Pı̨́ı̨́p’enéh łéetǫ́ǫ́ Deé (The Broken Skull River) is located in one of Canada’s newest national parks: Nááts’ihch’oh. The river is a little-known tributary of the fabled Tehjeh Deé (the South Nahanni River). Starting high in the Mackenzie Mountains, the river boasts excellent Class I and II whitewater, pristine hot-springs, great hiking, and true untravelled wilderness.

Beginning in Norman Wells, NWT, we will fly to Ǫtaa Tué Fehto (Divide Lake) and spend the next week paddling 150km of excellent Class I-III whitewater. The end of the trip will see us cross from Nááts’įhch’oh National Park into Nahanni National Park’s Gahnįhthah Mįe (Rabbitkettle Lake), where we will meet our charter flight to Fort Simpson, NWT.

Paddlers will appreciate Pı̨́ı̨́p’enéh łéetǫ́ǫ́ Deé (the Broken Skull River) for its remoteness, scenic beauty, and the fact that it is so very rarely paddled.

Want to Learn More?

Click here for a detailed trip package with an itinerary and a full list of inclusions and exclusions. To access a recommended packing & rentals list, click here.

Other Broken Skull Options

We also offer a Broken Skull paddle and backpack the Cirque of the Unclimbables trip, 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
Wed. June 25 - Sat. July 5, 2025 $9,895 CAD until Dec 31* Book Now
Wed. July 2 - Sat. July 12, 2025 $9,895 CAD until Dec 31* Book Now
Wed. July 23 - Sat. Aug 2, 2025 $9,895 CAD until Dec 31* Book Now

Paddling the Broken Skull River, NWT with Black Feather

What's included

Map

Guides

  • 6:1 ratio
Accommodation

Accommodation

  • 9 nights camping
  • 1 night in Fort Simpson
Meals

Meals

  • all meals & snacks from Day 1 lunch to Day 9 lunch
  • dinner on Day 9 and breakfast on Day 10 in Fort Simpson
Equipment

Canoeing Equipment

  • ABS expedition canoes with spray decks and knee pads
  • paddles, PFDs, throw bags, paddling suits & 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 back to Fort Simpson – Day 10
  • transportation of guides, group gear, food, etc. to Norman Wells
  • ground transfers between Airport and Black Feather Base / float plane docks