What’s included and what to pack

• Your professional, experienced river guides are always available throughout the 10-day program.
  • Maximum 5:1 guest to guide ratio
• A Dene guide accompanies each trip
• Transportation:
  • Charter float plane flights on day 1 to the river for the whole group, guides, and all gear
  • Charter flights on day 9 from the end of the river trip in (Nahanni Butte) back to Fort Simpson
  • Boat tow on day 9 along the last section of the Nahanni to the village of Nahanni Butte
  • Get picked up (day 1) and dropped off (day 10) at the airport by your guide
  • Transfers between hotels and float plane bases on days 1 & 10.
• Eight nights fully guided wilderness camping
• One night (day 9) at a hotel or B & B in Fort Simpson, double occupancy. If you’re travelling alone we’ll pair you with another traveler of the same gender. If you would prefer your own room, the single supplement is $150.
• All boats, paddling gear, and camping and expedition gear (see ‘Equipment provided by Boreal River’ below)
• All meals and snacks from day-1 lunch through day-10 breakfast—amazing food guaranteed!
• We bring enough wine and beer for two drinks per person per day. 
• National Park fees and river permits

• Travel between your home and Fort Simpson, NWT
• Personal clothing and some camping gear. See ‘packing list’ below for what you need to bring
• Travel Medical insurance and Trip Cancellation insurance
• Any costs associated with your emergency evacuation from the trip
• Any additional expenses or costs incurred as a result of delays to the trip caused by factors beyond our control – i.e. wind, unsafe flying conditions, forest fire, etc.
• 5% GST (federal sales tax—applies to all services in Canada
• Optional: Fishing license—you can get a National Park permit for $34.30 in Fort Simpson on day-1.
• Optional: Guide gratuities – we recommend $12-$15 per day per guide

• A three-season expedition tent—all to yourself if you’re on your own
• A large drybag in which to keep all of your personal items
• A smaller drybag that will be accessible during the day in which you can keep your rainwear, sunscreen, etc.
• Whitewater helmet and flotation device
• Wetsuit
• All group equipment such as cooking and eating utensils, dishes, group shelters, safety equipment and first aid kits, etc.
• Boats (each trip has guided rafts—and we also bring along inflatable kayaks and standup paddleboards (SUPs) that you can opt to use on your own on the easier sections), paddles, and related accessories.

What to pack

You’ll be able to leave luggage that you don’t need for the expedition in secure storage during the trip.

NOTE: A packing list is included with your Trip InfoPack (emailed to you when you book)

The daytime temperature on the Nahanni is generally warm during the summer but all sorts of weather can come in.

Synthetic materials such as polyester, polypro, and nylon are great as they dry quickly. Merino wool is a natural fibre that dries quickly and works well too. Avoid cotton—once it gets wet it won’t dry and it doesn’t insulate.

Bring two sets of clothes and footwear: one for on the water and hiking, the other for evenings at camp.

Packing list for camp

• Three-season sleeping bag, rated to 0°c or below – you can rent one from us for $50
• Inflatable camping mattress — high quality and lightweight like this — you can rent from us for $50
• Optional: camping pillow
• 1 pair of shoes (old running shoes or closed-toe clogs—something to keep your feet safe and dry)
• 2 or 3 pairs of thermal socks (1 or 2 different weights is a good idea)
• Undergarments – Merino wool or synthetic is best
• Lightweight t-shirt – Merino wool or synthetic
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt – Merino wool or synthetic
• Lightweight ‘quick dry’ long pants 
• Thick fleece or wool sweater 
• Thick fleece pants 
• Top and bottom medium-weight synthetic or wool long underwear 
• Rain gear top and bottom (waterproof ‘shell’ layers—can be breathable or not)
• Toque (wool or fleece winter hat)
• Sun hat 
• Small quick-dry towel 
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Sunscreen, lip protection, and insect repellent
• Water bottle, 1 litre
• Sunglasses with strap
• Prescription glasses with strap if necessary
• Toiletry kit with biodegradable soap and shampoo as well as personal medications
• Optional: reading material, journal, binoculars, camera (waterproof or with waterproof case)
• Optional: fishing rod with tackle and hard carrying case. The Nahanni itself is quite silty but the tributary creeks, which we’ll often camp next to, can be great for fishing.

Packing list for the river

• 1 pair of shoes for the river. The ideal river shoe is lightweight and draining yet supportive enough for walking on portages and scouting rapids, with a grippy sole. These can be lightweight running shoes, water shoes with a supportive sole, or sturdy sandals with toe covering.
• 2 pairs of thermal socks for the river: wool, fleece, or synthetic
• Bathing suit / surf shorts—important to wear over the wetsuit that we will provide you to protect our wetsuit when you’re sitting
• Lightweight synthetic t-shirt – Merino wool or synthetic
• Top and bottom medium-weight synthetic or wool long underwear 
• Long-sleeved neoprene ‘surf’ top or long-sleeved medium-weight fleece top
• Thick fleece or wool sweater 
• Thick fleece pants 
• Optional: waterproof paddling suit — available for rent for $130. This isn’t needed for rafting but if you’re planning on spending significant time on a SUP or inflatable kayak, this will keep you comfortable.

General Packing

• Clothes for the trip home
• Travel documents (passport) and medical insurance cards or policies