Nahanni Canoeing and Hiking

Nahanni Canoeing and Hiking
Der Nahanni Nationalpark liegt im Südwesten der Northwest Territories und bietet
Besuchern die seltene Gelegenheit, die Kraft und das Wunder einer unberührten
Naturlandschaft zu erleben. Der reissende Fluss South Nahanni donnert durch die
Canyons des Parks in Richtung Virginia Falls. Diese gigantischen Wasserfälle sind
doppelt so hoch wie die Niagarafälle. Der Park, der sowohl unter der Obhut von Parks
Canada als auch der Deh Cho First Nations steht, kann sich ausserdem der beeindruckenden Schönheit der hoch aufragenden Mackenzie Mountains und des tosenden
Flat River rühmen.
Tierfreunde dürfen auf keinen Fall Fernglas und Kamera vergessen. Eine erstaunliche
Vielfalt an Fischen, Vögel und Säugetieren ist in diesem unberührten Land zu Hause.
Aufgrund seiner unendlichen Wildnis wurde der Nahanni sowohl zu einem "Canadian
Heritage River" als auch zu einem Weltkulturerbe der UNESCO ernannt. Bei einem
Besuch des Parks können Sie selbst sehen, dass diese Ehren wohl verdient sind.
Diese Tour beginnt oberhalb des Nationalparks. Mit dem Luxus einer dreiwöchigen
Expedition können Sie viele Wanderungen machen oder die Gegend ausgiebig auf
eigene Faust entdecken.
Internetcode: NCA043805
Day 1 (D) FORT SIMPSON
Your journey north will be a refreshing departure from everyday life. You’ll fly over the
largest expanse of wilderness in the world,
pass through quieter airports, meet friendlier
service personnel, and generally begin to
immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.
Your trip leader will meet you at the airport.
(If you arrive the day prior, please make your
way to your accommodation.) Once everyone
has arrived, we’ll have an orientation talk and
equipment check.
You’ll have time to check out the sites of this
small northern community, as well as become
acquainted with your fellow travellers. You’ll
require accommodations this night in Fort
Simpson (your responsibility).
Day 2 (B/L/D) MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
After loading our supplies and gear into the
aircraft we begin one of the major highlights of
the adventure – the upriver flight. Flying over
the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau,
a stunning panorama unfolds in front of our
eyes. You’ll want to have your camera ready!
Past participants have stepped off the plane
declaring that, “if the trip finished now, I
would have my money’s worth!”
Weather permitting, we’ll depart by Twin Otter
for Island Lakes, which is situated about 80
kilometres (50 miles) north of the park boundary. It’s here that we’ll begin our adventure.
We’ll spend the day preparing to depart,
exploring the region around Island Lakes and
relaxing in Moore’s Hot Springs.
Day 3, 4 and 5 (B/L/D)
While enjoying the superb canoeing and views
of the sharp granite peaks of the Ragged
Range, we’ll make our way to Rabbitkettle
Lake.
Day 6 (B/L/D)
We’ll hike the 7 kilometres (4 miles) to the
tufa mounds of Rabbitkettle Hot Springs. Here
we find unique geological features that help
weave together the history of the Nahanni.
Day 7 and 8 (B/L/D)
We depart the lake. This portion of the river
above Virginia Falls is a flat, meandering
section that allows opportunity to learn the
necessary canoeing skills from the guides or
brush up on techniques. The mountains and
U-shaped valley created by the glaciers will
dominate the scenery. Camping will be in the
choicest spots between Rabbitkettle Lake and
Virginia Falls.
Day 9 (B/L/D)
We’ll camp at a small oxbow lake just off the
river. This is a great site to see moose, as well
as fish or hike in the surrounding mountains.
Day 10 (B/L/D)
Our destination will be Virginia Falls. The vast
area around the falls provides unlimited
opportunities for exploring this natural
wonder.
Day 11 (B/L/D)
The day may be spent exploring the area
surrounding the falls. If weather permits,
those who are up to an all-day hike may strike
out for the summit of Sunblood Mountain for
a panoramic view of the area. There is also an
overland hike to Marengo Falls – take a bath
in the cool water as it tumbles over these
scenic falls.
Day 12 (B/L/D)
We’ll make the final portage around the falls.
The trail is downhill and well defined. You
need carry only what is comfortable for you.
Everyone pitches in to carry what they can,
and we take as long as we need to complete
the task. It’s impossible to spend too much
time at Virginia Falls! We’ll assemble the boats
and after a late shore lunch and briefing,
embark in the late afternoon on an exhilarating run through Painted Canyon (also known
as Fourth Canyon). The final challenge for the
day will be Figure 8 Rapids (Hell’s Gate).
Camp is made for the evening below Wrigley
Creek.
Day 13 & 14 (B/L/D)
We enter Third Canyon, the walls of which rise
1200 metres (3937 feet) over the river. Keen
eyes may spot woodland caribou, moose and
Dall sheep. Stopping at the Gate and Pulpit
Rock, we’ll hike to the top of the canyon for a
bird’s eye view of the narrow gorge below and
the expanse of the canyon walls. The following
day camp will be downstream of Big Bend and
inside of Second Canyon.
Day 15 (B/L/D)
Another hiking day spent in the vicinity of
Second Canyon will offer more dramatic views.
Day 16 (B/L/D)
Paddling through Third Canyon and into
Deadmen Valley, we’ll stop for a walk up a dry
creek bed for an overview of this immense
region. After passing Headless Creek, we’ll
camp near Prairie Creek. The view includes
the Tlogotsho Plateau and Prairie Creek
Canyon. It was here, on the shores of Headless Creek, the bodies of the Mcleod brothers
were found in 1905 and the legend of the
Headless Valley was born.
Down river at Sheaf Creek, R. M. Patterson and
his partner, Gordon Mathews, wintered in
1928. Patterson later wrote Dangerous River,
one of the most eloquent accounts of the early
days on the river. Around the campfire, we’ll
read from his book.
Day 17 (B/L/D)
Camp will be in Deadmen Valley. You can
spend a relaxing day around the campsite or
explore the massive alluvial fan of Prairie
Creek. There’s a natural sheep lick located on
the fan where we often see Dall sheep. For
birders, it’s the nesting grounds for Upland
Sandpipers, common nighthawks, Whitewinged Crossbills, Chipping and Savannah
sparrows. Fisherman will find both Dolly
Varden and Arctic grayling inhabiting the pools
and eddies of the creek.
Day 18 (B/L/D)
The highlights will include First Canyon,
Canada’s deepest river canyon at a depth of
1300 metres (4265 feet), George’s Riffle and a
quick stop at White Spray Springs. We camp at
Lafferty’s Creek to allow us time for a last
night to hike in the canyons.
Day 19 (B/L/D)
After a quick splash through Lafferty’s Riffle
and a stop at Kraus Hot Springs for a soak, we
leave the canyons and carry on to camp in the
area known as The Splits. Here the river braids
and twists into many channels.
Day 20 (B/L/D)
While negotiating the huge meanders prior to
the First Nation village of Nahanni Butte, we’ll
experience the river valley opening up to meet
the forested flatlands. Camp will be in or near
the village (population 80).
We’ll be hosted by a member of the community who will show us through the village,
sharing the history and culture of the people
who have made this area home for thousands
of years. They will treat us to tea and bannock,
and answer any questions we may have about
life in this remote part of the world.
Day 21 (B)
A powerboat ride down the voluminous Liard
River will take us to Lindberg’s Landing where
we’ll be the guests of Edwin and Sue Lindberg
for showers, a BBQ and an overnight stay at
their cabins.
Day 22 (B)
We’ll be picked up by vehicle and driven to
Fort Simpson to meet our plane home. There
may be time to explore around town.
Reisedaten
30. Juli bis 20. August 2017
Dauer: 22 Tage ab / bis Fort Simpson
Im Preis inbegriffen:
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Englischsprachiger erfahrener Reiseleiter
Geführte Kanutour auf dem Nahanni River
Alle notwendigen Transporte
Miete und Transporte der Kanus
Benutzung von Zelten
Komplette Koch- und Campingausrüstung
Komplette Verpflegung während der Kanutour
Parkeintritt und Taxen
Preis pro Person (inkl. Park Fee)
CHF 8970.-
PARA TOURS GmbH
Seftigenstrasse 201 · Postfach 220 · CH - 3084 WaBern
Telefon +41 31 960 11 60 · Fax +41 31 960 11 61
[email protected] · para-tours.ch