Itinerary

Day 1 (D) Mountain Flight
This is the first day listed for your trip. Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views on cloudless days, pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.

Your trip leader will meet you at the airport (if you arrive prior, please make your way to your accommodation). 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 our trailer.

After loading our supplies and gear into the aircraft we begin one of the major highlights of the adventure - the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau, a visually stunning panorama unfolds in front of our eyes. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap with lots of film! Past participants have stepped off the plane declaring that “if the trip finished now, I would have my moneys worth!”

Please Note - that under certain conditions (weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make our upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, we have occasionally found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, we will have supper and find ourselves camped in Ft. Simpson or on the shores of the Nahanni.

If we are required to overnight in Fort Simpson you are welcome to camp or take a hotel room (at your own cost).

Day 2 (BL/D) RABBITKETTLE HOTSPRINGS
At Rabbitkettle Lake we will prepare ourselves and the canoes for the downriver trip. Conditions permitting, we will hike the 7 km to the tufa mounds.

Days 3 & 4 (B/L/D) MOUNTAIN PEAKS
We begin the downriver trip. This portion of the river above Virginia Falls is a flat, meandering section that allows opportunity to learn the necessary canoeing skills from the guides or brush up on techniques. The mountains and U-shaped valley created by the glaciers will dominate the scenery. Camping will be in the most choice spots between Rabbitkettle Lake and Virginia Falls.

Day 5 (B/L/D) VIRGINIA FALLS
Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara) will be the destination. We will camp there for two nights. This is the other spot within the National Park where planes may land and we may see other campers here.

Day 6 (B/L/D) HIKING
This is a day for exploring and photographing the area around Virginia Falls, nearly twice the height of Niagara. The vast expanse of the Falls captivates photographers and hikers with a tireless display of powerful drama. Keen and fit hikers may undertake an all-day expedition to the top of Sunblood Mountain for an excellent view of the surrounding area. Others can enjoy exploring the expansive area overlooking the brink of the falls.

Day 7 (B/L/D) PAINTED CANYON
We will make the final portage around the falls. The trail is downhill and well defined. You need carry only what is comfortable for you. Everyone pitches in to carry what they can and we take as long as we need to complete the task. It is impossible to spend too much time at Virginia Falls! We will assemble the boats and, after a late shore lunch and briefing, we will embark in the late afternoon, on an exhilarating run through Painted Canyon, also known as Fourth Canyon. Supper conversation in camp will be full of recollections of paddling adventures in the canyon.

Day 8 (B/L/D) THE GATE
We enter Third Canyon, the walls of which rise 1200 m over the river. Keen eyes may spot woodland caribou, moose and Dall’s sheep. Stopping at The Gate and Pulpit Rock for lunch, we will hike to the top of the canyon for a bird’s eye view of the narrow gorge below and the expanse of the canyon walls. Camp will be downstream of Pulpit Rock and The Gate.

Day 9 (B/L/D) DEADMEN VALLEY
Paddling through the Big Bend and Second Canyon and past Headless Creek we will find ourselves 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, we will read from his book.

Day 10 (B/L/D) PRAIRIE CREEK
Camp will be in Deadmen Valley or First Canyon.

Day 11 (B/L/D) FIRST CANYON
The highlights will include First Canyon, Canada’s deepest river canyon at a depth of 1300 m, George’s and Lafferty’s Riffles and White Spray Springs. After stopping at Kraus’ Hot Springs for a soak in the 37°C natural springs we leave the canyons and carry on to camp in the area known as The Splits. Here the river braids and twists into many channels.

Day 12 (B/L/D)  NAHANNI BUTTE
While negotiating the huge meanders prior to the native village of Nahanni Butte we will experience the river valley opening up to meet the forested flat lands. Camp will be in or near the village (population 80).

We will be hosted by a member of the community who will show us through the village, sharing the history and culture of the people who have made this area home for thousands of years. They will treat us to tea and bannock and try to answer any questions we may have about life in this remote part of the world.

Day 13 (B/L/D) LIARD RIVER  
A power boat ride down the voluminous Liard River will take us to Lindberg’s Landing where we will be the guests of Edwin and Sue Lindberg for showers, a BBQ and an overnight stay at their cabins.

Day 14 (B) HOMEWARD BOUND
We will be picked up by vehicle and driven to Fort Simpson to meet our plane home. There may be time to explore around

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