Canoeing The North Saskatchewan River - Saskatchewan Glacier To Big Bend

Canoeing The North Saskatchewan River in Banff National Park. Put-in at the river's headwaters, and took-out above the 2nd waterfall at Big Bend. About 5.5 km of paddling, with one portage around a class VI canyon, and a 6 km portage to the put-in. Unfortunately no Go-Pro paddling footage of the headwaters, and first 500 meters of river due to camera issues. The shoreline footage shows from about 300 meters below the headwaters. July 12, 2020. Hope you enjoy.

[@hubertaumeier4558]

WOW, great video and experience. Remidns me of being stuck between two rocks in Mistaya River above Waterfowl Lakes,

[@nickharland3795]

This was an amazing trip, short and sweet. It was a pleasure to paddle this river from the source.

[@PhilRushworth]

Harrowing ride dude! Nice paddling!

[@nickharland3795]

It was a very exciting day!! I had a blast out there. Thanks Phil, I appreciate it.

[@robleriger3653]

I felt a couple of those rocks!

[@nickharland3795]

Haha, yeah it was not my finest day. Gotta love the old royalex canoes, definitely takes some abuse. Despite the rocks, all in all, I really enjoyed the trip.

[@bcal5962]

This is just unreal. So cool

[@nickharland3795]

Yes it was a very exciting day... super fun paddling. Thanks for watching.

[@ccopland7542]

I was with you every step of the way. Superb.

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks very much. Nice to have you along. Take care.

[@durstongear]

Awesome stuff

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks very much. Take care.

[@miked9102]

I really like your videos. I think this is the best I've seen.

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks very much Mike. I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the videos. Yes, this was a really fun trip, and an awesome place to canoe. Thanks for taking the time, take care.

[@RobbieCalifornia69]

Wow ... just wow!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks Robbie, glad you enjoyed!

[@molipaul]

Wow! Thanks for bringing us along on your magnificent journeys. You’ve seen so many things that very few of us will ever witness-unless it’s through your lens! 👍

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks very much, it is my pleasure. Yes, there are some beautiful places in the Alberta Rockies. I appreciate you taking the time, take care.

[@danawick9817]

to think 50 years ago that was full nice little work out. good video again

[@nickharland3795]

I know, I've seen some old pictures, and it is tiny now compared to then. Thanks Dana, take care.

[@millerbuggins5884]

Love watching your canoe trips! It’s like scary sometimes when you’re going through rough waters...prayers on paddling journeys...👍🏼

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much Miller. The rough waters can be fun and exciting, yet a bit scary at the same time. Thanks for the kind words. Take care.

[@spikeshot64]

Crazy!!! love all your content. Cant wait to get on the river!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much Anthony. Yes, always good to be on the river!! Take care.

[@nibimocs]

What a wild ride that was! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks Larry. It was quite a trip.

[@bcal5962]

unbelievable! The view you had to those enormous towering peaks in the distance while trying to navigate this insane river. Stunning. WIld video!

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah this was probably the best scenery I've had while canoeing. The peaks are very impressive in the valley, and the river is an absolute pleasure to paddle in. Definitely one of my favorite places to visit in Banff. Thanks again, take care.

[@mainetripper]

Are you running a Mad River Explorer in this vid? Also have you considered running another go pro aimed back at you for a split screen video. I learn a ton from watching your reading of the water but if I was able to see your canoe strokes as well it would be super helpful. People can learn a lot from you. I know I can. Thanks for all your awesome videos Nick!

[@nickharland3795]

This is a Mad River M.E. from 1988. They've been out of production since the 90's. It's an old school banana boat with a lot of rocker. I've had it for 9 years and absolutely love it. To be honest, I'm really not much for putting myself in front of the camera. I prefer to hide behind it. But never say never, so maybe someday I will try and do that. Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it.

[@Details8]

Awesome!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. It was a great trip.

[@rialobran]

I hope you keep every scratch on your boat, it adds character and reminds you of a great trip. And that sir was certainly a great trip. Bit of a close call after the canyon it seemed, though to be honest I'd have hit every rock whilst staring at the scenery :)

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah lots of scratches, and a few good gouges. I haven't done any hull repairs since I've owned this canoe, might have to start thinking about it though. But for the time being, she is in good shape:) Not the cleanest run by any stretch, but I am very happy to have canoed this river from it's very start, and to get most of it on video (#*@%ing Go-Pro). Thanks for taking the time, take care.

[@Dmac6969]

I love these videos because i just got into doing over night hike trips and i just bought a 2 person kayak im from edmonton so i always come to this area

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah there is a lot of good hiking in this area. Good paddling too, but one must be aware of hazards. There are waterfalls and canyons that must be avoided. This is my favorite area in the National Parks. Thanks again, take care.

[@Dmac6969]

@@nickharland3795 yea good to know. What stretch between big horn and rocky would you consider the safest?

[@nickharland3795]

@@Dmac6969 In that particular stretch, the safest part is in the middle. From Saunders Recreation Area to Horburg Recreation Area. About 50 km with no rapids. Good current though, and always watch for logs jams and sweepers. You'd want to flag the take-out at Horburg before the trip, as it can be hard to see from on the river.

[@Dmac6969]

@@nickharland3795 thanks, I appreciate the insight!

[@PaddlingTramp]

So beatiful nature! Subscribed! I love the colour of the river!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. It is really appreciated. Yes the color of the water makes it a very enjoyable paddle. Take care.

[@oldredcoonhound2182]

That water looks 🥶. We were out to blackstone river a couple weeks ago and had lunch on the dead end Bridge. The rain kept chasing us around lol.

[@nickharland3795]

Hey Perry, yep the water is a tad chilly:) Yeah the Blackstone is definitely one I'd like to paddle, hopefully this year. No shortage of rain this summer... again. Take care.

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

Man that canoe has a lot of rocker. I guess that's what you need for maneuverability around those rocks but I never see hulls with that much curvature here in Florida. What happened to the girlfriend and her dog. Hopefully you didn't leave them behind. It seems like a long walk out of that place. That was a deep canyon you portaged around. When you fall into one of those and break your neck can I have your canoe? (...assuming you didn't fall into it while in your canoe) Glad you're thawed out up there and back on the water Nick.

[@ChefEvanOutdoors]

Yeah that canoe is a banana! What is it nick?

[@nickharland3795]

It is a Mad River M.E. Older whitewater canoe, definitely the old banana shape. Love it!!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks Roy. Yeah I really love that canoe. She was built in 1988, and I am the 3rd owner. It has 8" of rocker, and the old royalex canoes can really take a pounding in the rocks. The best $700 I ever spent. I pulled over and met her twice near the top, then paddled on while they hiked out on their own. She caught up to me at the portage. It was our third time hiking in there in the last couple weeks, she is a trooper!! The canyon is very impressive, the camera didn't do it justice. All in all, it was a great trip. Thanks for watching, take care.

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

@@nickharland3795 A great $700 investment indeed. Royalex canoes are missed by many as I'm sure you know. Have you heard any reviews of the new T-Formex by Esquif? Hopefully it will be an acceptable substitute. I bough my 16' Mohawk Blazer for $250 and the guy threw in 2 wood paddles and a seat back. He was moving and seemed desperate to sell it. It's been great for my needs. I'd just found a 14k gold ring on the beach several days before while metal detecting. A friend liked it and offered me $250 but I told him I wanted to keep it. Called him that night and asked if the $250 offer was still good and that gold wedding band became my new canoe (my new 20 year-old canoe).

[@nickharland3795]

I haven't heard much about them, but I imagine that they are very nice canoes. Anything be Esquif should be quite good. That's a great story, and deal, a very, very good investment!! Here's to another 20 years with it. Take care Roy.

[@BCBoatsAndCanoes]

Gripping is the word describing my impression of this stunning video. Is the dog that made a short appearance yours ? Ask your girlfriend to film more often, gives a nice perspective. This took a lot of effort, thanks Nick.

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much Udo. It was a great trip. It's her dog, Billy. Haha, I'll mention it to her. Appreciate the kind words Udo, thanks again. Take care.

[@stillrandy]

Beautiful scenery, great paddling, and some excellent cold whitewater. Thanks for sharing Nick.

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much Randy. Definitely some cold water there, glad I didn't go for a swim:) Take care.

[@bobellamy7120]

Nick my man!! That was awesome!! Beauty views all through that valley, and that ending!! 🤤🤤🤯 can’t wait to hike with you again, Always a blast when you come along on a hike with matty and I.

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks Bo. Yeah it was an exciting trip for sure. Got bounced around in the rapids, but had a blast. Yeah definitely looking forward to another hike with you guys!! Take care man.

[@drolsisusej100]

omg could you imagine falling into that water fall and getting trapped in that bowl FML that gave me anxiety when you filmed that

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah falling into that canyon would be fatal for sure. All in all, it was a great day canoeing. Thanks for watching, appreciate you taking the time. Take care.

[@ChefEvanOutdoors]

Amazing Nick, you continue to push the bar higher and higher💪🏼

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks very much Evan. It was quite a trip, had a blast. Take care man.

[@paulkerby4829]

Nice

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate it.

[@gunnelgrabber]

Wow! Great work!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. A lot of work for a little paddling, but very much worth it. Take care.

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Wow, Nick ; River Sure Moved Ya Along Quickly Thanks, Hoping You & Yours Stay Safe & Well ! ATB T God Bless

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much Terry. Yeah it definitely moves quickly in some spots, makes for an exciting day. Hope you and yours are doing great, stay safe my friend. Nick

[@williamlogue]

Amazing! A bucket list trip for me is to ride my klr to the Icefields, pack raft down to Saskatchewan crossing. Any idea how long of a raft that would be?

[@nickharland3795]

Hi William. While a trip down the upper reaches of the North Saskatchewan River would be beautiful and exciting, it would also include more than a few hazards. Depending how close to Saskatchewan Glacier you start,and how comfortable you are in class III/IV rapids, there could be up to 7 or 8 portages. Four of those portages are mandatory, for class V/VI waterfalls. It would likely take multiple days to get from the glacier to Saskatchewan Crossing. Starting at Rampart Creek and paddling to Sask Crossing is the most accessible reach in this area. It still involves at least one portage, but it is well signed and has good trail.

[@chrispeterson7330]

My son and I were hiking in that area about a week ago. Always wanted to see where the headwaters are. Lived in Edmonton all my life so I see the river almost every day. Thanks for the video.

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah I've lived in Edmonton most of my life... hard to believe it's the same river. It's a beautiful spot, and a very nice day hike to get there. Thanks for taking the time, take care.

[@provincialclodhopper9815]

Awesome bro, i havent been out kayaking in over a year, i miss it so much!!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. I hope you can get on the water a lot this year. Take care man.

[@garysmith643]

Awesome video! How much rocker is on that canoe ? Would be awesome to do video on the two canoes maybe a comparison ! Cheers

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks very much Gary. There is 8" of rocker on this canoe. It is a really fun boat to paddle. Yeah the two canoes are quite different. I'm not much of a gear review guy, but maybe, we'll see. Cheers!!

[@rivereering9592]

Haha, beat me to it.

[@nickharland3795]

If you do go there, I hope your camera works at the start:)

[@MrMARKKIND]

What a treat!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much Mark. It was quite a trip, glad you enjoyed it too. Take care.

[@themiwoodsman7222]

What a beautiful spot to hit the river! looks like you had to thread the needle in a lot of spots. pretty wild ride after the portage! you sure make me miss northwest Montana and the Rockies, thanks for sharing Nick it was a wild ride! hope all is well atb john

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much John. Yeah it 's a great spot to put a canoe in, right at the very top of a river. Pretty tricky in a few spots for sure, hit lots of rocks:) I would love canoe in Montana someday, Michigan too. Lots of great paddling in the U.S. Thanks again John, take care my friend. Nick

[@campingboy9213]

wow. you did an amazing job since the upper part was so shallow. is there a portage on the north side? i have hiked the old military road that takes you along the more 'established' trail.

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. Yeah it was a bit tricky with the small braided river... quite shallow. For the portage, I used the old military road. I think there are trails near the canyon, on both sides, but they looked very steep and exposed. Thanks again man, take care.

[@bohrerbros7555]

You have some skill not flipping that canoe in some of those intense rapids you went through. My brother and I always enjoy watching your videos so keep sharing. The scenery was awesome too.

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. Haha, yeah it was a bit of a rough ride, I'd like to have another go it at someday. The scenery around there is spectacular. Yes, looking forward to your guys next adventure too. Take care.

[@bdh3949]

Nice run Nick. I think the best thing about glacial waters is that it keeps your beer ice cold!

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks. Yeah I could've used a couple cold beers after this one!!

[@wingednomad8423]

Are you from the Rocky Mountain House area Nick? if so I'd love to link up one day to talk about this trip! I would like to do the same thing but take my paraglider with me and do some flying from that Glacier!

[@nickharland3795]

I live in Edmonton, but pass through Rocky from time to time. I'd be happy to answer any questions you had.

[@HinterlandOutdoors]

That's awesome! When were you there? We hiked up the glacier on July 11th and packrafted out the Castleguard and Alexandra Rivers.

[@nickharland3795]

Thanks very much. I was there on July 11 also. I think I got to the trailhead around 8:30 or so. Yeah looking forward to your paddling footage of the Castleguard River.

[@HinterlandOutdoors]

@@nickharland3795 That's awesome. You were only a couple hours behind us then.

[@nickharland3795]

Right on!! Hopefully I'll see you out there sometime.

[@WanderingSoleTV]

Wow, so gorgeous. There's a lot of just submerged rocks to navigate around! Of the outdoor pursuits I do, canoeing is the only one I haven't done a solo trip of. There's a hike I did recently that requires a two km paddle to get to the trailhead... I may redo that as a solo day. But that's an entirely different experience compared to this!

[@nickharland3795]

Yes it's a gorgeous river and valley. I was quite pleased to have canoed it from the very start, despite hitting many rocks:) Yes, if you are familiar with the route, then I would definitely recommend a solo trip. There are countless great places in B.C. to experience the challenge, and peacefulness of a solo trip. Thanks for taking the time, take care.

[@Martyupnorth]

I watched this last night with Evan. Very impressive. What model of canoe are you using? That thing has a lot rocker. It pivots on a dime. Also, did I hear some French being spoken on shore????

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks Marty. It is a Mad River M.E. It's an old school whitewater canoe built in 1988. Shaped like a banana, 8" rocker. I love it!! Yes you did... she speaks some French, and uses that command to her dog.

[@ColemanOutdoors]

Looks like you had a great day, buddy! Loved the shoreline perspective...that was great. Just curious if you have to do maintenance on the bottom of the canoe at times? Another coat of resin, patching gouges, scrape the barnacles.😋 Good stuff, buddy!

[@nickharland3795]

Hey thanks Eric. Yeah my go-pro failed me, so it was the next best thing for film near the headwaters. Royalex canoes are pretty tough, they can take quite a beating, but regular maintenance is always good. Glad you enjoyed, take care.

[@Skoden_lures]

How do you like your portage cart on the rough portages?

[@nickharland3795]

It has been superb!! Far, better than I expected to be honest. It has worked excellent over some very rocky and rough terrain. With a couple extra bungee cords wrapped around it, the canoe and cart were very solid, stood up to lots of bouncing, rocking, tip-overs, etc.

[@larryhodges624]

Nick, you may have answered this elsewhere but what model Mad River is that? Kind of looks like an old ME.

[@nickharland3795]

Hi Larry. Yes it is a Mad River ME, from 1988.

[@larryhodges624]

@@nickharland3795 great boat. You paddle it beautifully. Sadly, canoe designs like the ME have been mostly lost to the trend toward shorter boats. Wonder if Millbrook would still make a composite me?

[@nickharland3795]

I'm not sure if they are or not. That would be great if they did.

[@adamharris6251]

Looked a little rough there in a couple spots. Bounced off a couple rocks, and I’d dare say you almost went swimming there once in the big rapids. Another great video though man! What’s that water temp, 1•C lol.

[@nickharland3795]

Yeah not my finest day, haha. It was a bit tricky in there. A strong, constant tailwind and lower than expected water, coupled with some indecisive and lazy strokes meant hitting lots of rocks. Yeah for a second I thought I would be swimming, got a bit lucky:) Haha, yeah 1*C sounds about right!! Thanks for watching Adam, take care.

[@SMajid2138]

Wow

[@nickharland3795]

It is an exciting run. Thanks for watching.