This is a new and spectacular addition to our Nahanni options. The few previous visitors to the Cirque, have included world travelers who have experienced the granite spires of Mont Blanc and Patagonia. They maintain that the Cirque competes with the best in the world for dramatic alpine grandeur and pristine wilderness qualities. It is our hope that the Cirque will be included in the expansion of Nahanni National Park. Be among the first to experience its wonders!
This itinerary is designed so that you can combine the elements to suit your time and interests or partake in one portion only. For maximum satisfaction, we recommend you tie as many of the elements together as possible.
The following is a tentative agenda and has been designed to capitalize on the most scenic and exciting parts of the river while making time on other sections. Your guides will adjust the schedule and itinerary to make the best use of river, weather, and other prevailing conditions. We adhere to the new departure regulation system of the Park, which works to ensure that all river travelers have the same wilderness experience.
The following initials indicate the meals included each day:
Breakfast = B | Lunch = L | Dinner = D
Day 1 (D) MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
This is the first day listed for your trip.
Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views on cloudless days, pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.
Your trip leader will meet you at the airport (if you arrive the day prior, please make your way to your accommodation.
Once everyone has arrived there will be a pre-trip orientation and chance for questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details. Those requiring our river bags will have time to transfer gear from their own bags. You can leave unrequired items in our trailer. You may also want to separate river specific items to be flown in later on the transition from the Lake to the river. After loading our supplies and gear into the aircraft we begin one of the major highlights of the adventure - the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau, a visually stunning panorama unfolds in front of our eyes. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap with lots of film! Past participants have stepped off the plane declaring that “if the trip finished now, I would have my moneys worth!”. Winging west, past Rabbitkettle Lake and the upstream boundary of Nahanni National Park, Glacier Lake in the Ragged Range is our destination.
Please note: Under certain conditions (for example: weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make our upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, we have occasionally found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, we will have supper and find ourselves camped in Fort Simpson or on the shores of Glacier Lake.
If we are required to overnight in Fort Simpson you are welcome to camp with our gear or take a hotel room (at your own cost).
Day 2 (B/L/D) HELI ASCENT
The campsite on Glacier Lake is in full view of the granite peaks of the Ragged Range. The helicopter arrival is scheduled for the morning. Another stunning flight lifts us through the steep, rugged valley and into the panoramic splendor, past the towering face of Mount Sir James MacBrien and into the Cirque of the Unclimbables. Here, in the beautiful surroundings of Fairy Meadow, among alpine creeks, water falls, a glacier, Dall Sheep and Mountain Goats, we will establish our base camp and begin to explore the Cirque.
With advanced notice, there may be an opportunity for very fit and experienced hikers to ascend 10 km (6 miles) to the Cirque, via the valley, thick brush and boulder slopes, rendezvousing with the base camp later that day. We must emphasize that this is a challenging option with a significant elevation gain and challenging terrain with poor footing and the possibility of rock fall. The terrain on the ascent will not accommodate infirmities. Most of our participants are well advised to utilize the helicopter option. Fortunately, the terrain in the actual cirque is much friendlier.
Day 3 (B/L/D) FAIRY MEADOWS
The day will be spent exploring and photographing the Cirque and it’s dramatic spires. Features like Lotus Flower Tower and the towering granite walls jutting straight up from the valley floor have lured the best of climbers from around the world. Alpine flowers, foraging grizzlies, mountain goats, whistling pikas and golden eagles are among the highlights you may experience. Under the “midnight sun”, we will have plenty of time to absorb the wonders of this area.
Day 4 (B/L/D) CIRQUE OF THE UNCLIMBABLES ENDS AND FLATWATER BEGINS
This day will see us heading back down to Glacier Lake. Once again, the helicopter will hover us through breathtaking scenery, back to our camp at Glacier Lake (There is no hiking option for this egress).
For those carrying on with the river trip, you will have time in camp at the lake to organize your hiking gear to be shipped out on the inbound Twin Otter and exchange it for your river gear, which will arrive on the flight.
In preparation for the next leg of the journey, the Twin Otter will first drop off our canoes at Rabbitkettle Lake before ascending the valley to Glacier Lake. Picking us up and delivering our group to Rabbitkettle Lake, the flight will be yet another highlight. Regrouping with our canoeing gear at the lake, we will make camp in “Hotsprings Valley”.
Those opting for the River option only, (Rabbitkettle Lake to Virginia Falls) will fly in at this time.
If you have opted for the Hiking option only, you will continue back to Fort Simpson for showers and a homeward flight the following day (accommodation not included).
Day 5 (B/L/D) RABBITKETTLE HOTSPRINGS
In the company of a knowledgeable park warden we will hike the 7 kilometers (round trip) to the tufa mounds of Rabbit Kettle Hotsprings. Here we find unique geological features that help weave together the geological past of the Nahanni. The 1 km portage from the lake to the river will be made in the late afternoon. Camp will be downstream.
Day 6 (B/L/D) MOUNTAIN PEAKS
This portion of the river which is above Virginia Falls is a flat, meandering section that allows opportunity to learn the necessary canoeing skills from the guides or brush up on techniques. The mountains and U-shaped valley created by the glaciers will dominate the scenery. Camping will be in one of the choice spots between Rabbitkettle Lake and Virginia Falls.
Day 7 (B/L/D) OXBOW LAKE
As the river descends the valley, it begins to meander through lush vegetation. Moose, wolves, black and grizzly bear may be spotted here. The final camp before the falls will be on a small oxbow lake just off the river. This is agreat site for wildlife viewing or fish or hike the surrounding mountains.
Day 8 (B/L/D) VIRGINIA FALLS
Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara) will be the destination. This is the other spot within the National Park where planes may land and we may see other campers here. Once here, the day may be spent exploring and photographing the area surrounding the falls.
Day 9 (B/L) CANYON FLIGHT
Those remaining to join the 8-Day trip from Virginia Falls, through the canyons, may opt for a full day hike.
Those departing the Nahanni will board the Twin Otter for the down river flight back to Fort Simpson. Nahanni’s canyons, following the river downstream, the dramatic flight will include views of the upper canyons, The Gate and Pulpit Rock, before heading across the Nahanni Plateau and karst lands, providing tremendous photographic material! Arriving in Fort Simpson, you will have time to explore the northern town before leaving the next day (accommodation not included).
Day 10 HOMEWARD BOUND
If you would like to continue from Virginia Falls, through the canyons, please view the Nahanni Canyons from Virginia Falls - 7 Days by raft or canoe.