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South Nahanni Paddle

A fly-in river expedition that starts below Virginia Falls, where the river drops about twice the height of Niagara Falls, and runs through Fourth, Third, Second and First canyons, past Kraus' Hotsprings and Deadmen Valley, to the village of Nahanni Butte. You meet Class II and III rapids depending on water levels, including Figure Eight Rapid at Hell's Gate; longer trips start upstream at Rabbitkettle Lake, Island Lake or Moose Ponds.

For The Reps · Updated

canoe trip scenery for South Nahanni Paddle near Northwest Territories
Photo: Nahanni River - The Gate by Paul Gierszewski, Public domain. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Northwest Territories, Canada
Distance
About 240 km one way
Time
7-12 days

The route

South Nahanni River, Virginia Falls (Náįlįcho) to Nahanni Butte.

There are no roads into the park, so almost everyone arrives by chartered floatplane from Fort Simpson, Yellowknife, Muncho Lake or Watson Lake. Most people go with one of the four licensed river outfitters, whose guided trips fly in from Fort Simpson and back from Nahanni Butte.

When to go

June to September; check the water levels and forecast for the year you go.

Permits and fees

Overnight trips need a trip reservation, and you must register with the park office within 24 hours of entering. Only 24 people a day (12 private, 12 commercial) may arrive at Virginia Falls, groups are capped at 12, and the northern backcountry excursion fee is $37 per person per day or $259 a year.

Before you go

  • Book as early as you can for the peak period of 1 July to 15 August.
  • You can camp at Virginia Falls for up to two nights, and there is a portage around the falls.
  • Guided canoe trips expect Class II-III experience; rafts on the same trips suit beginners.

What to bring

  • A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
  • A dry bag for your phone and keys
  • Water and snacks
  • Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
  • A warm layer, even on a hot day
  • Camping, cooking and navigation kit for every night, or check exactly what your operator provides

Getting ready for it

Several days in a row with a loaded pack or boat is a different kind of tired from one long day.

Do at least one full day out with all your kit a few weeks before, and fix anything that rubs, leaks or slows you down.

Staying safe

  • Class II-III whitewater that changes with water levels, far from any help.
  • Ask about recent bear activity, forest fires and fire bans when you register.
  • Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against parks.canada.ca, parks.canada.ca, parks.canada.ca, parks.canada.ca, parks.canada.ca, parks.canada.ca and nahanni.com. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.