Another jewel of the Mackenzie Mountains and lying just below the Mountain River, the Mountain River in Canada’s Northwest Territories is highlighted in Bill Mason's book "Song of the Paddle". Five spectacular canyons in a beautiful mountain back-drop offer superb whitewater. See the Mountain River video on our site!
We canoe down the Mountain River in 2 person canoes from Willow-Handle Lake to the Mackenzie River traveling over 288 km (190 miles). We operate this trip under the license of our colleagues at Mountain River Outfitters.
Craft Description: Canoe - 2-person canoe
Prerequisites: Intermediate white water experience. This is a fast and technical river.
Available Dates
Rate Details
CAD: $6,075
USD: $5,135 *fluxuates daily
Current CAD/USD Exchange Rate: 0.8453
Additional Mountain River Trip Notes:Wet Suits or Dry Suits and Helmets are mandatory for this trip. Please note that no stores are open between the meeting time and our morning departure. Plan to err on the side of extra warm clothing. If you wish, the guides can help decide if anything should be left behind.
Pre- and post-trip accommodation is your responsibility - the cost is not included in the trip fee. We are happy to assist you in making reservations if you wish.
The following is a tentative agenda and has been designed to allow for exploration of this northern alpine river. We will adjust the schedule to make the best use of river and weather conditions. The fast draining basin can cause water levels to change rapidly with rain events.
The following initials indicate the meals included each day:Breakfast = B | Lunch = L | Dinner = D
Day 1 (D)
This is the first day listed for your trip.
Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views on cloudless days, pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.
Please plan to arrive in Norman Wells on the mid-day flight or earlier.
Norman Wells is a small community on the Mackenzie River. It is accessible by air from Yellowknife.This picturesque town is nestled between the Franklin and Mackenzie Mountains and dates back to 1919 when Imperial Oil set up a small refinery.
One of your guides will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the float plane base for final preparation before the trip. There will be a place to leave clothing not required for the trip. There will be a chance for last minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details. Weather permitting we will only be in town briefly so please do not count on major purchases prior to the trip.
After loading the Twin Otter aircraft you will be flying westward over the dramatic Mackenzie Mountains. Be sure to keep lots of film handy! This is one of the first of many great highlights of the trip.
Camp will be on Willow-Handle Lake. An alpine gem, frequented by mountain caribou.
Day 2 (B/L/D)
The adventure begins with the portage to Push-Me-Pull-You Creek. Floating the loaded canoes in this narrow stream we will wade in the shallows, pulling the loaded canoes until the creek broadens enough to paddle. Camp will be near the junction of PMPYC and Black Feather Creek.
Day 3 (B/L/D)
BF Creek is a lively run with significant gradient. Class III whitewater skills are put to use immediately avoiding rocks and on the many sharp bends in the beautiful low canyons. Exciting whitewater that demands respect. Camp will be near the confluence of BF Creek and the Mountain River.
Day 4 (B/L/D)
The channel triples in size at the junction with the Mountain. Navigational skills are required constantly to negotiate the braided channels. The gradient increases through the day with exciting hay stacks to challenge your whitewater skills. This day as on others there are chances to fish for trout and grayling in the clear mountain water. Keep your eyes peeled as locations such as “Grizzly Meadows” will live up to their name.
Day 5 (B/L/D)
The spectacular mountain backdrop has dominated the scenic panorama. Now it is time to get up close and personal with the geology. Visiting “The Moonscape”, mineral springs and “Fountain of Youth”, reveals the dramatic and beautiful creations of geothermal springs. These spots are often frequented by Dall sheep. Stopping at Cache Creek we can enjoy a mineral spring shower! This may be the location selected for a lay over day.
Day 6 (B/L/D)
Entering the first of the canyons we enjoy an exciting run and more displays of geological features. The day continues with lively wave trains, more spectacular views and eventually brings us to Battle ship Rock and the mouth of Second Canyon.
Day 7 & 8 (B/L/D)
Second Canyon competes with First for excitement. Challenging corners, holes and rebounding waves dominate all of the Mountain River canyons. At the confluence with Stone Knife River the volume doubles and the action continues. By now you will have realized that there is not a dull moment on this river and you must “have your wits about you” every minute.
Day 9 (B/L/D)
Negotiating the rapids of Third Canyon challenges the whitewater skills. The river continues to wind through the mountain valley, dropping at a steep gradient. Moose, Dall sheep and grizzly inhabit the shores.
Day 10 (B/L/D)
After fourth Canyon the valley begins to broaden but the current persists. The ridges take on a new shape, providing diversity for the eye. Camp is in the vicinity of 5th Canyon.
Day 11 (B/L/D)
Paddling into the Mackenzie Valley, the landforms continue to change. The secret of the river’s name becomes clear. Early travelers on the Mackenzie River would have recognized the mouth of this tributary by the presence of East and West Mountains that overlook the junction.
Day 12 (B/L/D)
Paddling is easy and the surrounding mountains slowly meld into the Mackenzie River Valley. The surrounding environment changes dramatically as the confluence with the Mackenzie nears. Paddling a short distance “up” the Mackenzie brings us to a beautiful river beach. A beachcombers paradise with large driftwood logs (certainly not from around here).
Day 13 (B/L)
We will be met at our camp by a power boat to take us on the 3 – 5 hour ride back to Norman Wells. Late in the afternoon you can settle into your hotel room (not included) for that long awaited shower and prepare for the evening. The group may want to gather at a local eating establishment (not included) to recount tales of whitewater and canyons.
Day 14
After goodbyes and a last look around Norman Wells, we will head for home with a cargo of fond and spectacular memories.
Note: Wet Suits or Dry Suits and Helmets are mandatory for this trip. The pre- and post-trip accommodation is your responsibility – the cost is not included in the trip fee. We are happy to assist you in making reservations if you wish.