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

From your starting point at O-Grady Lake, you’ll experience the Natla River growing from a swift creek into a full-bodied river. Explore the small canyons of the first few days as glacial creeks feed into the aqua-marine green waters. Navigate your way down numerous rock gardens similar to the Moose Ponds section of the upper South Nahanni River.
Long sections of tranquilly, you’ll glide through open mountain valleys with abundant opportunities to spot caribou, moose, mountain goats, and grizzly bears. Into fishing? Cast a line for bull trout and arctic grayling in front of a backdrop of stunning alpine scenery. You can look forward to a variety of hiking options in this wilderness paradise. You’ll have at least one day off the water to make the most of the nearby alpine slopes. The Natla River is whitewater wilderness canoe tripping at its best.
Starting at
$7311 USD
$8380 CAD
Per Person

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

Easier Challenging

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

Check out our website www.jackpinepaddle.com
- Trip down the Keele River (after you finish your Natla River trip) - One night accommodation in Norman Wells (after the trip) - Charter flight from Norman Wells to the Natla River - Boat shuttle from the Keele River to Norman Wells - Shuttles from the airport when in Norman Wells, NWT - Certified guides with a maximum ratio of 5:1 - Royalex expedition canoes with spray decks and knee pads - Werner paddles, PFDs, throw bags, and paddling helmets - Group gear for each expedition (tarp, kitchen equipment, utensils, water filtration, etc) - Personal watertight barrel or drybag - Expedition first aid kit and canoe repair kit - Emergency satellite phone, two-way radios for guide staff - Expedition tents by Mountain Hardware - hearty and nutritious meals including snacks while on trip - Group will be limited to 10 participants + 2 guides

What Guests Are Saying

What a great experience! Our guide did an excellent job scouting and navigating.

- Lynn, USA
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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
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
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 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 More
Our 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 More
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
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