night and celebrate your adventure!

Dates & Packages

Nahanni River Rafting Expedition

June 25 - July 4, 2025 July 26 - August 4, 2025 August 12 - August 21, 2025
Airport pickup and return Charter flights to and from the river. 18 ft expedition rafts. All required paddling gear 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.

What Guests Are Saying

Fabulous scenery and preparation made for an amazing rafting trip down the Nahanni. CNA' experience in organizing these expeditions pays huge dividends. Their pre-trip instructions and equipment recommendations were spot-on. The provided equipment was in great condition and the food was well chosen and delicious.

- Mark W
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