Canoeing and Kayaking Nahanni Country

Two mighty rivers flow through Nahanni National Park Reserve, requiring different levels of skill and longer and shorter vacation times. Access to the headwaters of these rivers and other drop-in points is by charter aircraft. The Flat River flows into the South Nahanni River, which empties into the Liard River at Nahanni Butte. Downriver is a pick-up point, Blackstone Territorial Park.

Visitors need a reservation with Nahanni National Park Reserve to paddle within the park.

South Nahanni River

This 563 km river rages through a river canyon system, with sheer walls over a kilometre high. Nahanni National Park Reserve protects approximately 300 kilometres of navigable river within its current boundaries.

Outfitters offer fully guided multi-day canoeing or rafting trips on the South Nahanni, and properly experienced and equipped visitors can also travel the river on their own.

Flat River

Whitewater fans enjoy the Flat River, a four to five day challenging whitewater route in Nahanni National Park Reserve. Ideal for experienced paddlers, the Flat joins the South Nahanni River for more whitewater in the canyons below Virginia Falls.