Itinerary

Day 1 (D)
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. This is the first day listed for your trip. The scheduled flights arrive in Fort Simpson around midday. If you have notified us of your arrival time, the guides will meet you at the airport. If you are driving to Fort Simpson, plan to arrive at South Nahanni Airways by 10 a.m. The friendly staff there will point you towards your guides. Normally, we have time at this point for a quick look at Fort Simpson and to become acquainted with fellow travelers.

Once everyone has arrived there will be a pre-trip orientation and chance for questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details. Those requiring our gear bags will have time to transfer clothing from their own bags. You can leave unrequired items at our base.

After loading our supplies and gear into the aircraft we begin one of the major highlights of the adventure – the first helicopter 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! Past participants have stepped off the plane declaring that "if the trip finished now, I would have my moneys worth!". Our destination is the top of the Ram Plateau.

Please note that under certain conditions (for example: weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make our 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 Fort Simpson or on top of the Ram Plateau.

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

Day 2, 3, 4, 5 (B/L/D)
Ram Plateau: panoramic view!Our base camp on the Ram Plateau has a panoramic view of the stunning surrounding canyons and peaks.

Each day we will venture into a new region of the Ram Plateau, exploring the diverse aspects of the formation. Wildflowers abound and we will keep watch for Dall’s sheep, raptors and possibly grizzlies and other creatures. Caves and natural springs wait to be discovered.

Following the days hike, we will return to camp for a relaxing and sumptuous dinner. Under the "midnight sun", we will have plenty of time to absorb the wonders of this area.

We follow Leave No Trace camping practices and enjoy a comfortable alpine style camp.

Day 6 (B/L/D)
The helicopter will arrive, marking the beginning of another aerial exploration of this remarkable landscape. This time our destination will be a naturalist lodge on a remote lake that cleaves the Nahanni Range. You will have time to unwind and share a final dinner with your traveling companions, recalling stories of the high country.

Day 7 (B)
A morning float plane flight will deliver us back to Fort Simpson for a final look around the village before homeward flights.

More information from Canadian River Expeditions and Nahanni River Adventures:

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