The Mountain River is our “Guides’ Choice” as the best wilderness canoeing river in Canada. Awesome alpine scenery bathed in constantly-changing colours, dramatic canyons, exciting Class I to III whitewater and non-stop current – all in a pristine wilderness setting – make this trip a “must” for experienced paddlers. There are exceptional side hikes to mineral springs and tufa formations, alpine ridges, and mountain lookouts. Dall sheep, caribou, wolves, and bears live along the river.

The expedition starts with a dramatic flight through the Mackenzie Mountains to a high, jewel-like alpine lake. From here we complete our only portage to a tiny tributary creek, and begin the thrilling descent through the mountains. The river literally falls away in front of our canoes as the current pulls us forward. The river is continually changing, but always moving – complete with swifts, rolling waves, rocky rapids, sweeping turns, and narrow canyons.

Want to learn more?

We look forward to sharing more information about this trip starting September 15th, please stay tuned!

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.

Black Feather is moving jurisdictions and our booking site will be down until September 15. Bookmark this site to come back and make your booking then!

Dates Trip Fee Availability
Mon. July 12 - Sun. July 25, 2027 $9,795 CAD until Dec 31* Coming Soon
Mon. Aug 9 - Sun. Aug 22, 2027 $9,795 CAD until Dec 31* Coming Soon
All 2027 Trips $10,095 CAD From Jan 1

Mountain River Canoe Trip in the NWT with Black Feather

What's included

Map

Guides

  • 6:1 ratio
Accommodation

Accommodation

  • 12 nights camping
  • 1 night in Norman Wells
Meals

Meals

  • all meals and snacks from Day 1 lunch to Day 13 lunch
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

Local Transportation

  • charter float plane flight from Norman Wells to Willow Handle Lake – Day 1
  • shuttle of group and gear from the mouth of the Mountain River to Norman Wells
  • transportation of guides, group gear, food, etc. to Norman Wells
  • ground transfer between Norman Wells Airport and Black Feather Base / float plane
    docks on Day 1, and from the hotel to the airport on day 14