Want to head to Canada, eh? Canadian River Expeditions, based in Whitehorse, Yukon, has a few classic recommendations for you, from tame to wild, all in some of the best wilderness you can find on the planet.
According to the Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast, the southern and eastern parts of the territory have achieved average snowpack levels while the central and northern territories have above-average snowpack. “Given conditions across the Northern Canada and the Arctic we’re looking forward to a great season on the water and are hopeful to witness the full wonder of our intact wilderness and the large mammals who call it home,” says Canadian River Expeditions owner Joel Hibbard.
Rafters can expect reliable and average flows all season long. Below is a roundup of a few classic trips to add to your bucket list.
NAHANNI
The Nahanni River is the icon of Canadian wilderness rivers and perhaps the most visually diverse landscape on earth. It flows through mountainous landscapes and through Canada’s deepest river canyons, past hot springs and geological features so unique that the Nahanni River was declared the first World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1987. Trips begin June 19 with regular seasonal flows expected after a cooler than normal spring. High water levels are expected in late June.
Photo: Nailicho (Virginia Falls) Nahanni River, NWT
TATSHENSHINI/ALSEK
The Tatshenshini is one of the most magnificent river systems on earth and flows through one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas. It is a glacially fed river and home to abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears and five species of salmon. The Tatshenshini travels through the Yukon territory, British Columbia, Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park, Alsek/Tatshenshini Provincial Park, out to the gulf of Alaska. The Tatshenshini flows into the Alsek river before reaching the gulf of Alaska.
The Alsek River, one of the wildest rivers in North America, is renowned for large rapids, dramatic mountain valleys and glaciers. It flows underneath some of North America’s tallest peaks, through two glacial lakes, and is known for its wildlife and wildflowers. High flows in this watershed are dominated by mountain snowmelt and glacial melt. In the early season, regular flows are expected. However, later in the summer, higher than usual flow levels are expected mid-season as the glacier melts. Water levels should peak levels in July.Iceberg and Mount Fairweather, Alsek Lake, Alaska
FIRTH RIVER
The Firth connects the British Mountains to the Arctic Ocean and lies deep within the northern Yukon. It flows through some of the most diversely dramatic landscapes on the planet. It is home to the most northerly herd of Dall sheep in the world as well as muskox, caribou, wolves, fox, grizzly and raptors. Early season, we expect below average flows due to a late spring. The Firth, which is fed by melt from a unique geological feature called aufice, is expecting peak flows in July.
HORTON RIVER
The Horton is the northerly most river in continental North America. This season marks the first time Canadian River Expeditions has run the Horton in twelve years. It is a large and gentle river whose clear waters flow through tundra and wind northward towards the Arctic coast. The Horton is a canoe-only trip with spectacular hiking in the high arctic tundra, a plethora of wildflowers and abundant wildlife. The trend for the summer 2023 season on the Horton is leaning towards a drier year with high water predicted in early July.
About Nahanni River Adventures / Canadian River Expeditions
Since 1972, Nahanni River Adventures / Canadian River Expeditions has been guiding adventure vacations on the top rivers in northern Canada and Alaska. The rivers we travel are conduits for exploring some of the last wild places in North America. With us, you have the opportunity to not only embrace a unique destination, but also experience an adventure vacation that’s truly the highest quality in every respect. Nahanni River Adventures / Canadian River Expeditions is a 1% For the Planet member. For more information, visit http://nahanni.com, call 800.297.6927, or email info@nahanni.com.
