Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains a lot of information and extensive answers to commonly-asked
questions related to the Nahanni River Adventures.
This FAQ section is designed
to be helpful on vast array of topics. We’ve
also provided answers which give you, where appropriate,
some helpful tips. The FAQ list below may not cover
matters that affect you and you may wish to consult
with us or email us with inquiries.
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Why should I choose Black Feather?
Our speciality is canoeing on the Nahanni. We create outstanding canoe expeditions where you can participate in all aspects of your trip and where you can become an accomplished canoe tripper. We believe canoeing the river leads to a greater sense of involvement and accomplishment. A Black Feather canoe trip on the Nahanni will be one of your all-time, once in a lifetime great experiences.
How do I choose the right trip?
We offer six different types of canoe trips on the river ranging from 10-21
days. One option has an emphasis on hiking side trips, another on whitewater
canoeing, there is a trip for women only and one for families. Some, such
as the whitewater trip, require special skills. See Choosing
a Trip.
When is the best time to go?
Each part of the paddling season has its attractions. Some of the factors people consider are:
• Daylight: The paddling season starts in mid-June and lasts until early
September. Early in the season there are 24 hours of light. By September
it gets dark at night - you might see northern lights.
• Water Conditions: Although water levels can change with precipitation there is normally much higher water with faster current early in the season. The water will be very cold in June, rising to perhaps 12°C (54°F) by midsummer and cooling down in late August.
• Temperature: The daytime highs are on average warmer in July and early August, perhaps 23°C (73°F) but we have seen snow and 35°C (95°F) in the same week. It will likely be cool at night.
• Precipitation: There is no regular pattern to the precipitation throughout the summer but a little snow is more likely in late August and September.
• Insects: Bugs are are more prevalent in late June and early July but rain can bring them out at any time of the season. Normally the bugs aren’t too bad in the mountains but when we reach the Liard / Mackenzie Lowlands on the last day the bugs can be intense. We use a motorboat shuttle on the Liard River so you won’t find it a problem.
• Seeing Other Trips: During the shoulder seasons of late June and late
August there are very few visitors to the park. However, the national park
staff and the outfitters carefully schedule trips to reduce the instances
of meeting other trips. In any case the park is so remote and difficult to
get to that less than 700 people overnight in the park in the entire year.
Who goes on a Black Feather trip?
Most participants are Canadians but expect paddlers from the US, Europe, Australia - almost anywhere. Our participants share an interest in the wilderness, scenery, wildlife, new friends and adventure. They are the sort of people who do interesting things and are fun people to travel with. You are going to make some new friends.
Over the years the ages have ranged from young children to a man of 86. Other than on Family trips the majority of participants are 40-65. Most have previous canoe tripping experience and some whitewater canoeing skills. Many will have been on a previous Black Feather trip.
Are there age restrictions?
Except for Family trips our scheduled trips are designed for adults. The
level and nature of supervision and the expectations of the other participants
make these trips inappropriate for children. Younger teens travelling with
a parent will be considered in certain circumstances.
Family trips are open to families with children under 18.
If you have younger
school aged kids you should contact our office to investigate
the suitability of their participation. There are
adventurous 8 year olds who have absolutely flourished
on a Nahanni trip and 11 year olds we suggest wait
a few years. We want this to be the great experience
of a lifetime for your family. We’ll
help you prepare everyone for your trip and help you
choose the right time for your family’s adventure.
A custom trip for
a group can be designed to accommodate almost any
mix of participants.
We welcome a number of older
seniors on our trips every summer and there is no
specific age limit to go on a Black Feather trip.
If you are reasonably fit and meet the requirements
described in the trip information package you’ll
be fine. We have no problem accommodating some physical
limitations. It is OK if you can no longer portage
a canoe or carry a heavy pack - we know you will
contribute to the success of the trip in other ways.
Please contact our office to discuss your participation
if you have any concerns at all.
How big is the group?
Normally a group ranges from 3 to 6 canoes. We paddle 2 to a canoe.
Can I register on my own or do I need a paddling partner?
You can register on your own and we’ll pair you up with a canoe partner. On
a typical trip two thirds of the group are couples or small groups of friends
and one third individuals. Larger groups of friends usually opt for a private custom
trip.
What skills and experience do I need?
There is a trip information package for each trip
that has a detailed description of the skills and experience required for
that specific trip. On Nahanni trips most people will have previous river
canoe tripping and camping experience. They will also be a swimmer, comfortable
around water and have basic whitewater canoe skills. We offer clinics to
help you acquire these skills.
Each trip is assigned a Skill
Level from 1 to 3 to assist you in identifying those
trips suited to your ability.
Briefly they are:
• Level 1 - no experience
required;
• Level 2 - some experience and basic skills
are expected;
• Level 3 - some more advanced skills and abilities
required - not for novices.
Nahanni Trips range from
Skill Level 2 to Skill Level 3.
For more information about Skill Levels click
here or contact
the Black Feather office to discuss your suitability
for a specific trip.
When should I register for a trip?
To have a full choice of departures it is best to book well in advance. However, if your dates are flexible there will be some spaces available during the paddling season. Flights to Fort Simpson and less expensive flights may be hard to find at the last minute.
We offer a discount to those applying before November 1 for a trip the following summer.
How do I register?
You can download the application package from the
web site and mail, fax, or scan and e-mail the completed forms to our office.
We’ll mail back a registration package with a receipt for your deposit, clothing
list etc. If you want to secure a space as quickly as possible you can complete
the quick registration
form on-line. You can also phone 888-849-7668 (toll free in North America)
to check availability and tentatively hold space while you look into time
off, flights etc.
How do I get to the Nahanni?
The trip rendezvous is in Fort Simpson, NWT. We arrange a discount airfare
for trip participants from Edmonton, Alberta to Fort Simpson with First Air.
You’ll
need to arrange flights from your home to Edmonton. For complete details
click here.
How far do we paddle each day?
The distance travelled varies with the speed of the current which can reach 10 KM per hour. Expect to paddle 4-6 hours a day with breaks and a lunch stop.
What is a typical day like?
Most days fall into a simple pattern of eat, paddle, explore/hike and sleep! Here is an outline of a typical day:
• 6:30 am - 7 am: Guides up and start preparing tea/coffee/breakfast. You may wish to get up to do your morning ablutions and organise yourself for the day. It is wise to have your sleeping bag and clothes packed prior to breakfast.
• 8:00 am: Breakfast & clean up - take down tents, final packing and loading canoes.
• 9:30 am: Route familiarisation,
stretching.
• 10:00 am: On the water ... Each
morning, we paddle for about 2 - 3 hours, with breaks
along the way for photography, snack or answering
the call of nature.
• 1 pm: Stop for lunch.
• 2 pm: On the water ... Each afternoon, we paddle
for about 2 - 3 hours. Some days will have side hikes,
or interesting spots to stop at. We may have a portage
or two, and may stop to scout a rapid.
• 4 pm - 5 pm: Make camp for the day. We will
choose a nice campsite, unload the canoes, set up tents
and kitchen area. Each person is responsible for pitching
their own tent, helping with basic campsite chores
such as collecting firewood, filtering water and ensuring
their canoe is safe for the night. Free time to relax
and enjoy!
• 6:00 pm: Hors d’ouvres, and dinner preparations
begin.
• 7:00 pm: Dinner time, clean up and prepare for
evening.
• Evening Optional:
Evening hike or other activity (depending on group/guides).
Please
note that times are approximate. Groups vary, and
situations vary. The Black Feather guides will appraise
you of the tentative schedule at the onset of the
trip, and this may be modified at any time during
the trip.
We generally build in 2-3 ‘layover’ days. On these
days, we do not move camp, but stay at the same campsite
for 2 nights. The layover day gives us the opportunity
to go on a day hike, do some clothes or personal washing,
relax, sketch, photograph or just hang out. Generally,
on a 2 week trip, we would have 2 layover days.
What is the food like?
We wrote the book on Camp Cooking. Read about our award
winning cookbook. The meals on a Nahanni trip are delicious with lots of
variety. The food is nutritious and plentiful - this is a very active holiday.
We use a combination of fresh, dried and freeze dried ingredients to prepare
our meals.
Although we can carry some
meat products, a good portion of the menu is semi-vegetarian.
We make an effort to use whole grains, local and
organic ingredients.
We cook over an open fire in our environmental firebox
and on a gas camp stove. Baking is done in large
dutch ovens.
The guides co-ordinate things but most people enjoy
helping with the food preparation, cooking and
baking. It is a favourite social time - sharing stories
and laughs about the days events.
Here are some sample meals:
• Breakfasts:
-
Cereals: Porridge, 7 grain cereal, granola with yogurt
and fruit, muesli;
- Main: Blueberry pancakes, frittata,
peach fritters, french toast, breakfast burritos;
- Baking:
Muffins, cinnamon buns, cornbreads.
• Lunches:
- Soups: We
carry lots of soups for cold days .. or any time
we want!;
- Breads: Bagels, dense rye breads, tortillas,
pittas;
- Baking: Logan bread, Irish soda bread, yeast
breads;
- Fillings: Mennonite sausage, cheddar cheese,
tuna, salmon, hummus, black bean dip;
- Salads: Lettuce,
sprouts, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, carrots;
- Fruit:
Apples, pears, plums, oranges, dried fruit;
- Sweets:
Granola bars, cookies, chocolate, gorp.
• Dinner:
- Hors d’ourvres:
Cheese & crackers, veggies & dip,
mixed nuts, quesadillas;
- Main: Stir fry, spaghetti,
curried rice, lasagna, Moroccan stew, turkey pot pie;
-
Salads: Greek salad, caesar salad, cabbage salad, taboulii
salad;
- Desserts: Fresh fruit, brownies, mousse, apple
crisp, rice crispy squares.
• Tea: Black and herbal
teas.
• Coffee: Black Feather’s
famous custom roast - fair trade, organic dark roast
regular coffee and Swiss water process de-caf.
What if I have a dietary restriction?
Occasionally we have people with dietary restrictions on a Nahanni trip.
The application form has a section where you can describe your dietary restrictions.
In some cases our packing centre can simply adjust things to suit your needs.
In the case of a more restrictive diet or a serious allergy we will work more
closely with you. You may request a copy of the menu to help identify problem
meals. You may be required to bring substitute ingredients for some of your
meals - ensuring that your needs are met.
What about alcohol?
The menu does not include alcoholic beverages with the exception of wine with dinner on the first night or two. You are welcome to bring your favourite refreshment for the campsite - and most people do! Please use unbreakable, leak proof containers.
How fit do I need to be?
Most participants are of average or above average fitness for their age.
The trips are very active - paddling 4-6 hours most days, setting up camp, finding
firewood, exploring the area on foot, optional hikes into the mountains etc.
You certainly don’t need to be an athlete but you’ll have more fun if you arrive
in good shape.
We have a suggested preparation program that
will help get you ready for your expedition. It covers educational preparation
- books about Nahanni, maps etc., equipment you’ll need for the trip, and a
suggested skills and fitness program.
What if I have some health problems?
Many participants have health concerns - medications, allergies, chronic
conditions, old injuries and physical limitations. For most people this will
not exclude them from safely enjoying a Nahanni trip.
The trip involves moderate
to strenuous activity, sometimes for extended periods
of time, in a very remote location. If you have any
doubts about your ability to safely participate in
the trip please call to discuss your situation. If
you or we are still concerned we will make sure you
have accurate information about the trip to share
with your physician before making a decision.
The
application package contains a confidential Medical
Information Form designed by Black Feather’s consulting
physician. Please fully complete your form so your
guides are aware of any medical concerns or needs.
If we spot anything that concerns us we will contact
you.
You should bring two sets of any important medications,
eye glasses etc.
How strenuous is the trip?
The trip involves moderate to strenuous activity, sometimes for extended
periods of time, in a very remote location. This includes paddling for 4-6 hours
a day (with breaks), sometimes stressful descents of rapids, carrying gear,
canoes etc. for short distances each day, setting up camp, one or two portages
during the trip, side hikes involving considerable elevation change (optional),
long multi night hikes on the hiking option trip etc.
Not everyone is expected
to be able to do the most physically demanding activities
(carry a canoe for example) and some activities are
optional.
If you are reasonably fit and meet the requirements
described in the trip information package you’ll be fine. We have no problem accommodating some physical
limitations. It is OK if you can no longer portage a canoe or carry a heavy
pack - we know you will contribute to the success of the trip in other ways.
Please contact our office to discuss your participation if you have any concerns
at all.
Are there many portages?
All trips must portage around Virginia Falls. The trail is 1.3 km long and
drops about 100 meters to the canyon below. It is a fairly good trail and about
1/4 of the trail is on a board walk to protect the permafrost. It takes several
trips to carry everything over the portage. We usually spend 2 nights at the
falls so the carry may be spread out over the 2 days.
On the Nahanni Classic
trips our float plane lands at Rabbitkettle Lake on
the first day. We have a 1 km portage from there
to the river.
The Hiking, Whitewater and Getaway trips just have
the one portage.
Is the river crowded?
Although the Nahanni is well known, it actually very lightly travelled. It
is so remote and difficult to get to, that there are less than 700 overnight
visitors in the entire year. The outfitters and park staff create a schedule
to spread out trips and reduce the instances of groups meeting. Virginia
Falls is zoned ‘Day Use’ and you may see a few tourists there. The
rest of the national park is zoned ‘Wilderness’ - essentially reserved
for paddlers! Aircraft are restricted to Rabbitkettle Lake and Virginia Falls
and motorised water craft are not permitted.
Where do I sleep?
We provide high quality custom expeditions tents. These are fairly roomy 2 person dome style tents with a vestibule. We normally sleep 2 to a tent. You may reserve a solo tent for an additional charge. If you have a suitable tent of your own you may bring it.
How bad are the bugs?
Fortunately the Nahanni has considerably fewer bugs than most of the far
north. However you will encounter black flies and mosquitoes at some campsites
and on some side hikes. Bringing insect repellant and a bug hat or bug jacket
is a good idea.
Insects are more prevalent in late June and early July and then decline throughout
the summer.
There can be considerable variation
in the general pattern and total bug population from
year to year as a result of weather conditions.
We descend to the Liard/Mackenzie Lowlands at the
end of the trip. The bugs in the Nahanni Butte area
can be fierce. We travel by motor boat on the Liard
River so we won’t be bothered much.
Are there bears?
There are black bears in the park and we occasionally see one in the river
valley. Grizzly bears also live in the Mackenzie Mountains but their territory
and range are so wide that they are rarely seen. If a grizzly is known to be
in an area, that area of the park would be closed to humans to prevent interaction.
There has never been a reported injury of a person by a bear in the Nahanni
area.
We employ a variety of practices
to reduce the chance of a surprise bear encounter.
Using food caches, air tight, animal resistant ‘barrel’ packs for
food, careful food and garbage management practices, maintaining very clean
campsites, changing campsites regularly, etc. minimises the chance of our trips
attracting bears. As a back up we carry bear spray and ‘bear bangers’.
What wildlife will I see?
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Dall’s sheep and moose sightings ae common. There are wolves, mountain goats, woodland caribou, black bears and grizzlies. Bison have been seen in the lowlands near the end of the trip. There are over 180 species of birds including rare sightings of the great grey owl and trumpeter swans.
How much hiking will we do?
This varies with the interest of the specific group and the type of trip
you choose. The Hiking option trip includes at least one multi-night back
packing trip into the mountains and a number of shorter side hikes exploring
interesting places along the river. On all trips we will often stop to explore,
and to hike to some very special places and lookouts. These side hikes may
range from an hour to a half or even a full day. Longer hikes are planned in
consultation with the group and the guides may offer two options - a shorter
easier walk and a more ambitious outing. Some people may choose to relax in
camp, fish or take pictures instead of a hike.
What is the fishing like?
Fishing on the Nahanni is marginal. The high silt content in the river makes for poor fish habitat. However there are fish in the clear feeder creeks flowing into the Nahanni. Grayling and Dolly Varden the most common species. A national park fishing permit is required. You can get this from the park office in Fort Simpson or for Nahanni Classic trips at the Warden’s Cabin at Rabbitkettle Lake.
What is the temperature like?
The Nahanni is in the mountains which causes wildly fluctuating weather.
In June temperatures range from 0°C to 25°C. From July to mid-August the lows
can be close to freezing the highs can reach the low 30’s (90°F) but average
day time temperatures are in the low-mid 20’s (room temperature). It will be
cooler at night. In late August frost is possible at night and as we enter
September a little snow is not out of the question.
Does it rain much?
Mountain weather is extremely changeable. Most precipitation in the park is convectional rainfall occurring in the afternoons and evening in the form of showers or thunderstorms. Orographic rain fall (caused by winds rising over a mountain) can result is local showers. Total rain fall in July and August is in the 60 to 90 mm range but this is the mountains. Severe thunderstorms and intense rain can drop 100-150 cm of water in a local area resulting in flash flooding in narrow creeks and canyons.
How cold is the water?
The river will be very cold in late June but warms up to perhaps 12°C by mid-July - warm enough for a quick dip. By mid-August the water is starting to get quite cold again. Some sort of thermal protection (wetsuit, drysuit etc.) is recommended when paddling the whitewater sections of the river.
What do I have to bring?
You will get a detailed clothing and equipment list in your registration package. You likely have most of what you need but the list includes a fairly warm sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, good rain suit, a wetsuit and a waterproof pack of some sort for all your personal stuff. You can rent a pack and wetsuit for a modest fee.
Can I bring my own tent, paddle, PFD etc.?
Yes. If you are going to bring your own, just check off the boxes on the application form so we know what to pack for the group. We provide good gear so if you prefer to use ours you’ll be happy.
What do I do with my travel clothes etc. during the trip?
Extra stuff can be left at our
base in Fort Simpson during the canoe trip. On the last
day of the trip the shuttle van will bring it to you
at Lindberg Landing. Valuables such as cash, credit
cards, passports etc. should either go with you on the
trip or we can arrange for South Nahanni Airways, our
main air charter company, to put things in their safe
for you.
How much do I tip the guides?
Gratuities are of course optional but most people do tip their guides. It
can be a bit awkward to ask on the last day what other people do. The normal
range is $7-12 per day per guide, or something in the range of 2.5 - 5%
of the trip fee per guide.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Travel insurance is available through the Black Feather office or just check
the box on your application form. There are 2 categories of coverage.
Trip Cancelation coverage may reimburse you for any non-refundable fees and
fares if must cancel your trip at the last minute for a variety of reasons
including you, or a travelling companion or a family member becoming ill, injured
etc.
Extended Medical
coverage is very inexpensive and pays for a list of
things over and above your existing medical insurance,
including mountain rescue and evacuation, and air ambulance.
For more information click
here. Please note: Insurance never covers you for
a pre-existing condition.
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