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 NAHANNI
River
The Nahanni is
Canada’s most celebrated wilderness river and has
long been favored as the country’s classic river
trip. The Nahanni’s remote valley and mountainous
surroundings have been preserved for the
wilderness traveler of future generation by the
formation of Nahanni National Park Reserve in
1974. The remarkable landscape was honored by
UNESCO in 1979 as the first named World Heritage
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The descent of the Nahanni starts at Moose
Ponds, beneath the shadows of the beautiful Mount
Wilson. On its route to the mighty Liard River, the
Nahanni tumbles almost 600 km through some of the most
majestic country on the continent. The famous Rock
Garden section provides the whitewater enthusiast over
60 km of continuous grade 2 and 3 rapids. From here the
river enters a pristine, forested valley, carved by
ancient glaciers and bordered by soaring alpine peaks.
The picturesque Island Lakes, adjacent to the River,
provide one of the many peaceful opportunities for
off-River exploration. Down stream the massive Ragged
Range dominates the view. With glaciated peaks rising
over 2000 m above the river, the scenery is - in a word
- spectacular! An option to hike into Glacier Lake
and the "Cirque of the Untouchables’ is an unforgettable
experience in Nahanni’s backcountry.
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Quietly the river crosses the boundary into Nahanni
National Park – Reserve, marked by the jewel of the Hot Springs
Valley – Rabbitkettle Lake. An interpretive hike to the
intriguing Tufa Mounds and a dip in the refreshing
waters of the lake are a must. The river now meanders to
its most magnificent feature, the cataract known as
Virginia Falls. With a total drop of over 90 m, twice
the height of Niagara, the Falls provide an
inspirational setting for the photographer and
naturalist alike. As you begin your descent of the lower
river, the tempo picks up. For the next 147 km you will
drift through the most developed canyon system in the
world north of the 60th parallel. With some walls
towering 1200m above the water, photo opportunities
abound from every angle. The infamous Nahanni legends
were born in the lower river. You will pass landmarks
shrouded in myth such as the Funeral and Headless Ranges
in Deadmen’s Valley. Below the First
Canyon, a soak in the soothing 32°C waters of Kraus’ Hot
Spring add another incredible dimension to
your Nahanni trip. Approaching its end at the
confluence with the Liard River, the river slows and
meanders through a maze of gravel bars and islands known
as the Splits. Many opportunities to view the abundant
wildlife exist as the Nahanni region is home to the snow
white Dall sheep, caribou, moose, black bears, bald
eagles and trumpeter swans. Following the tour of
historic Native village of Nahanni Butte, we join the
Liard River for a short distance to Lindberg
Landing where we end a
superlative river trip experience. 
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