Jackpine Paddle is 100% northern-owned. Explore the Canadian North on a guided expedition trip. Rent a canoe or kayak for a trip of your own. We would be happy to assist you in finding the trip of a lifetime whether it be herds of muskox, northern lights, true wilderness, or all of the above. Remember, Life is Better Outside!
Overview
Trip Highlights
- Class I-IV whitewater
- Aqua-Marine Green Waters
- Mountain Vistas and Valleys
- Caribou, Moose, Mountain Goats, and Grizzly Bears.
- Fishing for Bull Trout & Arctic Grayling
Jackpine Paddle is 100% northern-owned. Explore the Canadian North on a guided expedition trip. Rent a canoe or kayak for a trip of your own. We would be happy to assist you in finding the trip of a lifetime whether it be herds of muskox, northern lights, true wilderness, or all of the above. Remember, Life is Better Outside!
Quick Facts
Paddlesport
- Canoeing
Activity
- Recreation
- Fishing
- Whitewater
- Expedition
- Canoe Tripping
- River Running
- River Play
Experience/Service
- Paddling Trip
Waterway
- Whitewater Class I
- Whitewater Class II
- Whitewater Class III
- Whitewater Class IV
Destination
- North America
Length
- 21 Days
Accomodation
- Wilderness Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Family
- Women
- Youth
- Photography
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wilderness Gourmet
Adventure Level
![\](https://buyersguide-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/trip-media/2919/P7132184---Copy.jpg "\")
![\](https://buyersguide-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/trip-media/2919/conversions/P7132184---Copy-lifestyle_thumb.jpg "\")
Itinerary
Meeting Place
Jackpine Paddle Base
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories
We offer guided canoe expeditions down the rambunctious Natla River in Canada!
Day 1:
Get out your camera because it's going to be an hour-long, jaw-dropping flight deep into the remote wilderness of the Mackenzie Mountains. In the morning our float plane takes us from Norman Wells to O'Grady Lake, the tranquil headwaters of the Natla River.
Day 2:
We'll make our way out of tranquil O'Grady Lake where the river begins to pick up as a small creek winding through alpine hills dominated by dwarf birch.
Day 3:
Glacial mountain peaks surround us everywhere. The river gains volume and loses altitude has it flows out of the headwaters through endless, action-packed rock gardens.
Day 4:
Impossible to scout the numerous, non-stop rapids from shore, we'll trust the line of experienced guides in the lead boat and put our paddling skills to the test.
Day 5:
A river of many moods, the middle section of the Natla is punctuated by a few days of relaxed paddling through long river valleys.
Day 6:
Big game wildlife sightings are common during this peaceful phase of the trip, and we enjoy the mountain views, hiking, and fishing as we paddle through paradise.
Day 7:
Long sections of tranquilly, you’ll glide through open mountain valleys with abundant opportunities to spot caribou, moose, mountain goats, and grizzly bears.
Day 8:
Abruptly, we find ourselves on Day 8 on our final grand whitewater finale. The Natla drops it's final 10 km down Stelfox Canyon, a high-volume section of large standing waves, river-wide ledges and strong eddy lines. It's about as exhilarating as a run as you'll anywhere in a whitewater canoe.
Day 9:
From the confluence of the Keele River the float plane returns to take us back to Norman Wells. This trip then continues down the Keele River for a total of 21 days!
Dates & Packages
Natla River
What Guests Are Saying
What a great experience! Our guide did an excellent job scouting and navigating.
- Lynn, USALeave a review
Company Overview
By choosing to join a trip with us, you are supporting the local economy of the Northwest Territories. As the only northern-owned paddling outfitter offering arctic wilderness expeditions, we appreciate your support.
Learn More.jpg)
Company Overview
By choosing to join a trip with us, you are supporting the local economy of the Northwest Territories. As the only northern-owned paddling outfitter offering arctic wilderness expeditions, we appreciate your support.
Learn MoreOur Team
The North is a spectacular place to explore, so why not discover it with Northerners? We employ experienced guides who live in the Northwest Territories, with deep roots on our rivers and lakes. Based out of Yellowknife, NT, we know that when it comes to the North, there is no other place like it.
Learn More
Our Team
The North is a spectacular place to explore, so why not discover it with Northerners? We employ experienced guides who live in the Northwest Territories, with deep roots on our rivers and lakes. Based out of Yellowknife, NT, we know that when it comes to the North, there is no other place like it.
Learn MoreOur Services
We offer: - Fully Guided Expeditions - Rentals & Shuttles - Paddle Canada Courses - Youth Paddle Camps!
Learn More
Our Services
We offer: - Fully Guided Expeditions - Rentals & Shuttles - Paddle Canada Courses - Youth Paddle Camps!
Learn MoreCompany History
On March 2, 2019, after an eleven month battle with cancer, Alex Hall passed away peacefully at home in Fort Smith. Before Alex passed away, he handed the reins of Canoe Arctic Inc. to fellow northerner Dan Wong. For 2020 and beyond, Jackpine Paddle will proudly carry on the legacy of Canoe Arctic Inc. on the Thelon River and its major tributaries.
Learn More.jpg)
Company History
On March 2, 2019, after an eleven month battle with cancer, Alex Hall passed away peacefully at home in Fort Smith. Before Alex passed away, he handed the reins of Canoe Arctic Inc. to fellow northerner Dan Wong. For 2020 and beyond, Jackpine Paddle will proudly carry on the legacy of Canoe Arctic Inc. on the Thelon River and its major tributaries.
Learn More