About Broken Skull – Nahanni River Program
Experience an unforgettable wilderness paddling adventure in Canada's remote Northwest Territories. The Broken Skull – Nahanni River expedition is designed for intermediate paddlers seeking an extended canoe-camping experience in one of North America's most pristine and untraveled wilderness areas.
You'll spend approximately one week paddling the Broken Skull River (Pı̨́ı̨́p'enéh łéetǫ́ǫ́ Deé), descending 150 kilometers of excellent Class I-III whitewater through the Mackenzie Mountains starting from Divide Lake. This opening section offers stunning mountain scenery, pristine hot springs, and exceptional hiking opportunities. Following this, you'll transition to two weeks on the legendary South Nahanni River (Tehjeh Deé), where you'll experience the highlights of Nahanni National Park Reserve, including Rabbitkettle Lake (Gahnįhthah Mįe) and the spectacular Virginia Falls (Náįlįcho).
This 22-day journey (or 10-day Broken Skull-only option) is a full-service expedition where professional guides handle all logistics. You'll paddle through true wilderness, camp under northern skies for 21 nights, and enjoy all meals prepared by the experienced outfitting team. The program includes charter flights, all safety equipment, group gear, canoes, and accommodations—you simply bring your paddling skills, fitness level, and sense of adventure.
You must have previous canoe-camping and whitewater canoeing experience at an intermediate level to participate. The expedition runs in partnership with Black Feather, an established Canadian outfitter, and operates with deep respect for the land, acknowledging the Dehcho Region and Nahanni National Park Reserve as Indigenous territory. This trip is ideal for paddlers looking to challenge themselves in a remote, pristine environment while developing advanced wilderness skills and creating memories in one of Canada's most iconic river systems.