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Keele River

Keele RiverThe Keele River is located southwest of Norman Wells in the Northwest Territories. The Keele’s headwaters originate high up in the Mackenzie Mountains near the Yukon border and its confluence is at the Mackenzie River between Fort Simpson and Norman Wells.

As the float plane flies low up the river valley, Delthore Peak emerges through the mist and dwarfs our twin otter as it skims the water on touchdown. The immense beauty of this river is legendary in the “Backbone of the Earth Range” of the Mackenzie Mountains. Though the Keele watercourse is ancient, its spirit is one of youthful exuberance. Shezal Canyon speaks to our paddlers asking us to join in the dance of endless waves, sweeping curves and swirling eddies. The turquoise waters of the Keele wind through spectacular mountain scenery and easily accessible alpine slopes with panoramic views.  This river is a kind whitewater river suitable for a wide range of paddling skills. The Keele is wide and deep with high standing waves in places. It braids and narrows into chutes as it glides down a steep slope toward the Mackenzie River. The river grows larger as more tributaries enter and there may be sightings of caribou, moose, eagles and most surely dall sheep with great fishing for both arctic grayling and bull trout.

Keele RiverThis region, rich in beauty and wildlife, offers the opportunity to step into an ancient wilderness sculpted by geological time and steeped in First Nation history. This river served as a travel route for Mountain Dene hunters who now live in Ross River or Tulita. There is also evidence that humans used this area 11,000 to 12,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. The Mountain Dene, who knew the river to be bountiful, hiked on ancient trails high into the headwaters at the continental divide. They trapped beaver and hunted moose using the hides to build skin boats in which they returned down the Keele to their encampments on the Mackenzie River. As we descend the turquoise waters of the Keele and enter the Mackenzie Lowlands, leaving the mountains in our shadow, we reflect on our shared adventure. Like the Dene before us, we are grateful for the riches of this northern river that have flowed into our hearts.

Adventure Facts:

  • Keele River, Northwest Territories
  • Natla Confluence to Great Bear Rock
  • 375km, no portages
  • Class II and III – novice to intermediate
  • Keele River Expedition: $4850

Day 1 - Arrive in Norman Wells

  • Depart Edmonton or Yellowknife arriving in Norman Wells. Met by Canoe North Adventures and shuttled to the float dock  for departure. A short paddle downstream will take us to our first campsite at Delthore.

Day 2 to Day 9  - Embark on Keele River

  • We will descend the Keele River through spectacular mountain scenery. Our first camp will be at the end of the dramatic Shezal Canyon. Hiking awaits us at the Ekwi River. Our next day takes us down past the hunt camp with a chance for a visit before camping downstream. Dryas Camp welcomes us after a paddle beside high mountains that plunge right down to the river. Paddling is challenging but not difficult. Even though the Keele is a Class III river, it is a kind river. Sheep, moose, caribou and bear will be our companions Excitement awaits around each bend. Toochinkla awaits for another layover camp with hiking and a huge sand camp just right for bocci ball and euchre. The mountains start pulling away from the river as we paddle down to our camps near Red Dog Creek and the Talking Cliffs. This is our last camp before the Mackenzie.

Day 10 -  Keele River to Mackenzie Confluence

  • We are in mountains until near the end of the river with many braids before the confluence with the Mackenzie and a night paddle on the Mackenzie if weather permits.

Day 11 -  Mackenzie River to Tulita

  • After a visit to Tulita at Great Bear Rock, we have our last camp to organize and wash up gear.

Day 12 -  Great Bear Rock to Norman Wells

  • On the final day, we take an air shuttle back to Norman Wells. Time for the Canoe North golf tournament at Ptarmigan Ridge. A final night dinner of caribou or arctic char will be held in Norman Wells. Accommodations at the Mackenzie Valley Inn.

Day 13 -  Norman Wells

  • Depart Norman Wells: morning or afternoon flight.