OUR GUIDES:

Something that was not possible to capture in pictures, which made all the difference in my experience was the extraordinary talent and human element of your two guides, Jason and Rick, as coaches and teachers, instilling confidence and learning in whitewater paddling techniques and strategies in the large standing waves, etc. After years of only flat water canoeing experience, and a somewhat disastrous weekend crash course in whitewater paddling, I was more than a bit apprehensive about the rapids on the Nahanni. Seeing Jason and Ricks' level of skill and coaching style, I made sure we stuck close to them for pointers and critique before hitting the serious whitewater sections below the Falls. Apprehension turned into exhilaration when we made it through the large standing waves in 4th Canyon. I felt more alive than I had in years, and that is a fact. And, I've done a few exciting things in my life.

-Ruff Lowman  Ottawa ON

Made to be a teacher and leader, Justine was fun but always cautious and thoughtful of others and how they may feel. She seemed well adept to handle any situation thrown at her. She wa s great company, a great teacher and a lovely person.

-Beth Cowan  Toronto, ON

Fantastic trip. Thank you so much - the guides were without exception a credit to the "youth" of the Nation- we are in good hands. Our fellow trippers proved to be fascinating companions also without exception.

- Allan and Liz Breakey   Bragg Creek, AB

I have done my share of back country camping all over Russia, Canada and other countries. Nahanni camping was the mot comfortable one thanks to Nahanni Wilderness Adventures and our guides.

-Nina Krakovna    Toronto, ON 

RAFT TRIPS FROM VIRGINIA FALLS:

I believe that this was a once in a lifetime experience. I was lucky enough to share this with my family and we are still talking! I was excited to finally visit the Northwest Territories and I was not disappointed, I would love to come back again and again. It brought back the sense of wonder that I may have put aside for a few years and it has changed my perspective.  It's good to be hit every so often by the pure clarity of nature  and realize that you can't live in the city your whole life. It reminded me that I need to slow down which is necessary every so often. Thank you for all your work and help bringing people to this tranquil yet strong landscape, I am so happy to have been a part of it.

-Beth Cowan, Toronto, ON

Dear David and Wendy:
I just wanted to tell you what a perfect week we had on the rafting trip from Virginia Falls August 8. I also want to thank you for making the trip happen. Our guide Curtis Pauls could not have been better and gently kept us on the straight and narrow all week. We enjoyed helping in camp and were felt to be appreciated. The weather, as you may be aware, was warm, sunny with no bugs for the entire time. I think we lead charmed lives. The food was great and we would have a difficult time finding another week that could have been so perfect. Again thank you and all the best.

- Linda Burrows

Dear David:
Since returning from my Nahanni adventure, I have read Dick Turner's book, Nahanni. I am thrilled to be able to say that I have seen many of the sites he describes in his book, although I am humbled by the ease and comfort of my brief Nahanni experience compared to his pioneering life. Our guides were unfailingly thoughtful of our particular needs, from checking our flying experience in small planes (for our flight into the park), to monitoring our hiking-climbing abilities, to assuring the rain-proofness of our tents, and never a hint of impatience with our inexperience. The food was excellent - I took note that wilderness cooking is an essential skill for a guide. I have never eaten better or healthier than during that week. Everyday was packed with awesome scenery and sensations of the north. I will extend my experience there as soon as I can manage it.

- Douglas Brown Quebec

Hi David:
What a wonderful trip. Enclosed, a small painting that holds many find memories for me ? I hope you like it. It is just a token of my appreciation to you for helping create a most memorable experience for all of us.

-Angus Bureau St. John's, Nfld

ISLAND LAKES CANOE HIKING TRIP:

Hi David:
Just a quick note before I leave the office for the weekend. I will write again soon. Maria and I would like to thank you and Devin again for a great trip in an awesomely beautiful place! We are convinced that we chose the right guide service, and that we had the best two guides anyone could ask for on our special trip!

RABBITKETTLE LAKE CANOE EXPEDITION:

Hi David and Wendy:
Filled out the survey you sent out but just wanted to add a few comments. Trip was just great and Janell and I were so pleased that we were not able to do the raft thing that we sprang on you at the last moment. Adam was super and the cat-a-canoe worked through fourth canyon and the Figure eight rapids and then we tore it down. Everything went right. Weather, after that scare on the Saturday we got to Ft Simpson, was just fantastic and also we were bug free the whole trip which is exceptional as I understand it. Enjoyed meeting you and really appreciated your help and support. Had some dialogue with Joel and he seemed like a great kid. Mentioned in my survey reply that would reference your Company if every asked but my only concern is that my praises would be so profuse that any future client may think I was a paid lackey. :) Again - just a great trip! Am not sure how you compensate your guides but with one guide short and going with a solo canoe hope the single picks up some of the second guides compensation for the trip. Adam worked extra hard but still did a wonderful job. It was great David. Can't say enough good things about your company, Adam and the venue. PS. Loved those Grey Owl paddles!

-Wayne and Janell MacDonald  Regina, Saskatchewan

THREE WEEK CANOE HIKING ADVENTURE:

Hi David:
Home after a 3 week hiking and canoeing trip along the Nahanni River with NWA I have now had enough time to reflect on my experience. The scenic qualities of the Nahanni River surpassed my expectations. I now know why the Nahanni is considered a World Heritage Site and a Heritage River, There is no way to put into words the incredible landscape we traveled through. Nahanni Wilderness Adventures provided just the right balance between creature comforts, adventure, personal challenge and companionship. You clearly have very high standards for your company and your staff and you are delivering a quality outdoor adventure experience. We felt safe yet challenged throughout the trip. The food, equipment, the guides were all first class. With no menus to plan or food to cook for three weeks and wonderful things to see around every corner we truly had a wonderful experience. I can honestly say that even after 21 days neither of us wanted the trip to end. Kind Regards!

-John and Barbel Lackey Edmonton, Alberta

THE FOOD:

Unbelievable! how the guides bake around the fire. No shortage of food - great variety.

-Dr. Brenda Brennan  Ottawa, ON

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Amazing - The menu was great - high fibre and healthy You really raised the bar on camping food!

-Jeanette Sylvestre  Toronto,ON

At home, we love good food and cooking, and I was constantly impressed with the high quality of the food prepared along the entire two weeks, and how long we could enjoy terrific salads. I would very much appreciate receiving a copy of your meal plan and recipes. Not only for the extended canoe camping trips with my son, but also for home use. Rick was an artist with the Dutch oven, which I have never mastered, so please include those recipes and instructions for number of briquets, etc.

-Ruff Lowman  Ottawa, ON

TRIP WRAP-UP:

Camping at Blackstone Park was huge luxury. Showers!!! ...and the visitor centre was the best I have ever scene. Indian crafts, and stories about the Cree and Dene Nation impressed me the most. visiting sue's estate (Lindberg Landing) ws like coming to good friend. Meals were omemade from fresh and organic ingredients, and I would die for that rhubarb dessert. David drove us to Fort simpson, it was very comfortable but I felt a little sad to leave.

-Nina Krakovna Toronto,ON

NAHANNI NATIONAL PARK STAFF:

The info session at Rabbit Kettle Lake was great - nice water for swimming. They were very helpful and informative. They were well informed our group was made up of a veterinarian, a biology teacher , and many doctors - so the staff were on their toes!

- Dr. Brenda Brennan  Ottawa, ON