The Northwest Territories is graced with many mighty rivers that flow unimpeded into seldom seen wilderness paradises, making it a top destination for canoeists and kayakers around the world. But what makes our rivers so alluring—the remoteness, the ability to part with the daily stressors of a fast-paced lifestyle by being hundreds of kilometres away from cell phone coverage—can also cause them to be somewhat tricky to plan for.
But fear not! Whether you’re looking to raft alongside the towering—and truly humbling—canyon walls of the South Nahanni River with a group of friends, or let an expert guide lead you through rolling tundra hills on the wide-open Thelon, we have some tips from veteran outfitters to ensure you have an unforgettable experience on the unmatched rivers of the Northwest Territories.
Photo credit: Jackpine Paddle
Before you rush out and start planning a solo journey down the remote Coppermine River to the Arctic Ocean, rate your experience and tolerance for adventure.
If you’ve never travelled in a canoe, kayak or raft, you should definitely opt for a trip with a certified adventure outfitter along one of the scenic and less-intensive paddling routes in the NWT. They’ll help you get acclimatized to your vessel of choice and ensure you have the skills necessary for a safe and comfortable trip before you set off. Even if you’ve paddled some before, it may be best to go with a guide if you don’t have backcountry experience.
Photo credit: Dave Brosha
Bring a bug jacket and some bug dope. Take along lots of sunscreen, a hat and don’t forget your camera—but be prepared for 8 to 12 days without electricity! Get cozy with your own sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. Pack a variety of clothing layers to wear all at once for warmth, or sparingly on sunny days. Pamper your feet. Bring quick-draining water shoes for the canoe or kayak with good grip on wet rocks, and hiking boots for off-river expeditions.
Before setting out for your adventure, it’s crucial to ensure you have all the equipment you’ll be needing, because unless you’re paddling down the mighty Mackenzie River, with stops into friendly Sahtu communities along the way, there’s nowhere to purchase any new gear once your adventure begins.
Photo credit: Will Waterton
Camping? Always go with the tried-and-true. A paddling trip through remote mountain or tundra landscapes of the Northwest Territories is not the time to try out your new high-tech tent or stove! If any mishap should occur, getting help might be tricky. Make sure all of your equipment is tried and proven. Have some handy tools to fix anything: pack duct tape, matches, a sturdy knife, aquaseal glue, and some strong spare cord.
Photo credit: Colin Field
If you choose to head out on a weeks-long adventure, you may need to pack some dehydrated chilis and stews before the big trip. On guided journeys, most outfitters will pack real food for an army of hungry and picky paddlers. It can’t hurt to pack some nuts, dehydrated fruit, or even some chocolate bars, which can provide a much-needed energy boost when you’re burning calories by the minute. And be sure to pack a fishing rod—there’s no shortage of mouth-watering fish up here.
Photo credit: Colin Field
It’s inevitable that you will encounter some rain or wind on a particularly tough stretch of the river. To keep morale up, make sure you pack something special so you can smile at the end of a hard day. Celebrate with a fun dress-up evening, a special dessert, or even libations.
Photo credit: Pat Kane
While navigating the Thelon River, you might see arctic wolves or muskoxen close-up. On the Nahanni or Mountain or Keele rivers, you may spy a grizzly bear going about its business. At certain times of the spring or fall, you’ll gawk up at the migrations of geese or ducks, or follow the flight of a solitary eagle. You will feel goosebumps on your arms, as you get to see these creatures undisturbed in their natural habitat.
If you are travelling through bear country, be sure your bear spray hasn’t expired and also make sure you clean up after yourself and pack out all evidence of your own travels.
Photo credit: Darren Roberts Photography
Once you find yourself on these wild waters, remember to breathe deep and just go with the flow. There’s no need to rush or compete, no email to check, no 24-hour news cycle out here—just 24 hours of sunlight. Let your day-to-day cares float away.
Ready to explore the legendary lakes and renowned rivers of the NWT? Discover an adventure for every level of paddler on world-class canoeing, kayaking, and rafting adventures through these inviting and pristine waters.
If you’re searching for more adventure, look no further than these 15 strange and dangerous places across the NWT. From exhilarating to inspiring, you’ll find a deep appreciation for the North.
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
Member
Nahanni River Adventures
Spectacular river journeys on Canada’s most iconic rivers. Travel with expert guides by raft or canoe and immerse yourself in......
Member
Blachford Lodge
What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......
Member
Trail Blazer Tours
Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......
Member
Canoe North Adventures
For over 30 years, Canoe North Adventures has made it our mission to create spectacular memories for life, and to show......
Member
B. Dene Adventures Inc.
Your Dene Connection in Yellowknife. B. Dene Adventures is a Traditional Dene Culture Camp business which teaches the Dene way......
Member
Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ Tourism
We are the Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ got’ine. People of the community of Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́, “the place where rivers come together”, in......
Member
Tundra North Travel
Tundra North Travel is an Inuit company based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories that was established with the dream of being......
Member
Red Cliff Adventures
Red Cliff Adventures has a traditional camp that is located in Lutsel K’e, on the shores of the East Arm,......
Member
Ram Head Outfitters Ltd.
Commercial air charter service providing air support for hikers on Canol Road, sightseeing in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains, and fly-in fishing......
Member
Simpson Air
Simpson Air (and its predecessor) is the oldest continuously-operated flying service in the Mackenzie Valley, established in the early 1960s.......
Member
Canoe North
Canoe North, located in Hay River, Northwest Territories offers kayak and canoe rentals and sales. We can set you up for a......
Member
Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures
For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......
Member
Bluefish Outfitting
With Bluefish Outfitting you’ll get an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Bluefish Outfitting offers personalized, guided fishing trips and boat tours on......
Member
Polar Pack Arctic Adventures
We are an Inuvialuit owned and operated family business, run by locals Enoch and Amanda Pokiak, based in Inuvik in the Western......
Member
North Star Adventures
100% Indigenous owned! We are the world’s first Aurora Hunting tour company, we know Aurora. Learn about Aurora, why Yellowknife is the......
Member
Nahanni Mountain Lodge
Remote private wilderness paradise on Little Doctor Lake, 100 km west of Fort Simpson. Accommodates 20 in cabins. Fishing, swimming,......
Member
Great Slave Lake Tours
Great Slave Lake Tours offers winter and summer trips on Great Slave Lake, the ninth biggest lake in the world......
Member
Yellowknife Tours
Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......
Member
Jackpine Paddle
Unplug from the commonplace with our Northwest Territories canoe and kayak expeditions. We specialize in true wilderness adventures to the......
Member
Kasba Lake Lodge
World Class Fishing Within Reach Yet Beyond Belief For 3 generations we have been honing the Kasba experience to be like no-other. Our level of hospitality, dedication to the fishery, and a legendary passion for the experience that permeates through our entire team is undeniably contagious. No matter what you’re looking for in your fishing […]...
Member
K'iyeli Tourism Services
Extend your trip to Fort Simpson with a visit to our Dene Camp, K’iyeli. We have options available for an......
Member
Black Feather - The Wilderness Adventure Company
For over 50 years, Black Feather has had the opportunity to operate canoe, hiking and sea kayaking expeditions throughout the......
Member
NARWAL Northern Adventures
Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......
Member
Sparks Lake Lodge
“Unforgettable remote fishing experience” We are the only lodge located on this fly-in only lake. With only 8 guests per......
Member
Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc.
Yellow Dog Lodge is a comfortable lodge with 3 private cabins for our guests. The lodge is a short (15 minute) floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Located on Duncan and Graham Lakes, the lodge is your hub for adventure. Choose from an additional 5 lakes for guided day trip excursions. Each lake is unique and offers unspoiled first class fishing. We are the only lodge that operates guided trips on each of these remote lakes located in the NWT taiga wilderness. Packaged trips feature superb sport fishing and safe outdoor adventure. The lakes and streams offer the finest Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye and Arctic Grayling in the region. As an added bonus, our guests will enjoy the midnight sun and may even catch the northern lights later in the fall or early spring....
Member
2 Seasons Adventures
2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......
Create your own story. We offer a variety of services to make your Sahtu adventure a reality! We offer everything from......
Pehdzeh Ki First Nation is located in the community of Wrigley, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are a Designated Authority in......
Boat tours in the wildlife-rich Slave River delta and fishing at Taltson Big Pike Lodge....
To truly experience the Northwest Territories, take your camping gear for a highway driving adventure! Long ribbons of road without......
Member
Beaufort Sea Adventures
Beaufort Sea Adventures is a family-owned and Indigenous-operated business, proudly offering Arctic experiences in Tuktoyaktuk. Our family lives and breathes the North, giving us a unique insight into the hidden gems that make Tuktoyaktuk truly special. We offer guests an authentic cultural immersion, sharing our Inuvialuit heritage, stories, and deep connection to the land and […]...