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
- Strong Current Along the Entire Route
- Stunning Mountain Scenary
- Fishing for Bull Trout & Arctic Grayling
- Okay for Novice or Intermediate Paddlers
- Breath-Taking Hikes
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
Experience/Service
- Paddling Trip
Waterway
- Rivers and Streams (no whitewater)
- Whitewater Class I
- Whitewater Class II
- Inshore
Destination
- North America
Length
- 12 Days
Accomodation
- Wilderness Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Family
- Women
- Youth
- Students
- Photography
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wilderness Gourmet
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Adventure Level
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Itinerary
Meeting Place
Jackpine Paddle Base
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories
We offer guided Keele River canoe adventures through the Mackenzie Mountains 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 the Keele River, about 3 km below the confluence with the Natla River.
Day 2:
Most rapids are small, but there are some challenges of large standing waves, small whirlpools and turbulence along the entire river. Often there is a "fun line" or an "easy line" to choose if one wants to skirt the challenges.
Day 3:
Moving to a new campsite each night, we'll paddle through broad valleys to a beautiful, broad gravel bar where the Ekwi River joins the Keele. It's one of those unforgettable places backed by mountain scenery and crystal clear creek.
Day 4:
Layover day hiking the grassy slopes for a stunning view, or taking the day of to relax in camp. Your choice!
Day 5:
Every day will bring adventure and exploration the Keele cuts its way down the spectacular Redstone and Canyon Ranges.
Day 6:
As we paddle on, the Keele is deflected east around the Tigonankweine Range by the towering Mount Eduni Massif.
Day 7:
While boasting a strong current to whisk paddlers along for it’s entire length, the Keele River is action-packed, but not intimidating.
Day 8:
Novice to intermediate paddlers will have fun in swift currents, rapids and aquamarine glacial water in a wilderness setting hundreds of kilometres from the nearest road.
Day 9:
The river is wide and meanders through beautiful mountain valleys, with breathtaking vistas. Paddlers of all skill levels have enjoyed relaxing paddles, splashing down easy rapids, while taking advantage of great photography opportunities, hiking excursions, and wildlife viewing.
Day 10:
Eventually we'll leave the mountains behind as the river braids and merges with the Mackenzie River (known locally as Deh Cho or "Big River").
Day 11:
In the near of the journey, you’ll be welcomed in the indigenous community of Tulita for cultural immersion with the Mountain Dene who have used this area since the last ice age.
Day 12:
We'll be picked up by powerboat and shuttled down the Mackenzie River to Norman Wells. En route we'll pass on of the most mythological and iconic cultural sites in the Northwest Territories, Great Bear Rock.
Dates & Packages
Keele River
What Guests Are Saying
Jackpine Paddle made possible the trip of a lifetime to an exciting and wild part of the planet that very few are fortunate enough to experience. I hope very much to be able to do another trip with the crew at Jackpine Paddle!
- Barb Z, 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