After more than 50 years of guiding in the North, we have seen time and again how river trips bring families closer together. The raw adventure, untouched wilderness and chance to disconnect from the digital world provide the perfect backdrop for making lifelong family memories.
If you are looking for an adventure that offers the chance to unplug, unwind and connect with your loved ones, we know a northern river expedition is the perfect answer. Here’s why:
Unplug, Disconnect and Unwind
Craving a break from the constant bombardment of emails, texts, work and school?
Today’s continuous digital connection can all too often impede on family time. A wilderness river trip offers a rare opportunity to escape these diversions and truly be present with your loved ones.
Our river journeys take you deep into the heart of some of the world’s last remaining wilderness, leaving the hassle of wifi and phone signal far behind. With a break from screens and technology, you will find your circadian system naturally adapting to the daily rhythms of the river.
No words can capture the magic of waking at dawn to the view of morning mist snaking its way through Canada’s deepest canyons, the infectious energy you feel hiking among the world’s tallest coastal range mountains, or the soothing calm of watching the aurora waltz overhead against star-studded skies.
Whether you are 8 years old or 80, river trips are the perfect way to invest in quality, uninterrupted time to bond with your family, share experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Explore All that the Wild North has to Offer
Time in nature and exploring new places are known to build confidence and resilience in children. The wilderness is an environment ripe for gaining new skills and fresh experiences without the confines of classroom walls.
Hiking and exploring the landscapes surrounding the river are a dedicated part of all our itineraries. We take full advantage of every opportunity to gain novel perspectives on these unique wilderness areas that go far beyond school history and geography lessons.
Our world class guide team are experts about the history, geology and ecology of our rivers. Their love for these landscapes is infectious and they will inspire your family with stories about the North.
A Rich History to Immerse Yourself In
One of the stand out features of our river trips is the chance to meet Indigenous community members who share their intergenerational knowledge of the land.
For example, on our Nahanni River trips, there is the opportunity to meet with an interpretive team of Dene community members at Nailicho (Virginia Falls). They will provide insight into the Nahanni’s history and culture from a First Nations perspective, offering a uniquely authentic experience for your family.
Our Tatshenshini River expeditions dedicate a morning to explore Kwäday Dän Kenji (Long Ago People’s Place), a camp where visitors are brought back through time and immersed in Southern Tutchone First Nations culture and history.
Captivating Wildlife Encounters
Every year we are captivated by intimate encounters with bison, musk oxen, caribou, grizzly bears, falcons and many other species. Each of our rivers support their own unique ecosystem, home to iconic Arctic species.
Whether you are watching grizzly bears fish for salmon, peregrine falcons soar overhead while you fly over whitewater rapids, or witness the awe-inspiring migration of the 225 000 strong Porcupine Caribou herd, wildlife watching is the perfect activity to ignite curiosity for the natural world among all ages.
Experience the Joy of Fishing Together
Ever dreamed about watching your daughter or son cast their first line?
Fishing provides a fantastic learning opportunity to connect with the landscapes we are traveling through, and is an activity enjoyed by many of our guests.
The North’s waterways boast healthy populations of species like grayling, lake trout and bull trout.
Set against the backdrop of the North’s untamed forests, mountains and tundra, our river trips will stir young imaginations, foster independent thinking and fuel new passions.
Reconnect with Each Other
As a family business, we can certainly testify to the staying power of memories made on intergenerational river journeys. Owners Joel and Dana Hibbard grew up paddling these waters and a third generation of Hibbards are soon to pick up the paddles!
The beauty of river trips is that they allow everyone to experience a transformative journey together, from young children to parents and grandparents. We have welcomed young children and adults well into their ninth decade of life – and everyone in between.
It is a timeless way of travel that allows you to reconnect, build memories and share your time together in a pure, organic way. Exposure to the enormity and beauty of our planet is an invaluable and ongoing learning process for us all – and one that it is imperative to pass down through generations.
Why Nahanni River Adventures & Canadian River Expeditions?
We have been perfecting our expeditions since 1972, making us the oldest operator in the North. Our passion, expertise and attention to guest experience are unparalleled in the industry.
Our guides are each leaders in their field. We operate with a maximum ratio of 4 guests to every 1 guide, so you can be sure your family’s safety is our utmost priority on the river.
When it comes to food, we understand the best wilderness adventures are fuelled by great meals. We pride ourselves on our menu; after four decades of operation, we have fine tuned our catering to provide the most nutritious and delicious meals in the northern wilderness.
Our guides are excellent backcountry chefs and will freshly prepare three meals per day for you – as well as plenty of homemade snacks! We are accustomed to adjusting our menu to fit a wide variety of dietary needs, just chat with our Expedition Planning Team if you have any questions.
Our Top Recommendations for a Family River Trip
Searching for the perfect family river trip? Here are our top recommendations:
For first time river trippers: Nahanni 12 Day Raft Expedition
Be immersed in the Nahanni’s most iconic landscapes including Nailicho (Virginia Falls – twice the height of Niagara) and the Canyon Kingdom (up to 1,500 metres high – the deepest in Canada!). Our 12 day itineraries flow at a relaxed pace and feature 2 layover days on the river, allowing the whole family to settle into the camp routine and the wonders offered by this UNESCO World Heritage watershed.
For budding glaciologists: Tatshenshini River Raft Expedition
Journey through the world’s largest non-polar icecap and largest bio-preserve, past awe-inspiring mountain peaks (including Mt Fairweather, the tallest coastal range mountain in the world!) and paddle through prehistoric glacial landscapes. The Tatshenshini features an exhilarating 14 kilometer whitewater canyon run, exquisite wildlife spotting opportunities and the grand finale of Alsek Lake where you will camp surrounded by calving glaciers and colossal icebergs!
For teenage adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts: Taseko & Chilcotin Raft Expedition
If thrilling whitewater runs are a big attraction for your family, our Taseko & Chilcotin raft expedition will fit the bill! This journey takes you through the heart of British Columbia, from alpine vistas, to desert badlands, expansive grasslands and awe-inspiring canyons. There are endless opportunities for wildlife watching, including the Taseko’s wild horses and the autumnal migration of iconic bird species – which we time our expedition to coincide with!
Plan your family adventure today!
We know that family time is precious, so it’s important to us that you enjoy your time on the river while we take care of the details.
Ready to start planning your family river trip of a lifetime?
