Why Canoe North Adventures is the Ultimate Expedition Experience
Based in the stunning Mackenzie Mountains, Canoe North Adventures (CNA) is a family-owned adventure travel company that has been curating unforgettable rafting and canoeing expeditions since 1987. Offering 15 trips each season, running from late June to early September, Canoe North Adventures focuses on a narrow geographic area from the Mackenzie Mountains to the Arctic coast, so they can deliver deeply personal and expertly guided adventures in the pristine wilds of the Northwest Territories.
With access to some of the most secluded riverways in the country, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls and pristine alpine meadows, CNA has the distinction of leading the most remote river expeditions on mainland Canada. Here’s why you should consider joining one of their epic journeys.
Trips Catered to All Skill Levels
While an expedition might sound intimidating, CNA ensures an accessible experience with 13 different trips over 11 rivers, ranging from 10 to 14 days. Thoughtfully designed to cater to paddlers of all skill levels, from novice to advanced, their expert team of guides works closely with you to plan your journey, meeting you exactly at your comfort and skill level. Plus, their recent acquisition of an outfitter’s license for guided trips in Nahanni National Park has expanded the number of novice trips available for less experienced paddlers to consider.
The 11-day Upper Nahanni Canoe trip is an excellent starting point for novice to intermediate canoe-trippers, as this section of the river offers a taste of paddling through gentle currents with class I & II rapids. For an even more gradual introduction, expedition rafting provides a more supportive and relaxed alternative, as the vessels are wider and extremely stable. The Nahanni River Canyons Rafting adventure welcomes kids aged 10 and up, so the entire family can take in the breathtaking canyons, pristine wilderness and deep cultural significance of the Nahanni River.
Master Paddling Skills and Build Confidence
Every Canoe North Adventures guide is a certified moving water instructor, wilderness first responder and river rescue technician. Each individual’s knowledge is enhanced by decades of hands-on experience and know-how passed down through generations in this family-owned business, creating an empowering environment where participants can develop new skills and refine existing ones.
By maintaining a low guide-to-participant ratio of one to five, every adventurer receives personalized instruction tailored to their skill level. This not only ensures proper technique but also fosters a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable and less intimidating. With an impressive 40 percent return rate, alumni paddlers build on the skills they’ve gained and enrich the group dynamic, inspiring others through their stories and passion for adventure.
Forge Lasting Connections
Navigating the wilderness together fosters connection, teamwork and camaraderie, helping you feel connected to each other, the environment and yourself. As you paddle rivers, set up camp, load and unload canoes and tackle challenges like a difficult portage, you’ll learn to rely on one another and celebrate shared successes, whether it’s spotting wildlife or mastering a new skill like fly-fishing.
CNA also infuses the journey with a sense of fun and playfulness with activities like refreshing swims, campfire games and enjoying a glass of wine under the stars. Thanks to the perpetual daylight of the Northwest Territories, headlamps and flashlights are not required, with the midnight sun casting an enchanting glow over evenings filled with shared stories and hearty meals enjoyed around the campfire.
Getting Here
For Nahanni River Trips originating from Fort Simpson, you can easily drive to the starting point. For the expeditions that begin in Norman Wells, you’ll need to hop on a scheduled flight. Four major Canadian cities, including Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, offer regular flights to Yellowknife, serviced by Air Canada, Air North, Canadian North and WestJet. From Yellowknife, it’s another quick flight to Norman Wells.
This article was sponsored by Canoe North Adventures
Canoe North Adventures is an award-winning adventure travel company owned and operated by Lin Ward, Al Pace and Taylor Pace. They have been fulfilling wilderness canoeing dreams since 1987 with their paddling experience spanning over 30,000 river miles on northern rivers in Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories.
