NATLA-KEELE RIVER (SOAR) -- The Natla-Keele starts high in the Northwest Territory’s Mackenzie Mountains. The Natla drops over 2,000 vertical feet in 115 km of swifts and rapids. The excitement of this stretch of river is palpable ... we feel the water quicken beneath our boats as we negotiate mile after mile of whitewater and waves. Our stable, forgiving SOAR canoes allow us to easily manoeuver as the river carries us along.

It is gorgeous, mountain countryside, with excellent opportunities for hiking. Ridge after craggy ridge make up the skyline, in colours of yellow, purple and cinnamon. After joining the Keele, the river flows over 300 km, traversing some of the most beautiful ranges of the Mackenzie Mountains. Dall’s sheep, caribou, moose, wolf and grizzly call it home. We take time to absorb the untrammelled beauty of this wilderness. Paddling is excellent with lots of easy, runnable rapids.

At the end of each day, wilderness campsites at the edge of the river will allow us to relax, fish and savour the company of like-minded tripping companions. As the sun falls over the mountain peaks, we’ll sit by the fire and revel in the solitude of Canada’s wild. Please note that this will be a combination trip with some participants in traditional canoes.