South Nahanni River: A Canoe Trip That Begins in the Sky

Key points

• A canoe trip down Canada's South Nahanni River begins with a floatplane flight into the Northwest Territories. Trips range from seven to ten days from Virginia Falls to three weeks or more.
• Dene families used the river as a route for generations, travelling in moose-hide boats in the late nineteenth century. Paddlers must portage around Virginia Falls, which drops roughly 90 metres, and check current park conditions before setting out.
• Parks Canada requires an overnight reservation and limits groups to twelve people.