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 at a slower pace than our 14 day expedition, which is also 100km longer starting at Rabbitkettle Lake.
Nahanni National Park was originally created by Pierre Elliot Trudeau in 1972, thanks to its unique canyon 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, and traditional Dene Territory of the Dehcho and Sahtu Regions, and we are grateful for the vision of the elders from these regions in protecting this vast wilderness area.
Paddlers from all over the world consider the Nahanni to be their mecca. It travels 375km through the park as it descends to the Liard River that connects to the Mackenzie River at Fort Simpson. Fort Simpson is the leaping-off point for the incredible floatplane flight into NahʔĄ Dehé (Virginia Falls) where the trip begins. There is one 1.5 km portage around Virginia Falls on a sturdy board-walk and of course it is downhill all the way!
Starting out at the spectacular Virginia Falls, this trip offers the best that Nahanni has to offer in a slightly more condensed and leisurely package, with more opportunities to explore and hike through the wilderness surrounding the Nahanni River. 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. All camp chores are shared equally – including preparing our hearty camp meals. You will be amazed at the quality of fresh foods and frozen meats that we include in our delicious menu. Dried meals are available for the last few days of the trip.
