Over the course of 50 years of providing adventure travel holidays, we have paddled and hiked thousands of kilometers with countless satisfied customers. We've learned how to make your trip very special. Over 70% of our clientele are returning participants! Join us this season for an incredible adventure - challenge yourself, make new friends, experience something new, laugh and create great memories.

Overview

The Mountain River is Black Feather's "Guides' Choice" as Canada's best wilderness canoeing river. The awesome alpine scenery bathed in constantly-changing colours, dramatic canyons, exciting class I to III whitewater, and non-stop current all in a pristine wilderness setting make this 14-day trip in the Mackenzie Mountains a must for experienced paddlers. There are exceptional side hikes to mineral springs, and tufa formations, alpine ridges, and mountain lookouts.
Dall sheep, caribou, wolves, and bears live along the river. The expedition starts with a dramatic flight through the Mackenzie Mountains to a high, jewel-like alpine lake. From here we complete our only portage to a tiny tributary creek, and begin the thrilling descent through the mountains. The river literally falls away in front of our canoes as the current pulls us forward. The river is continually changing, but always moving - complete with swifts, rolling waves, rocky rapids, sweeping turns, and narrow canyons. The Mountain River trip is a good choice for those with solid whitewater skills, previous river canoe-tripping experience, and reasonable fitness levels. Novices should gain experience elsewhere before considering this route.
Starting at
$9595 CAD
Package Price

Trip Highlights

  • High Alpine scenery and wildlife
  • Challenging whitewater
  • Delicious trail meals and snacks

Over the course of 50 years of providing adventure travel holidays, we have paddled and hiked thousands of kilometers with countless satisfied customers. We've learned how to make your trip very special. Over 70% of our clientele are returning participants! Join us this season for an incredible adventure - challenge yourself, make new friends, experience something new, laugh and create great memories.

Quick Facts

Paddlesport

  • Canoeing

Activity

  • Whitewater
  • Expedition
  • Canoe Tripping

Experience/Service

  • Paddling Trip

Waterway

  • Whitewater Class II
  • Whitewater Class III

Destination

  • North America

Length

  • 14 Days

Accomodation

  • Wilderness Camping

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Fully

Special Interest

  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

Meeting Place

Norman Wells, NWT

Meeting at Norman Wells airport to shuttle to float plane docks for flight into Willow Handle Lake. Next day complete the 1 km portage to 'Push Me/Pull You' creek for an exciting 12-day descent to the Mackenzie River. Day 13 motorboat shuttle upstream to a Norman Wells hotel. Fly home on Day 14.

Dates & Packages

NWT - Mountain River Canoe Trip


- Guides at 1:6 ratio
- Delicious meals and snacks from Day 1 dinner to Day 13 lunch
- Shuttles from Norman Wells to Mountain River and back. Details below.

Canoeing Equipment
• expedition canoes with spray decks and knee pads
• paddles, PFDs, throw bags
• paddling helmets, paddling suits (semi-dry)

Camping Equipment
• tents: free-standing, custom expedition dome tents - 2 per tent
• "kitchen": tarp, firebox, cooking stoves, utensils, dishes, etc.
• containers for food and group equipment

Safety Equipment
• first aid, safety, river rescue, and repair kits
• communications equipment (satellite phone)

Accommodation (double occupancy)
• 12 nights camping
• 1 night hotel in Norman Wells - Day 13

Included Travel:
- Ground transfer between Norman Wells Airport and Black Feather Base/float plane docks - Day 1
- Charter float plane from Norman Wells to Willow Handle Lake headwaters – Day 1
- Charter motorboat shuttle from Mountain River/Mackenzie river confluence to Norman Wells - Day 13
- Ground transfer between hotel to Norman Wells Airport - Day 14
- Transportation of guides, group gear, food, etc. to Norman Wells

What Guests Are Saying

Keep up the excellent work! I was thrilled with the trip ... I plan to sign up for my 4th Black Feather trip down a river next year.

- Jim, California, USA
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Black Feather
Our Team

Our team is ready to work with you, from your first call to the office or online booking, all the way to the expedition's final day. We know how to take care of the details so you can just relax and enjoy an incredible experience in some of the most amazing places on earth! With 50 years of experience you know you are in good hands.

Learn More
Our Team

Our team is ready to work with you, from your first call to the office or online booking, all the way to the expedition's final day. We know how to take care of the details so you can just relax and enjoy an incredible experience in some of the most amazing places on earth! With 50 years of experience you know you are in good hands.

Learn More
Our Services

Black Feather provides exceptional wilderness adventure holidays for individuals and small groups. We specialize in remote, northern expeditions - from sea kayaking in Greenland to basecamping on the arctic ice at the floe edge, to hiking across incredible tunda and canoeing Canada's wildest and most beautiful rivers, we have the trip for you!

Learn More
Our Services

Black Feather provides exceptional wilderness adventure holidays for individuals and small groups. We specialize in remote, northern expeditions - from sea kayaking in Greenland to basecamping on the arctic ice at the floe edge, to hiking across incredible tunda and canoeing Canada's wildest and most beautiful rivers, we have the trip for you!

Learn More
Equipment & Outfitting

Black Feather is a leader in gear innovation - many of the items you see in use today were conceived by us! We update our trip equipment constantly, and as our guides come up with better and more streamlined systems we adapt them into our program. You can feel safe and well-taken care of with equipment that supports you in the wilderness!

Learn More
Equipment & Outfitting

Black Feather is a leader in gear innovation - many of the items you see in use today were conceived by us! We update our trip equipment constantly, and as our guides come up with better and more streamlined systems we adapt them into our program. You can feel safe and well-taken care of with equipment that supports you in the wilderness!

Learn More