150 km of pure whitewater fun, the Broken Skull River is known in Mountain Dene as Pı̨́ı̨́p’enéh łéetǫ́ǫ́ Deé, pronounced Pip-en-ay Lee-toh Day. The river starts high in the Mackenzie Mountains and boasts excellent class 1 and 2 whitewater, pristine hot springs, great hiking and truly untravelled wilderness.

We will meet in Norman Wells and fly into Divide Lake (Ǫtaa Tu Fehto), where we will follow ‘Cold Feet Creek’ to the Broken Skull (Pı̨́ı̨́p’enéh łéetǫ́ǫ́ Deé). Continuing downstream with consistent, runnable rapids, we meet the South Nahanni (Nahʔą Dehé), and transition to hiking mode, spending five days exploring the Cirque of the Unclimbables. Our last days’ paddle will take us to Nahanni National Park’s Rabbitkettle Lake (Gahnįhthah Mie), where we will meet our charter flight to Fort. Simpson, NWT.

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 paddling trip (no Cirque hike), and a combined Broken Skull and Nahanni River trip for those wishing to extend their paddling adventure!

Cirque, Nahanni, NWT (Black Feather)
Nahanni, NWT (Black Feather)
Broken Skull, NWT (Black Feather)
Cirque, Nahanni, NWT (Black Feather)
Broken Skull, NWT (Black Feather)
Nahanni, NWT (Black Feather)

Dates, Rates & Availability

Prices listed are per person. All dates 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
Thurs. July 31 - Sat. Aug 16, 2025 $10,795 CAD until Dec 31* Book Now
Thurs. July 31 - Sat. Aug 16, 2025 $10,995 CAD From Jan 1

What's Included

Guides

  • 6:1 Ratio

Accommodation

  • 14 nights camping
  • 1 night in Ft Simpson

Meals

  • all meals & snacks from Day 1 lunch to Day 15 lunch

Canoeing Equipment

  • ABS expedition canoes with spray decks and knee pads
  • paddles, PFDs, throw bags, paddling suits & helmets

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 Equipment

  • first aid, safety, river rescue, and repair kits
  • communications equipment (satellite phone)

Transportation

  • charter float plane flight from Norman Wells to Divide Lake – Day 1
  • charter float plane flight from Rabbitkettle Lake back to Fort Simpson – Day 15
  • transportation of guides, group gear, food, etc. to Norman Wells
  • ground transfers between Airport and Black Feather Base / float plane docks

Have a Question?

Our team at the Black Feather Office looks forward to hearing from you!

Contact Us