Cirque, Nahanni (Black Feather)
Nahanni, NWT (Black Feather)
Nahanni, NWT (Black Feather)
Broken Skull, NWT (Black Feather)
Cirque, Nahanni (Black Feather)

150 km of pure whitewater fun, the Broken Skull River is known in Mountain Dene as Pı̨́ı̨́p’enéh łéetǫ́ǫ́ Deé, pronounced Pip-en-ay Lee-toh Day. The river starts high in the Mackenzie Mountains and boasts excellent class 1 and 2 whitewater, pristine hot springs, great hiking and truly untravelled wilderness.

We will meet in Norman Wells and fly into Divide Lake (Ǫtaa Tu Fehto), where we will follow ‘Cold Feet Creek’ to the Broken Skull (Pı̨́ı̨́p’enéh łéetǫ́ǫ́ Deé). Continuing downstream with consistent, runnable rapids, we meet the South Nahanni (Nahʔą Dehé), and transition to hiking mode, spending five days exploring the Cirque of the Unclimbables. Our last days’ paddle will take us to Nahanni National Park’s Rabbitkettle Lake (Gahnįhthah Mie), where we will meet our charter flight to Fort. Simpson, NWT.

Want to Learn More?

Click here for a detailed trip package with an itinerary and a full list of inclusions and exclusions for our 2023 trip and click here for our 2024 trip.

Other Broken Skull Options

We also offer a Broken Skull paddling trip (no Cirque hike), and a combined Broken Skull and Nahanni River trip for those wishing to extend their paddling adventure!

Dates, Rates & Availability

Prices listed are per person. All trips listed are tentative until confirmed by the Black Feather Office. Click here for our booking, payment and cancellation policies. Please contact us to be put onto a waiting list if your desired trip is full.

Dates Trip Fee Availability
Fri. Aug 4 - Sat. Aug 19, 2023 $9,950 CAD Book Now
Fri. Aug 2 - Sat. Aug 17, 2024 $9,950 CAD until Oct 31* Book Now
Fri. Aug 2 - Sat. Aug 17, 2024 $10,250 CAD From Nov 1

Paddling the Broken Skull River, NWT with Black Feather

What's included

Map

Guides

  • 6:1 ratio
Accommodation

Accommodation

  • 14 nights camping
  • 1 night in Fort Simpson
Meals

Meals

  • all meals & snacks from Day 1 lunch to Day 15 lunch
Equipment

Canoeing Equipment

  • ABS expedition canoes with spray decks and knee pads
  • paddles, PFDs, throw bags, paddling helmets
Camping

Camping Equipment

  • tents – free standing expedition dome tents – 2 per tent
  • ‘kitchen’ – tarp, fire box, cooking stoves, utensils, dishes, etc
  • containers for food and group equipment
Safety

Safety Equipment

  • first aid, safety, river rescue, and repair kits
  • communications equipment (satellite phone)
Transportation

Transportation

  • charter float plane flight from Norman Wells to Divide Lake – Day 1
  • charter float plane flight from Rabbitkettle Lake back to Fort Simpson – Day 15
  • transportation of guides, group gear, food, etc. to Norman Wells
  • ground transfers between Airport and Black Feather Base / float plane docks

Have a Question?

Our team at the Black Feather Office looks forward to hearing from you!

Contact Us