Nahanni River Rafting Trip
8 days
Enjoyable for those reasonably fit.
Daily physical activity - but with a choice of daily challenge. Comfortable accommodations. E.g. a lodge-based cycling trip
Trip Overview |
Map |
Itinerary |
Options |
Accommodation |
A Nahanni River Experience is truly the trip of a lifetime. The following is a tentative agenda and has been designed with much thought to capitalize on the most scenic and exciting parts of the river while making time on other sections. Your guides will adjust the schedule to make the best use of river and weather 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.
You have a choice of 8, 12 or 14 days. The 8 and 12-day trips let you choose to either be in a raft or (for a little extra) do the trip paddling a voyageur canoe (with another person). The 14 day trip is a canoe-only trip. If you are looking for something shorter, the 8 day trip can now be modified as a 5 or 6 day river rafting or voyageur canoe trip.
You have a choice of 8, 12 or 14 days. The 8 and 12-day trips let you choose to either be in a raft or (for a little extra) do the trip paddling a voyageur canoe (with another person). The 14 day trip is a canoe-only trip. If you are looking for something shorter, the 8 day trip can now be modified as a 5 or 6 day river rafting or voyageur canoe trip.
Outline
(12 days)
Arrive Fort Simpson
6 days River Rafting
4 days Hiking
Depart Fort Simpson
Arrive Fort Simpson
6 days River Rafting
4 days Hiking
Depart Fort Simpson
ITINERARY
(8-day tour shown, 12 and 14 day options are available)
Day 1 - Arrive at Fort Simpson
Fly over the largest expanse of wilderness with stunning views. Pass through quieter and friendlier airports and begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience. Once everyone has arrived there will be a chance for last-minute 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 the guide’s trailer.
After loading the supplies and gear you will begin one of the major highlights of the adventure - the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap with lots of film! Following supper in camp at Virginia Falls, your guides will provide further briefing with the techniques for living comfortably along the river.
Please note that under certain conditions (weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make the upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, occasionally we have found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, the group will have supper and find yourselves camped in Fort Simpson or on the shores of the Nahanni. If an overnight in Fort Simpson is required you are welcome to camp or take a hotel room (at your own cost).
Day 2 - Arrive at Virginia Falls
At Virginia Falls, twice the height of Niagara Falls, you will complete the portage around the falls, inflate and load the rafts and head downstream. Everyone pitches in to carry what they can and take as long as we need to complete the task. Camp is finally made for the evening below Wrigley Creek.
Day 3 - Rafting
Drift past the confluence of the Flat River and enter Third Canyon, the walls of which loom 1,200m above the river. The group will camp halfway through this canyon near The Gate.
Day 4 - Rafting
Paddling through the Big Bend and Second Canyon and past Headless Creek you will find yourself camped in the vicinity of Deadmen Valley. The view includes the Tlogotsho Plateau and Prairie Creek Canyon. It was here, on the shores of Headless Creek, that the bodies of the Mcleod brothers were found in 1905 and the legend of the Headless Valley was born. Downriver at Sheaf Creek, R.M. Patterson and his partner, Gordon Mathews, wintered over in 1928. Patterson later wrote Dangerous River, one of the most eloquent accounts of the early days on the river. Around the campfire, the guides will read from his book.
Day 5 - Rafting
Start the day by challenging the big waves of George's Riffle and enter First Canyon, the deepest of all the canyons. Camp will be made at Lafferty's Riffle.
Day 6 - Rafting
After the waves of Lafferty's Riffle, take a quick dip in Kraus Hot Springs before bidding farewell to the canyons and entering the braided channels of The Splits.
Day 7 - Visit Nahanni Butte
Making an early start from the camp in The Splits, the group will rendezvous with a power boat from the native community of Nahanni Butte. Stopping in the village you will have an opportunity to see this traditional community. Later in the day arrive at Blackstone Landing, where you will camp for the final night and enjoy a warm shower.
Day 8 - End of Trip
You will be greeted by the guide’s van and driver and transported through the aspen-forested roadway back to Fort Simpson to meet the homeward airline flight.
Please Note: This itinerary is a sample only. Itineraries may change without notice. You can opt for the voyageur canoe on some dates of this trip for a surcharge.
(8-day tour shown, 12 and 14 day options are available)
Day 1 - Arrive at Fort Simpson
Fly over the largest expanse of wilderness with stunning views. Pass through quieter and friendlier airports and begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience. Once everyone has arrived there will be a chance for last-minute 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 the guide’s trailer.
After loading the supplies and gear you will begin one of the major highlights of the adventure - the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap with lots of film! Following supper in camp at Virginia Falls, your guides will provide further briefing with the techniques for living comfortably along the river.
Please note that under certain conditions (weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make the upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, occasionally we have found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, the group will have supper and find yourselves camped in Fort Simpson or on the shores of the Nahanni. If an overnight in Fort Simpson is required you are welcome to camp or take a hotel room (at your own cost).
Day 2 - Arrive at Virginia Falls
At Virginia Falls, twice the height of Niagara Falls, you will complete the portage around the falls, inflate and load the rafts and head downstream. Everyone pitches in to carry what they can and take as long as we need to complete the task. Camp is finally made for the evening below Wrigley Creek.
Day 3 - Rafting
Drift past the confluence of the Flat River and enter Third Canyon, the walls of which loom 1,200m above the river. The group will camp halfway through this canyon near The Gate.
Day 4 - Rafting
Paddling through the Big Bend and Second Canyon and past Headless Creek you will find yourself camped in the vicinity of Deadmen Valley. The view includes the Tlogotsho Plateau and Prairie Creek Canyon. It was here, on the shores of Headless Creek, that the bodies of the Mcleod brothers were found in 1905 and the legend of the Headless Valley was born. Downriver at Sheaf Creek, R.M. Patterson and his partner, Gordon Mathews, wintered over in 1928. Patterson later wrote Dangerous River, one of the most eloquent accounts of the early days on the river. Around the campfire, the guides will read from his book.
Day 5 - Rafting
Start the day by challenging the big waves of George's Riffle and enter First Canyon, the deepest of all the canyons. Camp will be made at Lafferty's Riffle.
Day 6 - Rafting
After the waves of Lafferty's Riffle, take a quick dip in Kraus Hot Springs before bidding farewell to the canyons and entering the braided channels of The Splits.
Day 7 - Visit Nahanni Butte
Making an early start from the camp in The Splits, the group will rendezvous with a power boat from the native community of Nahanni Butte. Stopping in the village you will have an opportunity to see this traditional community. Later in the day arrive at Blackstone Landing, where you will camp for the final night and enjoy a warm shower.
Day 8 - End of Trip
You will be greeted by the guide’s van and driver and transported through the aspen-forested roadway back to Fort Simpson to meet the homeward airline flight.
Please Note: This itinerary is a sample only. Itineraries may change without notice. You can opt for the voyageur canoe on some dates of this trip for a surcharge.
Options & Upgrades
Extra nights and tours may be added to the start or end of this trip
- Choose between the 8-day or 12-day River Rafting Option (grade is easy to moderate) from Virgina Falls or the 14-day Voyageur Canoe Option (grade is moderate to challenging)
- Raft Option - Easy to Moderate, all skill levels welcome.
- Voyageur Canoe - Moderate to Challenging
- You must have Class III Whitewater certification to canoe
- Contact us for details on the new 5 and 6-day options for the original 8-day River Rafting adventure
Accommodation
First Class Camping
First Class Camping
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Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
- Wilderness experience in the Northwest Territories
- Nahanni National Park - Magnificent scenery & wildlife
- Huge waterfalls, canyon walls , tundra plateaus & mineral springs
- Hiking & fishing
Testimonials
Once again I can't thank you enough for all the time and courtesy afforded to us, it has made our 30 plus years together a wonderful experience, full of lovely lasting memories.
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At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
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2009 Departure Dates
8 days (by raft or canoe)
June 1, 15
July 2, 12, 22, 27
August 7, 13, 23
12 days (by raft or canoe)
May 25
June 8, 22
July 6, 20, 30
August 3, 17
14 days (by canoe)
June 3, 19
July 5, 6, 20, 23
August 5, 6
Price Notes
• All prices are per person based on double occupancy / shared tents
Included
• Experienced guides
• All meals
• All group equipment, including rafts/canoes, paddles, life jackets, cooking equipment, equipment bags, etc.
• Air transportation from Fort Simpson to the river and return
• Last night’s accommodation in Fort Simpson (raft trips only)
• Park fee
Not Included
• Transportation to Fort Simpson
• Accommodation or meals in Fort Simpson (other than mentioned above)
• Personal items and equipment as per equipment/clothing list (provided at time of confirmation)
• $125 CAD per person flight surcharge for anyone selecting the canoe option (only on 8-day or 12-day trips)
• Any extra personal expenses incurred because of delayed departure of chartered or scheduled aircraft
• Gratuities
• GST
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance
8 days (by raft or canoe)
June 1, 15
July 2, 12, 22, 27
August 7, 13, 23
12 days (by raft or canoe)
May 25
June 8, 22
July 6, 20, 30
August 3, 17
14 days (by canoe)
June 3, 19
July 5, 6, 20, 23
August 5, 6
| 8 days rafting | USD$ | CAD$ |
| Jun 1 2009 - Aug 30 2009 | 4,494 | 5,078 |
| 12 days rafting | USD$ | CAD$ |
| May 25 2009 - Aug 28 2009 | 4,911 | 5,549 |
| 14 days canoeing | USD$ | CAD$ |
| Jun 3 2009 - Aug 19 2009 | 5,021 | 5,674 |
• All prices are per person based on double occupancy / shared tents
Included
• Experienced guides
• All meals
• All group equipment, including rafts/canoes, paddles, life jackets, cooking equipment, equipment bags, etc.
• Air transportation from Fort Simpson to the river and return
• Last night’s accommodation in Fort Simpson (raft trips only)
• Park fee
Not Included
• Transportation to Fort Simpson
• Accommodation or meals in Fort Simpson (other than mentioned above)
• Personal items and equipment as per equipment/clothing list (provided at time of confirmation)
• $125 CAD per person flight surcharge for anyone selecting the canoe option (only on 8-day or 12-day trips)
• Any extra personal expenses incurred because of delayed departure of chartered or scheduled aircraft
• Gratuities
• GST
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance
