Canoeing or Rafting Adventure in Nahanni National Park

Explore the main highlights of South Nahanni River on an 8-day canoeing or rafting tour. Rafting is available for everyone, including novice whitewater paddlers. If you’re looking for something challenging and have Class II Whitewater experience, you’re welcome to canoe through Nahanni National Park.

The 150-mi (240-km) trip combines all the main features of the park and allows you to explore some of the sights on foot. The trip starts at Virginia Falls and ends at Nahanni Butte.

Day 1 Arrivals

We’ll meet you at Fort Simpson Airport and transfer you to the float plane base. We’ll have a briefing, where you’ll have a chance to get the answers to any questions you might have.

Our adventure begins by taking a charter flight over the fascinating Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau. Some astonishing views of the finest alpine playgrounds and isolated pristine wilderness will unfold underneath you. Make sure to have your camera ready to capture these incredible views!

Our camp for the night will be near Virginia Falls, so prepare to wake up to some amazing scenery unfolding right in front of you.

Day 2 Virginia Falls

In the morning, we’ll spend some time appreciating the beauty and power of the dramatic Virginia Falls, which are twice as big as the Niagara Falls! The water plunges down from 316 ft (96 m), shrouding the area in mist. The vigorous water stream is nearly equally divided by a pillar of limestone, with steep cliffs rising up to heights of 2,000 ft (610 m) on both sides of the canyon.

We’ll portage our gear around the falls and make our way through the Fourth Canyon, also known as the Painted Canyon, featuring a spectacular array of colors on its walls.

Our camp for tonight is set up bellow Wrigley Creek.

Day 3 The Third Canyon

We drift past the seemingly boundless Third Canyon. It runs through the Funeral Range and is around 25 mi (40 km) long. One of the highlights of the canyon is a unique rock formation called the Gate. It’s the site for the Pulpit Rock, a distinctive pinnacle seen on the east side of the gap. The Gate is an example of the unique geological phenomena of the meander cutoff. Imagine the meander as a hook. At some point, the river found a shortcut connecting the two closest parts of the hook. This formed what we now call the Gate along with this impressive vista.

With its walls reaching up to 4000 ft (1200 m), the 328-ft (100 m) wide canyon is nothing short of majestic. To make it even more memorable, you’ll have a chance to hike up to the top of the canyon and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Nahanni Valley.

Day 4 Deadmen Valley

Look around as we sail past the Big Bend, a point where the river takes a 45-degree turn. It might be quite challenging, but we’ll bravely drift through the impressive turn and keep going. We’ll paddle through the Second Canyon, where the river bisects another Nahanni ridge, the Headless Creek.

We’ll reach the mythical Deadmen Valley and set our campsite for the night. You’re probably wondering about the eerie name of the gorge, so make sure to ask your guide where it comes from. Hint – prepare to hear a scary story about some headless men!

Day 5 Canyons

The highlight of this day is the First Canyon, the deepest and probably the most spectacular one in the Nahanni Canyon Kingdom. Here the river has cut through the resistant limestone, and thus created the highest vertical canyon walls in the park towering above the river at heights of over 3300 ft (1000 m).

If you prefer to observe the spectacular gorge from above, we offer an optional hike up Lafferty’s Creek Canyon. Some incredible sights unfold underneath your feet once you reach the peak. A wide view of the canyon and the wide river are definitely worth the hike.

Day 6 Kraus’ Hot Springs

After the raging Lafferty’s Riffles, a fierce section of pulsating whitewater rapids, our stop at the Kraus Hot springs will be a real treat. These waters are rich with minerals and sulfur, which stops tufa from forming. We’ll take a relaxing dip in these steaming natural hot tubs before we carry on paddling to our destination.

We’ll enter the curvy channels of the Splits, where a broad valley opens up in front of us, creating a dramatic contrast to the enclosed canyons. It’s a tranquil and quiet area, so breath in the fresh mountain air and relax as we drift forward.

Day 7 Nahanni Butte

We’ll stop at a local village and meet the traditional community of Nahanni Butte. Founded in the early 1940’s, the close knit Naha community are descendants of the Dene Tribe, who lived and hunted in the territories around the Mackenzie River. With a stately mountain guarding over it, the area is a majestic sight. The hamlet with less than a hundred residents has a charming log church and a school.

A charter plane will take us over the scenic Liard Valley, back to the Fort Simpson. The name of this town translates as “Place where rivers come together”. You’ll have the evening to explore this charming place.

You’ll need to book your own accommodation for this final night.

Day 8 Departures

Take your time to explore the charming village of Fort Simpson and get ready for your flight home (not included).

Our 10-day canoeing adventure on the South Nahanni River is the perfect way to experience the highlights of Nahanni National Park by canoe and on foot.The 150 mi (240 km) journey through the charming wilderness of the Northwest Territories starts at the stunning Virginia Falls and continues through some of the most wonderful natural creations that you will find anywhere.

From colorful walls, steep slopes, and breathtaking heights, this tour reveals the best of the South Nahanni River. You’ll paddle through some mythical places and hike to observe wild animals in their natural habitats.

The tour will take you to a local village near Nahanni Butte, where you’ll meet the locals and learn about their customs and lifestyle.

Prepare for an unforgettable canoeing adventure!

Day 1 Charter Flight

We’ll meet at Fort Simpson Airport and have a pre-trip orientation. We’ll answer any remaining questions you have about equipment and our travel details.

We’ll load the gear into the aircraft and take a charter flight over some fascinating landscapes. The plane takes us over the picturesque Nahanni Range and the grand Ram Plateau. Some truly marvelous sights of the finest alpine playgrounds and isolated pristine wilderness will unfold underneath you.

Our camp for tonight is near the Virginia Falls.

Day 2 Virginia Falls

You’ll wake up with some thrilling views in front of you. Virginia Falls are nearly two times higher than Niagara Falls and offer a profound perspective on the power of nature.

We’ll be hiking and exploring the area around the falls. There’s an optional day expedition to the top of the Sunblood Mountain to enjoy the exceptional views from above.

The guides will lead a canoeing skills training session to make sure everyone makes the most of their adventurous river trip.

Day 3 Painted Canyon

After portaging the equipment down the hill to the cobble beach below the falls, we’ll load the canoes and begin our thrilling descent.

The river takes us through the Painted Canyon - one of the treasures of the Nahanni Canyon Kingdom. Also known as the Fourth Canyon, it features a spectacular array of colors on its walls.

We’ll also ride the waves through some high volume rapids, so get ready for some thrilling adventures! It’s a short, but exciting segment of the river and we’ll get to test our paddling skills.

Our camp for tonight will be based near the mouth of the Flat River.

Day 4 Third Canyon and the Gate

Today we’ll enter the Third Canyon. This V-shaped valley is broader than any other canyon in the Kingdom. It runs through the Funeral Range and is around 25 mi (40 km) long.

One of the highlights of the canyon is a unique rock formation called the Gate. It’s the site of the Pulpit Rock, a distinctive pinnacle seen on the east side of the gap. The Gate is an example of the geological phenomena of the meander cutoff. Imagine the meander as a hook. At some point, the river found a shortcut connecting the two closest parts of the hook. This formed what we now call the Gate along with this impressive vista.

With its walls reaching up to 4000 ft (1200 m), this 328 ft (100 m) wide gorge is nothing short of majestic.

Day 5 Pulpit Rock and the Deadmen Valley

Hike up to the top of the Gate and absorb some breathtaking views of the Third Valley and Pulpit Rock.

Look around as we sail past the Big Bend, a point where the river takes a 45-degree turn. It might be quite challenging, but we’ll bravely drift through the impressive turn and keep going. We’ll paddle through the Second Canyon, where the river bisects another Nahanni ridge, the Headless Creek.

We’ll reach the mythical Deadmen Valley and set our campsite for the night. You’re probably wondering about the eerie name of the gorge, so make sure to ask your guide where it comes from. Hint – prepare to hear a scary story about some headless men!

Day 6-8 Canyons and Kraus’ Hot Springs

We’ll paddle through the rapids of George’s Riffle and enter the First Canyon. Our camp will be based at Lafferty’s Canyon. Enjoy incredible views of some of the hundred caves around there!

Next, it’s a hike up Lafferty’s Creek Canyon to enjoy some exciting vistas. We’ll relax in the steaming Kraus’ Hot springs filled with minerals. Then, we’ll carry on with our adventure and enter the braided channels of the Splits.

We’ll paddle into some broad valleys with lush evergreen forests. This area is a sanctuary for some glorious wild animals, such as majestic moose and bison.

Day 9 Nahanni Butte River and Blackstone Territorial Park

We’ll stop at a local village and meet the traditional community of Nahanni Butte. You’ll have a chance to experience the life and culture of the locals in person. Founded in the early 1940s, the close-knit Naha community are descendants of the Dene Tribe, who lived and hunted in the territories around the Mackenzie River.

With a stately mountain guarding it, the area is a majestic sight. The hamlet with less than a hundred residents has a charming log church and a school.

In the afternoon, we’ll be transferred to the Blackstone Territorial Park and stay at a campsite near a local homestead, equipped with hot showers and other facilities.

Day 10 Departures

We’ll have an early breakfast and take a shuttle back to Fort Simpson.

A 12-day canoeing or rafting adventure on the South Nahanni River will provide memories that will last you a lifetime. This tour will take you through the dramatic Virginia Falls, the entire Nahanni Canyon Kingdom, and the local village of Dene Band.

Experienced canoeing enthusiasts with Class II Whitewater experience can join a paddling adventure through some raging rapids and pulsating whitewater. Beginners are welcome to discover the breathtaking surroundings of the Canadian wilderness on a rafting journey.

This tour covers 150 mi (240 km) of Nahanni National Park and gives you enough time to relax and absorb the beauty of this untouched jewel.

Day 1 Charter Flight

We’ll meet you at Fort Simpson Airport and transfer you to the float plane base. We’ll have a briefing, where you’ll have a chance to ask any questions you might have.

Our adventure starts by taking a charter flight over the fascinating Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau. Some fantastic views will unfold underneath you.

Our camp for the night will be near the Virginia Falls, and you’ll have a chance to take a short hike around the area before bed. Prepare to wake up to some amazing scenery!

Day 2 Virginia Falls

Continue exploring the area surrounding the powerful and dramatic Virginia falls, which are twice as high as the Niagara Falls!

We’ll have an optional hike to the top of the Sunblood Mountain and enjoy spectacular vistas over the national park from its summit.

This is the perfect day to explore the area around the falls and get to know its abundant wildlife.

Day 3 The Painted Canyon

After portaging the equipment down the hill to the cobble beach below the falls, we’ll load the canoes and begin our thrilling descent.

The river takes us through the Painted Canyon - one of the treasures of the Nahanni Canyon Kingdom. Also known as the Fourth Canyon, it features a vibrant array of colors on its walls.

We’ll also ride the waves through some high volume rapids, so get ready for some thrilling adventures! It’s a short, but exciting segment of the river and we’ll get to test our paddling skills.

Our camp for tonight is below picturesque Wrigley Creek.

Day 4 The Third Canyon

We drift past the seemingly boundless Third Canyon. It runs through the Funeral Range and is around 25-mi (40-km) long. One of the highlights of the canyon is a unique rock formation called the Gate. It’s the site of Pulpit Rock, a distinctive pinnacle seen on the east side of the gap. The Gate is an example of the unique geological phenomena of the meander cutoff. At some point, the river found a shortcut connecting the two closest parts of the hook. This formed what we now call the Gate along with this impressive vista.

With its walls reaching up to 4000-ft (1200-m), the 328-ft (100-m) wide canyon is nothing short of majestic. We’ll spend the night camping near the Gate.

Day 5 The Big Bend

Hike up to the top of the Gate and absorb some astonishing views of the Third Valley and Pulpit Rock. An incredible birds-eye view opens up from the summit, reminding us of the wonderful creative powers of nature. Take a deep breath and look around to appreciate the stunning beauty in front of us.

We’ll jump back into the canoes and paddle to the Big Bend, a point where the river takes a 45-degree turn. It might be quite challenging, but we’ll bravely drift through the impressive turn and keep going to our camp.

Right after the bend, we’ll settle in for the night.

Day 6 Deadmen Valley

Paddle through the Second Canyon, where the river bisects another mountain range, known as Headless Creek. Gorgeous sights of rugged mountains and dense forests open up in front of us as we keep paddling.

We’ll reach the mythical Deadmen Valley and stop for a stunning hike up a dry creek that rewards us with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding area.

Our camp for tonight is based in Deadman Valley. You’re probably wondering about the eerie name of the gorge, so make sure to ask your guide where it comes from! We’ll spend the night gathered around the campfire, sharing thrilling horror stories.

Day 7 Prairie Creek

You’ll have the day to explore the area and take a rest from the intense paddling. Choose from a range of activities. You can hike around the scenic craggy area, revel in wildlife watching or enjoy catch and release fishing.

Explore Prairie Creek and its rich selection of wildlife. Look up to spot beautiful birds hovering above us. The area is a nesting ground for common nighthawks, white-winged crossbills, upland sandpipers savanna sparrows and chippings.

Fishing enthusiasts will be able to see bull trout and Arctic grayling swimming in the creek.

Day 8 to 10 Riffles and Kraus’ Hot Springs

We’ll hike up Dry Canyon and paddle through the thrillingly fast rapids of the George’s Riffle.

We’ll reach the First Canyon, the deepest and most spectacular in the Nahanni Canyon Kingdom. Here the river has cut through the resistant limestone, and thus created the highest vertical canyon walls in the park.

If you prefer to observe the spectacular gorge from above, we can hike up Lafferty’s Creek Canyon to see some spectacular vistas.

After the raging Lafferty’s Riffles, a soak in Kraus’ Hot springs will be a real treat. We’ll take a relaxing dip in these steaming natural hot tubs before we carry on paddling up the river.

We’ll enter the curvy channels of the Splits, where a broad valley opens up in front of us, creating a dramatic contrast to the enclosed canyons.

Day 11 Nahanni Butte

Today, we’ll stop at a local village and meet the traditional close knit community of Nahanni Butte. You’ll learn about the history and culture of the Dene Band and the Naha Tribe, who used the land of the Mackenzie Mountains for centuries, in spite of the forbidding terrain and unpredictable weather. There are around a hundred people residing in the hamlet.

A charter plane will take us over the scenic Liard Valley, back to the Fort Simpson. The name of this town translates as “Place where rivers come together”. You’ll have the evening to explore this charming place.

You’ll need to book your own accommodation on the final night.

Day 12 Departures

Take your time to explore the charming village of Fort Simpson and get ready for your flight home (not included).

Join us for a two-week canoeing adventure in the Canadian wilderness. Plunging through some amazing canyons and valleys, this trip is perfect for intermediate paddlers, who want to learn some new canoeing techniques.

The tour starts at one of the largest tufa mounds in the country and takes you past the Virginia Falls, where the Nahanni River falls 300 ft (92 m) into a spectacular canyon below. It continues through majestic valleys, all the way down to the native village of Nahanni Butte.

Our tour takes you through 230 mi (370 km) of amazing wilderness and breathtaking scenery. It combines canoeing and hiking to reveal the hidden beauty of the Nahanni National Park and the famous Canyon Kingdom. The tour will not only allow you to explore the charms of the river valleys but also introduce you to the history and culture of local people.

Day 1 Charter Flight

We’ll meet you at Fort Simpson Airport and transfer you to the float plane base. We’ll have a briefing, where you’ll have a chance to ask any questions you might have.

The adventure starts by taking a charter flight over the fascinating Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau. Some amazing views will unfold underneath you, so have your camera ready!

Day 2 Rabbitkettle Hot Springs and a Hike

We’ll settle in near the Rabbitkettle Lake, unpack and prepare our equipment for the upcoming adventure.

If the weather allows, we’ll explore the spectacular Nahanni National Park. We’ll hike to the turquoise Rabbitkettle hot springs. These natural hot tubs are actually two large tufa mounds located on a limestone plateau. A relaxing soak in their warm waters is the ideal way to kick off our adventure.

We’ll spend the night at the Rabbitkettle Lake Campground. We’ll make some food on the campfire and have a good rest before diving into the river adventures tomorrow.

Day 3 and 4 Mastering Canoeing Techniques

Our canoeing adventure begins on a flat, meandering portion of the river. It’s the perfect chance to master your paddling skills! Take your time to get used to the paddles and become comfortable and confident maneuvering the vessel. Use this opportunity to ask the guides to show you the best paddling techniques for a smooth drift. These skills will allow you to make the most of this river expedition.

Once we’re ready, we’ll move further down the river. We’ll drift past a majestic rugged mountain range and a U-shaped valley, formed by mighty glaciers. Look around and enjoy the wonderful views that will lead us throughout the journey.

Day 5 Virginia Falls

The Virginia Falls is where the South Nahanni River picks up speed and transforms from a wide peaceful river to a turbulent torrent which plunges over a spectacular brink. The Virginia Falls are nearly twice as high as the Niagara Falls - offering incredible photo opportunities! The water plunges down from 316 ft (96 m) shrouding the area in mist. The vigorous water stream is nearly equally divided by a pillar of limestone, with steep cliffs rising up to heights of 2,000 ft (610 m) on both sides of the canyon.

We’ll spend two nights in the area and explore the surroundings of this incredible natural wonder.

Day 6 Hiking

We’ll have an optional day hike to the top of the Sunblood Mountain. Its summit will reward us with some stunning vistas over the surrounding area. While the hike might be quite challenging, the sights that open up from the top are priceless. River meanders, evergreen forests and rugged mountains, all right there under your feet.

If you prefer not to hike up the mountain, this is the perfect day to explore the area around the falls. Get to know the rich wildlife of the Nahanni National Park that is a sanctuary for woodland caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and Dall's sheep.

Day 7 Painted Canyon

After portaging the equipment down the hill to the cobble beach below the falls, we’ll load the canoes and begin our thrilling descent.

The river takes us through the Painted Canyon - one of the treasures of the Nahanni Canyon Kingdom. Also known as the Fourth Canyon, it features a spectacular array of colors on its walls.

We’ll also ride the waves through some high volume rapids, so get ready for some thrilling adventures! It’s a short, but exciting segment of the river and we’ll get to test our paddling skills.

Our camp for tonight will be based near the mouth of the Flat River.

Day 8 The Pulpit Rock and the Gate

Revel in the stunning vistas as we enter another gorge, known as the Third Canyon, whose walls rise nearly 4000 ft (1200 m) above the river.

We’ll hike up to the summit of one of the mountain peaks to observe the breathtaking canyon from a bird’s eye view.

Our camp will be based near some stunning natural rock formations known as the Gate and Pulpit Rock. The Gate is an example of the unique geological phenomena of the meander cutoff. Imagine the meander as a hook. At some point, the river found a shortcut connecting the two closest parts of the hook. This formed what we now call the Gate along with this impressive vista.

Day 9 The Deadmen Valley

Look around as we sail past the Big Bend, a point where the river takes a 45-degree turn. It might be quite challenging, but we’ll bravely drift through the impressive turn and keep going. We’ll paddle through the Second Canyon, where the river bisects another Nahanni ridge, the Headless Creek. The river calms down and the majestic surroundings create a mystical atmosphere.  

We’ll spend the night camping in the vicinity of the Deadmen Valley. Gather around the campfire where our guides will tell you some scary legends about this eerie place. Perhaps other travelers also know some thrilling horror stories they’d like to share!

Day 10 and 11 Prairie Creek and Kraus’ Hot Springs

We’ll approach the First Canyon, the deepest river canyon in Canada. Some of the highlights of the area are George’s and Lafferty’s Riffles, as well as the White Spray Springs.

We’ll stop to relax in the Kraus’ hot natural springs. These waters are rich with minerals and sulfur, which stops tufa from forming. We’ll take a relaxing dip in these steaming natural hot tubs before we carry on paddling.

We’ll enter the curvy channels of the Splits, where a broad valley opens up in front of us, and cracks into many exciting braids. It creates a dramatic contrast to the enclosed canyons. It’s a tranquil and quiet area, so breath in the fresh mountain air and relax as we drift forward.

Day 12 and 13 Nahanni Butte and Liard River

The last leg of our journey starts meanders along the river until we reach the native village of Nahanni Butte. The village is located at the bisection of the South Nahanni and Liard Rivers and is home to around 100 locals. Founded in the early 1940s, the close-knit Naha community are descendants of the Dene Tribe, who lived and hunted in the territories around the Mackenzie River.

With a stately mountain guarding it, the area is a majestic sight. The hamlet with less than a hundred residents has a charming log church and a school.

We will board a small, wheeled aircraft for a flight down the Liard River to Fort Simpson. The awaiting shuttle van will take you to your final accommodation (not included).

Day 14 Departures

Shuttle transport (included) will pick you up and transfer to Fort Simpson for your flight home (not included).

Pickup information

Our meeting point is Fort Simpson Airport, but if you arrive earlier, please make your way to your accommodation.

Practical information

There will be a detailed list of what to bring sent out before the trip.

Please note

There’s a park fee for every traveler.

There’s a flight surcharge for canoes or kayaks.