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More about the 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 Site.
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.
 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 toyour 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 Landingwhere we end a superlative river trip experience.
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