Day 6: For the next few days we
will follow the Mountain River northeast as it cuts deep through the on coming ranges and
plateaus. At river level the gaps in these ranges have cut short canyons each different
from the next with its own special features. The steep descent creates
long reaches of
fun waves that will add to the excitement. The break between the Shattered and Canyon
Range brings the Etagochile Creek in from the southeast. At the entrance to Fourth
Canyon – we will pass below the towering sentinel known as Battleship Rock. Further on
the Stone Knife River flows in from the northwest. We will camp this night upriver from
Sheep Lick Creek. After a much deserved supper one of the guides will lead an optional
hike to a high point for a chance to look out over the vast land and river valley.
Day 7 & 8: Today offers another exciting ride as the
river rolls on with a steep descent. Following a break for lunch well make our way
through technical meanders of Fifth Canyon, the largest yet. Stopping in eddies to
scout as we go we will find our camp on a sandy beach at the exit of the canyon. We’ll
enjoy another layover day from this campsite.
Day 9: Today’s run takes us through Sixth Canyon, which
is known for its steep walls that divide the flow into big eddies at each turn. At the
far end the land drops away from the Carcajou Range and spreads out into the densely
forested lowlands of the Mackenzie River valley. Following the braided riverbed in the
late afternoon we will drift into Hot Springs Canyon, our seventh and the last of the
trip. Here, everyone will be intrigued with the design of contrasting sedimentary
lines that dip and rise on different angles reaching out of the water and into the sky.
At the far end of the canyon the beach offers good camping. From the canyon wall
trickles a warm flow of thermally heated water. A number of shallow pools provide us
with the opportunity to soak and relax.
Day 10: With 50 kilometers left until we reach the
confluence with the Mackenzie River we plan on an early start. The braided river
remains swift. The Franklin Mountains rise on the horizon. Next we’ll hear the
distant roar of the San Sault Rapids on the Mackenzie and then the brown waters of
the two-mile wide Mackenzie come into view. With dinner we will celebrate our
adventure and retell the stories of the trip.
Day 11: Following breakfast a water taxi from Mountain
River Outfitters will arrive and shuttle us up the Mackenzie River to Norman Wells.
We’ll have dinner at the Mackenzie Hotel and sleep for the night at North Wright Air’s
float base. The base could be considered more like a museum with the number of relicts
from the CANOL trail all strewn about.
Trip Itinerary 
