The South Nahanni River is a Canadian Icon. Flowing through its namesake Nahanni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the river plunges almost 100 meters over majestic Virginia Falls before carving its way through 4 incredible canyons filled to the brim with adventure. Towering canyon walls soar as you canoe through this incredible untouched landscape. This trip, beginning at Virginia Falls, is perfect for those who want to revel and explore all of the hidden secrets of the Nahanni River’s canyons but dont have enough time for our 14 day Nahanni expedition, which is also 100km longer starting at Rabbitkettle Lake.
Nahanni National Park Reserve was originally designated by Pierre Elliot Trudeau in 1972, thanks to its unique geological landscape. Together with its sister park Nááts’įhch’oh protecting over 35 000 km² of pristine mountain wilderness, this is a magical land that will capture your imagination. The Nahanni River flows through the heart of the park, traditional Dene Territory, and we are grateful for the vision of the elders from this region in protecting this vast wilderness area.
Paddlers from all over the world consider the Nahanni to be their mecca. Its waters have carved 4 spectacular canyons that will leave your jaw on the floor, and travels some 375km through the park as it descends to the Liard River. Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), is the beating heart of Nahanni. This massive waterfall is twice the height of Niagara Falls and must be experienced first hand to truly understand its raw power.
Your journey through the canyon country of the Nahanni begins with a thrilling flight into the park, landing just above Náįlįcho. After exploring the falls for a few days, its time to hit the river, after completing the 1.5 km portage of course (on a sturdy board-walk).
Once down at river level the waters of the Nahanni are strong and fast, shooting you right into some of the best whitewater paddling the north has to offer, with waves splashing your canoe at every turn. After navigating through the challenging “painted” canyon, the river for the most part quiets down, with only Lafferty’s and Georges Riffle to get your heart rate up again later on in the trip. It’s time to relax and enjoy the beauty surrounding you.
Over the next 8 days below Virginia Falls the Nahanni will challenge, and change you, with each canyon growing in grandeur till the last. It will envelop you within its hidden walls and give you the fleeting chance to peer into its depths, and see your soul laid bare. Whitewater will flash, eagles will soar, and, and friendships will be forged & strengthened, all while our professional guides, quality gear and scrumptious food make sure your life is as easy as it can be in the wilderness.
Come and experience the Magic of the Nahanni with Canoe North Adventures, and see why it is truly an iconic Canadian river!
Note: The Nahanni is best enjoyed by canoe with at least some previous paddling experience under your belt. There is 25km of class 2-3 whitewater that must be navigated either in a “Cata-Canoe”- where 2 canoes are lashed together for stability- or in a single canoe; the rest is fast moving flatwater. Our guides are great teachers and are dedicated to assisting in developing your canoeing skills in order to handle the large-volume wave-trains through the famous Nahanni Canyons, but having this be your first river experience would require a true penchant for adventure and learning on the fly! For those who are curious still, we also offer a 10-day rafting trip that provides an equal opportunity to experience the Nahanni- no experience required.
