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Keele River

The headwaters of the Keele River originate high up in the Mackenzie Mountains near the Yukon border and its confluence with the Mackenzie River is located between Fort Simpson and Norman Wells.

As the float plane flies high over 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 paddlers asking them to join in the dance of endless standing 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. The miles of swifts and rapids are suitable for a wide range of paddling skills. The river 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’s sheep with great fishing for both arctic grayling and bull trout.

This region, rich in beauty and wildlife, offers the opportunity to step into an ancient wilderness sculpted by geological time and steeped in aboriginal history. For 12,000 years, this river served as a travel route for Mountain Dene hunters who knew the river to be bountiful and hiked on traditional 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 along the shores of the Mackenzie River.

Adventure Facts:

  • Keele River, Northwest Territories
  • Keele River to Great Bear Rock
  • 360km, no portages, 13 days
  • Class II and III – novice to intermediate

Arrive Norman Wells

We require that travellers arrive at the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 – Depart for Keele River

  • Depart Canoe North Outfitting Centre on the charter flight to the Keele River. A short paddle downstream will take us to our first campsite.

Day 2 to Day 10

  • Paddlers will descend the Keele River through spectacular mountain scenery. Excitement awaits around each bend. The mountains start pulling away from the river as we paddle down to our camps near Red Dog Creek and the Talking Cliffs.

Day 11 – Keele River to Mackenzie Confluence

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

Day 12 – Mackenzie River

  • Canoe the historic Mackenzie River to Tulita for a historic walkabout and camp at Great Bear Rock.

Day 13 – Great Bear Rock to Norman Wells

  • Charter flight to the Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells for the  final night dinner celebrations. See information on meals and accommodations.

Depart Norman Wells

Travellers will depart Norman Wells the day after their expedition ends. Inquire about extended travel beyond Norman Wells.