Northwest Territories

Broken Skull River River

★★★☆☆ 3.0

About

The Broken Skull River is a scenic tributary of the South Nahanni in the Northwest Territories, offering Class II intermediate whitewater paddling on a beautiful clear-water stream through remote mountain terrain. This 50-80 kilometre route features pristine scenery with minimal crowds, flowing through the same Mackenzie Mountains landscape as the main Nahanni but with its own distinct character and access via the Blackstone Territorial Park area. Wildlife and backcountry hiking opportunities abound, though logistics and seasonal water levels require careful planning. Best paddled July-August during optimal water conditions; primarily accessed as a tributary trip connecting to the main Nahanni system.

Highlights

Clear pristine waterClass II intermediate rapidsLower-crowd Nahanni tributaryMountain sceneryRemote location
Best season: July-August

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of Broken Skull River River?

The difficulty of Broken Skull River River varies by section.

When is the best time to canoe Broken Skull River River?

The best time is July-August.

Where is Broken Skull River River located?

Broken Skull River River is located in the Northwest Territories region of Canada.

View interactive map

Sources

mountaineers.org/south-nahanni · nahanni.com