Nahanni: Introduction

214

Introduction

On an overcast and dreary day the South Nahanni gently mixed with and disappeared into the waters of the Liard. The passing of the Nahanni was noted with sadness by the raincoat-clad occupants of the canoes and raft which passed by that day.

Nearly 350 river miles further upstream, Canada’s premier river began as an ankle-deep by-pass of a beaver dam, less than a canoe width across. This site chronicles a journey down the Nahanni during the Summer of 2004.

Description

Its difficult to describe perfection. But, for the canoeist, this river, this Nahanni, comes as close to the perfect river as one can get. It has it all. Just when you think it can’t be any better, any more majestic, the next river bend proves you a liar. No description can do this masterpiece of the North justice. Go and see for yourself.

Days of Travel

About 17 days on the river.

Distance

About 350 miles.

Notable Features

Virginia Falls, Rock Gardens, Deadman Valley, Headless Creek, Kraus Hotsprings, Funeral Range, Moore’s Hotsprings, Hell’s Gate, Fourth Canyon, Third Canyon, Second Canyon, First Canyon, Pulpit Rock, Ragged Range, Tufa Mounds, Sunblood Mountain, Sluice Box, Painted Canyon, Figure-8, Mt. Wilson, Cirque of the Unclimbables, and, on, and, on.

Water Rating

Paddling the South Nahanni River is like journeying through four unique rivers. The Rock Gardens are a great white-water rollercoaster. The Slot is an ideal northern wilderness adventure. Though no paddling is involved, the Falls will wash away the dregs of humanity and instill a belief in beauty. The Canyons can have some large waves, and, do have a neck-twisting magnetism. The Splits bring the paddler back to humanity and its ways.