Northwest Territories

Flat River to South Nahanni River

★★★⯨☆ 3.5

About

The Flat River to South Nahanni is a challenging 4-5 day wilderness paddling route accessed via floatplane to Seaplane Lake, featuring Class II-V whitewater including the technically difficult Cascade-of-the-Thirteen-Steps rapid requiring portaging. This remote tributary offers an alternative entry into Nahanni National Park with superior paddling compared to some main river sections. Scenery combines stunning alpine views, pristine wilderness, and dramatic canyon entry where the Flat meets the South Nahanni. Hazardous conditions including logjams and challenging navigation make this a trip for experienced paddlers only. Best paddled in July-August when water levels support safe navigation. Access requires floatplane charter from Fort Simpson, Yellowknife, Watson Lake, or Fort Nelson.

Highlights

Technical whitewaterAlpine approachRemote wildernessCascade rapidsExpert-only paddling
Best season: July-August

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of Flat River to South Nahanni River?

The difficulty of Flat River to South Nahanni River varies by section.

When is the best time to canoe Flat River to South Nahanni River?

The best time is July-August.

Where is Flat River to South Nahanni River located?

Flat River to South Nahanni River is located in the Northwest Territories region of Canada.

View interactive map

Sources

parks.canada.ca · myccr.com · nahanni.com