Winner: Chilko and Chilcotin Rivers, British Columbia
Roam鈥檚 120-mile trip down the Chilko and Chilcotin Rivers begins on a dirt road deep in the Coast Range of British Columbia, where there鈥檚 a collection of elevated safari-style tents linked by hanging walkways. From there, you鈥檒l set off on a six-day trip through some of the continent鈥檚 most rugged peaks and clutch rapids鈥攊ncluding Lava Canyon, the longest stretch of commercial whitewater in North America鈥攖o a take-out on the Fraser. The July 19 excursion features 国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor Kevin Fedarko reading from his book about the Grand Canyon, The Emerald Mile, between bites of campfire canap茅s. From US$2,995;
Runner-Up: Ord River, Australia
The Kimberley region of northwest Australia is an immense, hard-to-reach plateau of flaming red rock and booming canyons. It鈥檚 also home to one of the most exciting canoe trips we鈥檝e encountered. The upper Ord River is the only waterway in northern Australia that鈥檚 free of the notoriously vicious saltwater crocs. (Their more docile 鈥渇reshie鈥 cousins won鈥檛 cause you much hassle.) Fly into Kununurra, a rugged outpost near Darwin, and paddle for three days and 34 miles past waterfalls, jabirus, and ancient rock art. Outfitter Go Wild supports DIY missions on the river with equipment, transfers, tips, and a guidebook showing awesome camping spots. From US$158;