Canadian River Expeditions, a rafting and paddling outfitter offering trips on top rivers in northern Canada and Alaska, kicks off the 2023 season with high trip demand and seasonally expected flows.
According to the Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast, the southern and eastern parts of the territory have achieved average snowpack levels while the central and northern territories have above-average snowpack.
“Given conditions across Northern Canada and the Arctic we are looking forward to a great season on the water and are hopeful to witness the full wonder of our intact wilderness and the large mammals who call it home,” said Joel Hibbard, owner, of Canadian River Expeditions.
Rafters can expect reliable and average flows where Canadian River Expeditions operates. Below is an overview of key trips and water level expectations for the summer.
- NAHANNI – The Nahanni River is the icon of Canadian wilderness rivers and perhaps the most visually diverse landscape on earth. It flows through mountainous landscapes and through Canada’s deepest river canyons, past hot springs and geological features so unique that the Nahanni River was declared the first World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1987. Trips begin June 19 with regular seasonal flows expected after a cooler than normal spring. High water levels are expected in late June.
- TATSHENSHINI/ALSEK – The Tatshenshini is one of the most magnificent river systems on Earth and flows through one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas. It is a glacially fed river and home to abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears and five species of salmon. The Tatshenshini travels through the Yukon territory, British Columbia, Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park, Alsek/Tatshenshini Provincial Park, out to the gulf of Alaska. The Tatshenshini flows into the Alsek river before reaching the gulf of Alaska. The Alsek River, one of the wildest rivers in North America, is renowned for large rapids, dramatic mountain valleys and glaciers. It flows underneath some of North America’s tallest peaks, through two glacial lakes, and is known for its wildlife and wildflowers. High flows in this watershed are dominated by mountain snowmelt and glacial melt. In the early season, regular flows are expected. However, later in the summer, higher than usual flow levels are expected mid-season as the glacier melts. Water levels should peak levels in July.
- FIRTH – The Firth connects the British Mountains to the Arctic Ocean and lies deep within the northern Yukon. It flows through some of the most diversely dramatic landscapes on the planet. It is home to the most northerly herd of Dall sheep in the world as well as muskox, caribou, wolves, fox, grizzly and raptors. Early season, we expect below average flows due to a late spring. The Firth, which is fed by melt from a unique geological feature called aufice, is expecting peak flows in July.
- HORTON – The Horton is the northerly most river in continental North America. This season marks the first time Canadian River Expeditions has run the Horton in 12 years. It is a large and gentle river whose clear waters flow through the tundra and wind northward towards the Arctic coast. The Horton is a canoe-only trip with spectacular hiking in the high arctic tundra, a plethora of wildflowers and abundant wildlife. The trend for the summer 2023 season on the Horton is leaning towards a drier year with high water predicted in early July.
To learn more about Canadian River Adventures, visit: https://nahanni.com/.
