Imagine paddling beneath thousand-foot canyons, floating past grizzlies fishing for salmon, and camping under the midnight sun in a place so remote it hasn’t seen a road—or a cell signal—maybe ever. This is Yukon rafting with Nahanni River Adventures, one of the most epic ways to experience Canada’s far north.

We caught up with Joel, second-generation outfitter and co-owner of Nahanni River Adventures, to get the beta on what it’s like to guide and grow up on some of the wildest rivers in North America.

Born Into the Wild

Joel’s family has been exploring and guiding in the Canadian North for nearly 40 years. What started as a small, granola-style river guiding outfit has evolved into a full-on second-generation family business, with Joel and his sister now at the helm.

Raised on the banks of the legendary Nahanni River, Joel started guiding at 13, filling in empty canoe seats, washing wetsuits, and learning the ropes from his dad. It wasn’t just summer work—it was a way of life. “We didn’t know any better,” he laughs. “We became outfitters by default.”

Where the Wild Rivers Flow

So, where exactly is the Yukon? Think way up there—northwest Canada, snuggled next to Alaska and stretching all the way to the Arctic Ocean. This corner of the world is home to some of the last free-flowing, untouched rivers on the planet.

Nahanni River Adventures runs guided expeditions on rivers across the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia—each with its own flavor:

• Nahanni River: Iconic, protected, and home to Virginia Falls, twice the height of Niagara. Expect canyon walls, hot springs, tufa mounds, and every species of northern wildlife you can dream of.

• Firth River: A whitewater and hiking dream in the Arctic tundra, never glaciated, and often called one of the oldest rivers in North America.

• Tatshenshini & Alsek: Rugged coastal rivers flowing from massive glaciers, full of pow-wow whitewater and dramatic mountain terrain.

• Horton River: A remote tundra paddle with wide-open views and serious wildlife spotting potential.

Wildlife, Wilderness & Wide-Open Solitude

If spotting grizzlies, wolves, moose, and caribou is on your list, Joel says head to the tundra. “No trees means nowhere to hide,” he explains. “You’ll be sitting on ancient stone blinds from some of the oldest archeological sites in North America, watching caribou herds move 10 kilometers away.”

Want solitude? These rivers are so remote, many trips require bush planes or helicopters to access. Some even end at the Arctic Ocean, where you’ll get the chance to actually swim in it—if you dare.

Short Season, Long Days

Yukon rafting season runs from early June through early September, when the rivers thaw and before snow returns. That short window packs a punch, with 24-hour daylight for much of the summer. By August, the stars and aurora borealis return, dancing above remote canyons and turning campsites into something out of a dream.

Raft, Canoe, or Packraft: Choose Your Ride

One of the coolest parts of Nahanni River Adventures’s trips is the variety. Whether you want to paddle a canoe, chill in a raft, or bring your own packraft, there’s an option for you.

• Rafts are great for beginners or folks who want to sit back and soak it all in. No experience required.
• Canoes are perfect for faster travel or those who want to paddle their own craft.
• Packrafts and inflatable kayaks give more flexibility and independence on the water—especially rad for skilled paddlers or adventurous souls.

And yes, all guided trips include gear, food, expert guides, and logistics. Want to go self-guided? If you’ve got the skills, they’ll help you build a rental package and get you out there.

Why Go Guided?

It’s not just about safety—though in a landscape this remote, that matters a ton. It’s also about learning from the land. Nahanni’s guides aren’t just river pros—they’re cooks, naturalists, and storytellers who bring these landscapes to life.

Plus, for most folks, this isn’t a place you visit twice. So why not make it count?

A Light Footprint, A Big Heart

Nahanni River Adventures trips aren’t high-adrenaline party floats. These are immersive, expedition-style journeys that prioritize connection over conquest. That means Leave No Trace camps, wildlife awareness, and respect for the landscapes and communities they move through.

Joel puts it best: “You travel hundreds of kilometers through wild lands by self-propelled boat—leave no record, and return home with memories.”

Getting There

Trips launch from hubs like Whitehorse, Fort Simpson, or Inuvik. From there, it’s often float planes, helicopters, or 4x4s to the river. And honestly? That part’s half the fun.

“The flights are worth the price of admission alone,” Joel says. “You’re soaring over glaciers, landing on gravel bars in the Arctic—it’s pure adventure before the paddles even hit the water.”

Why You Should Go

In a world of constant connection and noise, a trip down one of Yukon’s wild rivers is a rare chance to truly unplug. To let time slow down. To feel the rhythm of a river and the immensity of a place that’s stayed wild for millennia.

If that sounds like your kind of Type 2 fun, this just might be your next great adventure.

Learn more about Nahanni River Adventures and plan your trip:
👉 Book one of the epic rafting trips
📍 Departure hubs: Whitehorse, Fort Simpson, Inuvik
📅 Season: June – early September
🌎 Suitable for: Beginners to seasoned paddlers