CANOEING THE NAHANNI RIVER

Additional information

Group

Groups are comprised of people from various parts of the world, with different nationalities and backgrounds.  Bilingual tours are given in both French and English.

Tour Guide

A Canadian canoeing expert leader who knows the area extremely well will lead the tour. The ratio on this canoeing expedition is 1:5. Most probably other guides will join tour. The guides are always ready to provide coaching and helpful advice on any aspect of the trip and will attempt to maximize the spirit of adventure for each individual. Your safety is their prime concern and your guide will make decisions with this in mind. We must stress that listening carefully to instructions and directions given by the guide is your responsibility and in the best interest of you and the group.

Information about activities /  Physical level

This trip is suitable for the paddler with some previous experience on river canoe trips. The river has non-technical rapids with big waves in long canyons, sections of strong current and sections of easy, shallow braided rapids running through gravel bars. Experienced paddlers can take a more exciting route in some rapids while a novice can avoid many of the more challenging sections of whitewater. You should be comfortable with basic strokes and maneuvers on flat water. Ideally you will have some familiarity with whitewater skills such as eddy turns, front and back ferries, braces and basic river reading skills. You should understand basic safety and rescue techniques. A pre-trip whitewater clinic or trip would be a good warm up. You should be of at least average fitness for your age so you can enjoy the paddling and side hikes. At the campsite everyone pitches in with setting up tents, collecting firewood, preparing meals, telling stories etc. The guides coordinate things and are always ready to assist you in any tasks. They will provide expert coaching and lots of personal attention. Feel free to call our office to discuss your suitability for this trip.

Accommodation

Camping along the Nahanni river and homestay in Lindberg Landing

Meals

Meals are cooked over camping stoves from a combination of fresh, dried and freeze-dried products. Our light weight ovens allow us to bake breads, muffins and desserts. Breakfasts generally consist of fruit, cereal (either hot or cold) and main course such as blueberry pancakes or breakfast burritos. At lunch you will enjoy a selection of breads (rye bread, bagels, tortillas) with cheese, dried salami, tuna salad … and of course, good old peanut butter and jam. This would be followed up by granola bars or dried fruit. Dinner consists of hors d’oeuvers, followed by a main course then dessert. Main courses may be a pasta-based dish such as Pesto-Pine Nut Fuselli, or a rice based meal such as an Oriental Stir Fry. On cooler days, a hearty mug of steaming soup is always available, as well as tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cold drinks.

We encourage participants to contribute as much as you wish to meal preparation. The guides are more than happy to share their expertise around the campfire kitchen … it is always a fun part of the day and an opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and stories. If you have a food allergy or a significant dietary restriction you must inform our office. You may be required to assist in your food planning and preparation. Given the remoteness of the route, the implications could be profound if you could not eat the food or became seriously ill.

Climate
The climate in the park is considered ’Cold Continental’ but the weather is influenced by the mountains. Average daytime highs are 20°C with average night time lows of 10°C but the absolute

maximum and minimums are 30°C and 0°C. Expect night time frost in late August and early September. The average rainfall in July, the wettest month, is 54 mm or a little less than Toronto or New York. However temperatures decrease and precipitation tends to increase with elevation. It can snow at anytime of year. Sudden changes in the weather and local orographic rainfall are common. The water will be cold. You need to be prepared for a wide range of conditions. Insects can be challenging especially if the day is warm and still. The breeze usually provides relief. A bug jacket and insect repellent will help keep you comfortable. A personal clothing and equipment list will be provided.