Nahanni National Park Reserve, the best-known Northern park, showcases the South Nahanni River, possibly Canada’s most epic waterway. Framed by four towering canyons, the river spills through the alpine habitat of broad-shouldered bears, nimble Dall’s sheep and elusive woodland caribou. The whole park stretches across 30,000 square kilometres and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Attractions include Virginia Falls, a literally earthshaking cascade, the daunting Cirque of the Unclimbables, the Fairy Meadows, plus riverside hotsprings, burbling tufa mounds, and hike-able peaks. It’s a stellar day-long flightseeing trip from Fort Simpson, and an even better guided or independent expedition by canoe or raft. Access is by chartered floatplane from Fort Simpson or Nahanni Butte.

Here are five ways that Nahanni will blow your mind.