From the moment your float plane touches down on Rabbitkettle Lake on the Nahanni River, you will be in the spell of this historic waterway. Relaxing in Rabbitkettle Hotsprings and peacefully canoeing the Nahanni through the Mackenzie Mountains is magical. Virginia Falls provides the crescendo for this fabulous canoeing adventure for beginners on this world renown river! The flatwater from Rabbitkettle Lake to Virginia Falls in considered canoeable by novices and the grand finale of this trip includes a flight home over the Nahanni’s canyons!
Wecanoe the Nahanni River beginning our journey at Rabbitkettle Lake with a 1/2 kilometre portage to the Nahanni River. We canoe on downstream to Virginia Falls where we have the option to join our Nahanni Canyon Adventure 7 Day trip or to continue by canoe or raft from Virginia Falls, through the canyons.
Craft Description: Canoe
Prerequisites: Canoe above Virginia Falls: none, beginners welcome! Flat, moving water skills and good fitness.
Available Dates
| FW-01 | Sat. Jun 28 - Fri. Jul 4, 2008 (can connect with 1 WK 03 to continue by raft or canoe from Virginia Falls through the canyons) | Book this date |
| FW-02 | Wed. Jul 23 - Tues. Jul 29, 2008 (can connect with 1 WK 06 to continue by raft or canoe from Virginia Falls through the canyons) | Book this date |
Rate Details
CAD: $3,995 - plus $148.60 Park Fee
USD: $4,119 *fluxuates daily - (includes Park Fee)
Current CAD/USD Exchange Rate: 0.994
For Nahanni Flatwater Canoe Trip
Additional Nahanni River Trip Notes:See our combined price of
Cirque of the Unclimbables Hike and Nahanni Flatwater CanoeThe 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)
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. This is the first day listed for your trip. The scheduled flights arrive in Fort Simpson around midday. If you have notified us of your arrival time, the guides will meet you at the airport. If you are driving to Fort Simpson, plan to arrive at South Nahanni Airways by 10 a.m. The friendly staff there will point you towards your guides. Normally, we have time at this point for a quick look at Fort Simpson and to become acquainted with fellow travelers.
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, to the upstream boundary of Nahanni National Park, Rabbit Kettle Lake, on the edge of the Ragged Range, is our destination.
Please note that 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 Rabbit Kettle 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)
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 3 (B/L/D)
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 4 (B/L/D)
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 a great site for wildlife viewing or fishing or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Day 5 (B/L/D)
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 6 (B/L)
Those remaining to join the One Week Nahanni Canyon Adventure from Virginia Falls, may opt for a full day hike. To view the One Week Nahanni Canyon Adventure information, please click here.
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 7
Homeward bound.