Cirque of the Unclimbables: Heli-Assisted Hiking in Canada
Hiking/Trekking in Canada with Canadian River Expeditions / Nahanni River Expeditions
Highlights
- Unforgettable heli-hiking among the dramatic peaks of the Cirque of the Unclimbables
- Explore the gorgeous alpine landscape from our comfy base camp at Fairy Meadow
- Observe foraging grizzlies, mountain goats, whistling pikas and golden eagles
Full Description
Those who have had the good fortune of seeing and hiking the Cirque of the Unclimbables, unanimously agree that it rivals the splendor of any of the outstanding highlights of the Nahanni region. This is a world class secret "jewel of the Nahanni" that you must experience even if you have paddled the river!
This Cirque of the Unclimbables hiking trip will dazzle you with tall granite spires surrounding a fairyland-like meadow, where mountain goats are frequently in view. Gentle trails weave among this otherwise dramatic terrain. The Cirque is said to rival Patagonia and Mont Blanc and is truly an alpine hikers delight. Those who want the benefit of the heli-hiking assist may do so, while those who wish to tackle the steep hike into the Cirque can go for it.
We travel from Fort Simpson to Glacier Lake by float plane and then take a helicopter from Glacier Lake to the Cirque and spend two days hiking in the Cirque. We return by helicopter and float plane to Fort Simpson.
Includes:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as noted in the itinerary
- Top-quality tents, river gear or sea kayaks
- Kitchen and camping equipment
- Bush plane transportation
Excludes:
- Personal items such as sleeping bag, clothing, etc.
- River footwear, rain jacket and pants (available for rent)
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
This is the first day listed for your trip. The scheduled flights arrive in Fort Simpson around midday. If you have notified us of your arrival time, the guides will meet you at the airport. If you are driving to Fort Simpson, plan to arrive at South Nahanni Airways by 10 a.m. The friendly staff there will point you towards your guides. Normally, we have time at this point for a quick look at Fort Simpson and to become acquainted with fellow travelers.
Once everyone has arrived there will be a pre-trip orientation and chance for questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details. Those requiring our river bags will have time to transfer gear from their own bags. You can leave unrequired items in our trailer. You may also want to separate river specific items to be flown in later on the transition from the Lake to the river.
After loading our supplies and gear into the aircraft we begin one of the major highlights of the adventure-the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau, a visually stunning panorama unfolds in front of our eyes. Past participants have stepped off the plane declaring that "if the trip finished now, I would have my moneys worth!". Winging west, past Rabbitkettle Lake and the upstream boundary of Nahanni National Park, Glacier Lake in the Ragged Range is our destination.
Please note that under certain conditions (for example: weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make our upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, we have occasionally found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, we will have supper and find ourselves camped in Fort Simpson or on the shores of Glacier Lake. (D)
Day 2
The campsite on Glacier Lake is in full view of the granite peaks of the Ragged Range. The helicopter arrival is scheduled for the morning. Another stunning flight lifts us through the steep, rugged valley and into the panoramic splendor, past the towering face of Mount Sir James MacBrien and into the Cirque of the Unclimbables. Here, in the beautiful surroundings of Fairy Meadow, among alpine creeks, water falls, a glacier, Dall Sheep and Mountain Goats, we will establish our base camp and begin to explore the Cirque.
With advanced notice, there may be an opportunity for very fit and experienced hikers to ascend 10 km (6 miles) to the Cirque, via the valley, thick brush and boulder slopes, rendezvousing with the base camp later that day. We must emphasize that this is a challenging option with a significant elevation gain and challenging terrain with poor footing and the possibility of rock fall. The terrain on the ascent will not accommodate infirmities. Most of our participants are well advised to utilize the helicopter option. Fortunately, the terrain in the actual cirque is much friendlier. (B/L/D)
Day 3
The day will be spent exploring and photographing the Cirque and it's dramatic spires. Features like Lotus Flower Tower and the towering granite walls jutting straight up from the valley floor have lured the best of climbers from around the world. Alpine flowers, foraging grizzlies, mountain goats, whistling pikas and golden eagles are among the highlights you may experience. Under the "midnight sun", we will have plenty of time to absorb the wonders of this area. (B/L/D)
Day 4
This day will see us heading back down to Glacier Lake. Once again, the helicopter will hover us through breathtaking scenery, back to our camp at Glacier Lake (There is no hiking option for this egress). The float plane will arrive and take us back to Fort Simpson with a load of fond memories. After a shower and dinner the evening will be spent in a local hotel (not included) reminiscing of the granite grandeur of the Cirque of the Unclimbables! (B/L)
Day 5
Homeward bound.
About The Operator:
Canadian River Expeditions / Nahanni River Expeditions
Headquarters:
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
With over 30 unique canoeing, rafting, hiking and kayaking adventure travel trips-from 5 to 21 days-on 20 northern rivers, Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions have been the leaders in river adventure for northern Canada and Alaska since 1972.
An Alaska and Canada adventure vacation with Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions is much more than the typical river trip. Our Alaskan and Canadian wilderness expeditions are adventure travel explorations of entire regions, using the river as a conduit to travel through the land, taking time to hike, explore, learn and savor the beauty of these last wild places in North America.
A Unique Destination
We believe we offer you the opportunity to not only embrace adventure in a unique destination, but on a river trip which is truly of the highest quality in every respect, honed from our years of experience in the adventure travel business. We deliver our trips with an authenticity which mirrors the last natural, unspoiled wilderness we travel through in North America.
If you haven't rafted, canoed or kayaked in Alaska and northern Canada, seen the Northern Lights or paddled under a midnight sun, then put this on your list of "must do" trips in your lifetime. Northern Canada and Alaska are North America's last great wilderness rivaling Africa in its inspiring collage of nature, wildlife, ecosystems and adventure. With migrating herds of caribou and birds, waterfalls twice the height of Niagara and Canada's deepest river canyons, hotsprings and glaciers, a rich history of Klondike pioneers and a thriving First Nation culture, this is a vibrant world which will fascinate you.
An Experienced Leader
At Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions, we helped pioneer the sport of whitewater padding in the early seventies. From the iconic Nahanni River to the high Arctics' Soper, from Alaska to Nunavut, we know all of our 20 rivers well-from their campsites to their eddies to their rapids to their wildlife, geology and history. We have in depth knowledge guiding multi-day wilderness trips from contingency planning to operational logistics to how to bake cinnamon buns for breakfast over a camp fire. We make it a point to stay on the cutting edge of land and water use legislation to ensure that our river gear and equipment is of the highest quality and our guide skills incorporate the latest in whitewater safety standards. We have taken over 10,000 paddlers downriver since 1972 and our guest repeat rate of over 40% speaks for itself.
While others have left the business, we decided to stay the course ... it's that important to us. In 2006, we merged the two leading outfitters in the North, Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions and we continue our strong involvement at the national level to preserve our great northern rivers and further environmental protection of this important wilderness resource. Our memberships in the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon (WTAY), Yukon Wild, Nahanni River Outfitters Association, Alsek Tatshenshini Outfitters Association, Tourism Association of Canada, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Association and participation in the Canadian Tourism Commission is testament to our longstanding commitment to protecting the environment in Northern Canada and Alaska.
Extraordinary Guides
We believe extraordinary guests should have extraordinary guides. We handpick our guides all of whom are unique individuals, empowered and encouraged to share their tremendous local knowledge with you. Their deep experience living, learning and teaching about regional geology, wildlife and history is matched only by their passion for adventure, technical whitewater skills and leadership acumen. We ensure a guest to guide ratio of four (maximum) on our trips so that you get lots of time to get to know these fun, friendly and fascinating folks!
A Premium Experience
You expect more on your adventure-and so do we. We give you ultimate choice-20 rivers and 30+ unique itineraries so that you can take on as much adventure or as much relaxation, as you like. The small groups on our trips accommodate much more personalized service and our attention to detail begins long before our rivers start running in the spring. We work with you closely to plan your holiday so that you get maximum adventure during your precious vacation time off. From the comfortable tents we use at night to your own private river bag for your personal gear, from fresh fish, baked goods, fruit and produce to that delicious lasagna accompanied by a fine red wine at dinner, our trips deliver quality every step of the way.
Authentically Us
We are heartened that being "green" is so in vogue ... although frankly, we've been green since 1972! Our longstanding commitment to the environment is one of our most important values and one which we are exceedingly proud of. You might hear talk of "ecotourism"...at Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions, you will find the very definition of this - in practice. We decided many years ago to make the environment a priority and have been an active political advocate in support of this objective. We donate hundreds of hours to environmental causes every year.