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Spectacular Canadian views

Canoeing the Keele River

Example 14 Day Tour
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The Keele River offers an iconic Canadian wilderness canoeing experience through the rugged Mackenzie Mountains in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Turquoise waters flow from high in the divide between the Yukon and Northwest Territories through towering mountain scenery and broad valleys full of rugged black spruce with inviting vistas on every curve. Although fast and boisterous, the Keele River has lots of room to find a smooth path. As confidence builds, paddlers seek the larger wave trains. The Keele has very clear lines and the choice to paddle smooth water or bouncy water. There are gracious campsites, big mountain vistas, no portages, very few bugs to worry about, and excellent hiking available. 
Grizzly bear familyCanoeingA Bald Eagle catches a fish.Beautiful River ViewsCaribou bullCanadian LandscapeFishingA moose and her calvesSpectacular Canadian views
Highlights
  • Fish for Arctic grayling or trout and enjoy a fresh fish dinner
  • Observe wildlife including caribou, moose, eagles, grizzly, and black bears
  • Canoe the Keele River, perfect for paddlers with limited or dated experience
  • Camp in the rugged Mackenzie Mountains in Canada's Northwest Territories
Places Visited
Activity Level: Moderate
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Norman Wells

  • 1 Dinner
Depart Yellowknife on Canadian North, arriving in Norman Wells by noon. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own commercial airfare to Norman Wells, NT. Attend orientation, canoe skills training, and accommodation at the basecamp lodge.

Day 2: Keele River

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take a morning charter flight to the Keele River (included in your fare).

Day 3-12: Paddle the Keele River

  • 10 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
The Keele River is designated by Destination Canada, the Canadian Tourism Commission, as a Canadian Signature Experience—one of only 180 such experiences designated in Canada. 

Day 13: Norman Wells

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take a return charter flight to Norman Wells and overnight at the basecamp lodge (included in your fare).

Day 14: Tour Ends

  • 1 Breakfast
Depart Norman Wells. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own commercial airfare from Norman Wells, NT. 

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Canada Cruises & Tours.

Notes

Rates based on small group departure of 8-14 participants.

Please add 5% sales tax from Yellowknife.

Rates based on Canadian Dollar (CAD) and subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • 13 Days Guide Service
  • Gear Rental
    • All trip food, canoes, expedition gear, tents (etc)
  • Internal Flights
    • Charter flights from Norman Wells to Keele River (and return to Norman Wells)
  • Transportation from and to the Norman Wells Airport:
Excluded
  • Accommodations
    • Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations
  • Fishing License
  • Commercial Flights to Norman Wells
  • Mandatory Medical Evacuation Insurance
  • Gratuities

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge

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