Itinerary/Phase Highlights: Your adventure begins with a floatplane journey from Yellowknife or Fort Simpson – a spectacular aerial overture, offering views over vast boreal forests and a tapestry of lakes. The plane alights on the South Nahanni River, typically just downstream from the awe-inspiring Virginia Falls. Under expert guidance, you'll be familiarized with equipment and briefed on safety. Time is dedicated to hiking to the brink of the falls and surrounding viewpoints, allowing you to fully absorb the thunderous roar and enveloping mist of "Nailicho" – an initial, powerful impact on the soul. Once prepared, the downstream rafting/kayaking expedition commences.

Suggested Duration/Season: This phase serves as the prologue to all Nahanni river expeditions. The prime season is summer (late June to August), characterized by suitable water levels, relatively stable weather, and long daylight hours.

Itinerary/Phase Highlights: This is the heart of your expedition, navigating sequentially through the South Nahanni River's renowned First, Second, Third, and Fourth Canyons. Each canyon presents unique geological features and exhilarating challenges:
First Canyon: Generally the widest, yet the river's current is already impressive.

Second Canyon: The canyon walls begin to constrict, and the scenery grows increasingly majestic.

Third Canyon: Famed for its sheer vertical cliffs, soaring up to 1200 meters, and its winding course, this section is widely considered the most scenically spectacular, also known as the "Funeral Range." Sunlight plays upon the cliffs, creating an ever-changing spectacle of light and shadow.

Fourth Canyon: Also referred to as "Painted Canyon" or "Gate Canyon," it's celebrated for its vividly colored rock walls and the dramatic narrows of "The Gate."
Throughout this leg, your guides will select idyllic campsites, allowing for moments of profound tranquility under starlit skies. An opportunity arises to soak in the natural Kraus Hot Springs, soothing muscles weary from days of adventure. Vigilance is rewarded with potential sightings of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and bald eagles.

Suggested Duration/Season: This phase constitutes the bulk of the journey, its length dictated by the chosen route. Summer is the only viable season for this undertaking.

Itinerary/Phase Highlights: As you paddle beyond the Fourth Canyon, the river gradually widens, and its current mellows. The landscape transitions from rugged canyon vistas to gentler river valley terrain. This typically marks a phase for reflection on the entire expedition, savoring the final moments of peaceful immersion. The expedition team will reach the designated endpoint, often the Dene village of Nahanni Butte, or in some instances, continue paddling towards Fort Simpson.

Suggested Duration/Season: The concluding 1-2 days of the trip. This, too, is exclusively a summer endeavor.