The South Nahanni River from Virginia Falls to Nahanni Butte is an iconic 7-10 day canoe expedition through Nahanni National Park, featuring one of the world's most dramatic waterfalls at 96 metres and four spectacular deep canyons up to 1,200 metres high. Paddling difficulty ranges from intermediate Class II-III whitewater in the narrow canyons to Class I flatwater in lower sections; a mandatory 2-kilometre portage around Virginia Falls is required. The scenery is legendary: towering canyon walls, mineral-painted rock formations, hidden hot springs, and views of peaks like the Vampire Range and Cirque of the Unclimbables define this UNESCO World Heritage site. Best paddled July-August during the brief window of accessibility. Access requires expensive floatplane charter from Fort Simpson, Yellowknife, or Watson Lake; park reservations are mandatory and highly competitive.
South Nahanni - Virginia Falls to Nahanni Butte is estimated at Intermediate. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.
The best time is July-August.
South Nahanni - Virginia Falls to Nahanni Butte is located in the Northwest Territories region of Canada.
nahanni.com · parks.canada.ca · paddlingmag.com · jackpinepaddle.com
Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use
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