Nahanni River Rafting Expedition * Voyageur Canoe Option Only
Trip Overview
A Nahanni river experience is truly a trip of a lifetime; see wildlife, canyon walls 1300 metres tall, and waterfalls twice as high as Niagara Falls. The following is a tentative itinerary which is designed with much thought to capitalize on the most scenic and exciting parts of the river, your guides will adjust the schedule to make the best use of river and weather conditions.Trip Images
There’s plenty of float time on the Nahanni River to take in the magnificent scenery.
A true wilderness camp setting for your nights along the Nahanni River.
Hold on tight as you paddle fast through some of the rapids of the Nahanni River.
Keep your eyes open for plenty of wildlife from bears, moose, caribou and Dall Sheep.
Map
Arrive Fort Simpson
6 days River Rafting
4 days Hiking
Depart Fort Simpson
Detailed Itinerary
(8-day tour shown, 12 and 14 day options are available)Day 1 - Arrive at Fort Simpson Fly over the largest expanse of wilderness with stunning views. Pass through quieter and friendlier airports and begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience. Once everyone has arrived there will be a chance for last-minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details. Those requiring our river bags will have time to transfer gear from their own bags. You can leave unrequired items in the guide’s trailer.
After loading the supplies and gear you will begin one of the major highlights of the adventure - the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap with lots of film! Following supper in camp at Virginia Falls, your guides will provide further briefing with the techniques for living comfortably along the river.
Please note that under certain conditions (weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make the upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, occasionally we have found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, the group will have supper and find yourselves camped in Fort Simpson or on the shores of the Nahanni. If an overnight in Fort Simpson is required you are welcome to camp or take a hotel room (at your own cost).
Day 2 - Arrive at Virginia Falls At Virginia Falls, twice the height of Niagara Falls, you will complete the portage around the falls, inflate and load the rafts and head downstream. Everyone pitches in to carry what they can and take as long as we need to complete the task. Camp is finally made for the evening below Wrigley Creek.
Day 3 - Rafting Drift past the confluence of the Flat River and enter Third Canyon, the walls of which loom 1,200m above the river. The group will camp halfway through this canyon near The Gate.
Day 4 - Rafting Paddling through the Big Bend and Second Canyon and past Headless Creek you will find yourself camped in the vicinity of Deadmen Valley. The view includes the Tlogotsho Plateau and Prairie Creek Canyon. It was here, on the shores of Headless Creek, that the bodies of the Mcleod brothers were found in 1905 and the legend of the Headless Valley was born. Downriver at Sheaf Creek, R.M. Patterson and his partner, Gordon Mathews, wintered over in 1928. Patterson later wrote Dangerous River, one of the most eloquent accounts of the early days on the river. Around the campfire, the guides will read from his book.
Day 5 - Rafting
Start the day by challenging the big waves of George's Riffle and enter First Canyon, the deepest of all the canyons. Camp will be made at Lafferty's Riffle.
Day 6 - Rafting
After the waves of Lafferty's Riffle, take a quick dip in Kraus Hot Springs before bidding farewell to the canyons and entering the braided channels of The Splits.
Day 7 - Visit Nahanni Butte
Making an early start from the camp in The Splits, the group will rendezvous with a power boat from the native community of Nahanni Butte. Stopping in the village you will have an opportunity to see this traditional community. Later in the day arrive at Blackstone Landing, where you will camp for the final night and enjoy a warm shower.
Day 8 - End of Trip You will be greeted by the guide’s van and driver and transported through the aspen-forested roadway back to Fort Simpson to meet the homeward airline flight.
Please Note: This itinerary is a sample only. Itineraries may change without notice. You can opt for the voyageur canoe on some dates of this trip for a surcharge.
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| US & Canada | UK 0-800-917-5924 | AUS 1-800-992-872 |
Accommodations
Accommodation First Class CampingOptions & Upgrades
Options & Upgrades • Choose between the 8-day or 12-day River Rafting Option (grade is easy to moderate) from Virgina Falls or the 14-day Voyageur Canoe Option (grade is moderate to challenging)• Raft Option - Easy to Moderate, all skill levels welcome.
• Voyageur Canoe - Moderate to Challenging
• You must have Class III Whitewater certification to canoe
• Extra nights and tours may be added to the start or end of this trip
Dates & Prices
2010 Departure Dates8 days (by raft or canoe)
May 31
June 14
July 11, 21
August 6, 22
12 days (by raft or canoe)
May 24
June 7, 21
July 5, 19
Aug 2, 16
14 days (by canoe)
June 2, 18
July 5, 19
August 4
Additional dates for any of these trips will be added if the above dates fill up - ask your Fresh Tracks agent more details.
| 8 days rafting | USD$ |
| May 31 - Aug 22 2010 | 5,182 |
| 12 days rafting | USD$ |
| May 24 - Aug 16 2010 | 5,773 |
| 14 days canoeing | USD$ |
| Jun 2 - Aug 4 2010 | 5,900 |
• All prices are per person based on double occupancy / shared tents
• $200 CAD per person flight surcharge for anyone selecting the canoe option (only on 8-day or 12-day trips)
Included
• Experienced guides
• All meals
• All group equipment, including rafts/canoes, paddles, life jackets, cooking equipment, equipment bags, etc.
• Air transportation from Fort Simpson to the river and return
• Last night’s accommodation in Fort Simpson (raft trips only)
• Park fees
Not Included
• Transportation to Fort Simpson
• Accommodation or meals in Fort Simpson (other than mentioned above)
• Personal items and equipment as per equipment/clothing list (provided at time of confirmation)
• $200 CAD per person flight surcharge for anyone selecting the canoe option (only on 8-day or 12-day trips)
• Any extra personal expenses incurred because of delayed departure of chartered or scheduled aircraft
• Gratuities
• HST
• Hospital, medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance
HAVE A CHAT
From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743
Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.