NOTE:
Note: For this trip be sure that all your gear does not exceed 18 kg (40 lbs.). The charter aircraft used to reach the source of the Nahanni have strict load limits. Pack and weigh everything you need before you leave home
Day 1
Charter flight from Fort Simpson to Moose Ponds at the base of Mount Wilson, with Breathtaking views of mountain scenery, Tundra, and the Mackenzie River. We camp our first night on the edge of these picturesque small lakes.
Day 2
There is the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. We will spend time practicing and fine tuning everyone’s paddling skills to make sure we are ready for the up coming days. There is the possibility for an optional hike up Mount Wilson with picturesque views of the surrounding area and wildlife.
Day 2 *optional
Optional hike up Mount Wilson for views of surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Days 3-5
Starting from the Moose Ponds the Nahanni is nothing more than a small stream. Over the next couple of days the river swells considerably and for the following 40-50 km the Nahanni tumbles through the so called "Rock Gardens", a continual stretch of class II to III rapids which provides exciting, challenging, and fun white-water.
Days 6-8
After the confluence with the Little Nahanni the River widens and grows considerably. Along this stretch the river is flanked by the massive "Ragged Range", passing the "Gap" we arrive at Britnell Creek the trailhead towards the world famous Climbing area known as the "Cirque of the Unclimables". Along this stretch we pass the breathtaking "vampire peeks", stops along the way include Moore’s Cabin and Moor’s Hot Springs.
Days 9-10
We enter the Nahanni National Park and stop at Rabbitkettle Lake. Here we spend an afternoon taking a dip in the lakes or optionally going on an interpretive hike exploring the Hot springs and area with its over 10 000 year old Tufta mounds.
Days 11-13
For the next two days the Nahanni is characterized by an easy pace, with wide U-turn flowing valleys. This affords for easy paddling as we follow the smooth Nahanni through wide glacier cut valleys for the next 120 Km to Verginia Falls.
Day 14
We take a well deserved rest day at Virginia Falls. With a vertical drop of 90m Verginia Falls are twice as high as the Niagara Falls, and an awe-inspiring sight as you can almost feel the vibrations of the millions of litters of water thundering over the falls. Options include exploring the falls, relaxing or going on a hike up Blood Mountain to enjoy the sights.
Day 15
We spend the day portaging the boats and equipment 1.25km around the falls. We repack and put in on the first of the four Canyon sections of the lower Nahanni. This 147 km stretch between Virginia falls and Kraus Hot Springs is referred to as the "Grand Canyon" of the North with elevation differences from water level to canyon top of up to 1400 meters. The so called "Fourth Canyon" depending on water level may treat us with some class II to III rapid sections.
Day 16
Today we enter the imposing "Third Canyon", we will camp beside the "Gate", a key feature throughout this unforgettable stretch. Here the river makes a sharp hairpin turn and over time has sliced a narrow chasm in which it silently squeezes through a narrow gap flanked by "Pulpit Rock" a vertical limestone wall 460 meters high. An optional short hike to the top of the Gate or Pulpit Rock rewards you with magnificent views of the Canyon and the Nahanni cutting its way deep below.
Day 17
We complete the final 35 Km of the Third Canyon and paddle through the second Canyon, were the Nahanni has carved its path through the Headless Range. Past the second Canyon the river suddenly opens as we enter Deadmen Valley, our destination for the day. The valley has been named for the mysterious disappearance of the McLeoad Brothers and is surrounded by legend and stories. The open valley provides excellent camping for the evening.
Days 18-19
During the day we will run through the last remaining rapids of the River known as "George’s Riffle" and into the Final Canyon section of the Nahanni. The Nahanni rewards paddlers with the most imposing and awe-inspiring Canyon Section last. With heights reaching over 1400m the first Canyon is a once in a lifetime experience and it is worth to simply drift through this 26km long section taking in the splendour. Hundreds of caves some with passages over 30km in length dot the canyon walls along this stretch of the river. We will camp close to the end of the Canyon or try and make it to Kraus Hotsprings.
Day 20
We stop at Kraus Hotsprings to enjoy a dip. This marks the end of the Nahanni canyon sections and rewards paddlers with an enjoyable and well deserved soak in its small natural gravel pools which overlook the river and have an average temperature between 35 and 37 degrees C. From here the Nahanni opens onto the greater Liard River valley. The river section below Kraus Hotsprings is known as the "Splits". From here the Nahanni leisurely meanders another 65 km until it reaches the confluence of the Liard River and the small Native settlement of Nahanni Butte.
Day 21
We reach the confluence of the Nahanni and the Liard, and arrive at the small Native village of Nahanni Butte (Pop. approx. 100). From here we will take a river taxi to Blackstone Landing (The final take out point for out Journey) to save us a final days paddle down the mighty but tranquil Liard River. At our arrival Hot showers, a celebration and a good meal reward us after our three week Adventure.
Day 22
We have Breakfast after which we will load the van shuttle, we say our last goodbyes to the river and Head back to Forth Nelson and finally home.
