KEELE RIVER -- The Keele River trip is an unique opportunity for any paddler to experience one of the acclaimed mountain-style rivers of the Northwest Territories. Most of these exceptional wilderness rivers require advanced whitewater skills but anyone can paddle the Keele with expert guides.

This river drains a vast area north of the Nahanni from the Yukon border to the Mackenzie River. Our 13 day trip starts at the mouth of the Natla River.

The river is broad and flows swiftly but there are no portages. With instruction from the guides you’ll enjoy countless miles of swifts, rapids with standing waves, several canyons and lots of manoeuvering through gravel bars. The river cuts through several beautiful mountain ranges. This is alpine scenery on a grand scale with peaks over 2250 meters. We can hike into the mountains and enjoy the outlooks high above the river.

Natural salt licks on the shore attract large game to the river. We should see caribou and Dall’s sheep. Wolves, moose, bears and wolverine live along the river. Bald eagles, osprey, falcons and waterfowl are common to the Keele. Anglers will find grayling and dolly varden in the eddies. Experienced arctic canoeists will love the Keele but any paddler can do this trip.