Nahanni National Park Reserve is one of Canada’s most celebrated national parks, shaped by a breathtaking iconic river and monumental falls. Here, you’ll experience a place so packed with wonders that it will transform you forever.
Here are 10 places in the Nahanni National Park Reserve that make it one of the world’s most revered parks.
The Nahanni River
On many a paddler’s bucket list, the Nahanni River leaves a lasting impression. Brace yourself to witness towering and sprawling canyons, hot springs, mountains, rapids, wildlife, and waterfalls. Experienced paddlers typically begin at Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), a journey that takes approximately 7–10 days, or Rabbitkettle Lake, which takes about 10–14 days. Regardless of the length of your adventure, it will undoubtedly be one of the greatest river trips you’ll ever embark on. Join a guided trip by raft or canoe with a licensed operator for the journey of a lifetime—leaving the planning to them and the dreaming to you!
Glacier Lake
Nestled in Nahanni’s remote northern reaches, Glacier Lake is an aquamarine jewel amid mountainous beauty. It’s one of the few places in the region where floatplanes can touch down, making it the perfect gateway to the Ragged Range and the otherworldly Cirque of the Unclimbables. A bird’s-eye view provides a pristine panorama of the area in its purest form. Here, you can cast a fishing line, stroll along the shore, or simply relax and take in the splendor of this pristine lake.
With peaks like daggers piercing the sky, the Cirque of the Unclimbables is legendary. Despite its extremely challenging terrain, experienced climbers from around the world come to tackle its walls. The Cirque is home to towering climbs shaped by the last ice age, such as Mount Proboscis, Middle Huey Spire, and the iconic Lotus Flower Tower. This climb, featured as one of the Fifty Classic Climbs in North America by Steve Roper and Allen Steck, boasts a severe 670-meter (2,200-foot) wall described as “one of the most aesthetically beautiful rock faces in the world” by mountaineer George Irving Bell.
Fairy Meadows, the traditional basecamp for all Cirque routes, is a lush paradise nestled among the peaks. While big-wall alpinists prepare for dizzying ascents, those who prefer to stay grounded can wander the trails and bask in the alpine wildflowers. The Cirque of the Unclimbables is accessible by floatplane from Fort Simpson via a licensed operator, followed by a strenuous 6 km hike into Fairy Meadows. Flightseeing tours are also available from Fort Simpson or Yellowknife.
Virginia Falls
If the Cirque is the mountain range of your dreams, Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls) is the ultimate waterfall. In this remote area of Nahanni National Park Reserve, three billion cubic feet of water tumble off a 30-story-high (92-meter) cliff every day, creating a four-acre face of plunging current split by the great spire of Mason’s Rock. Everyone deserves to witness this natural wonder at least once. Fly in and experience it for yourself.
Sluice Box Rapids
This is where the Nahanni River works itself into a fury before its dramatic plunge over Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls). Walk down to the rapids from the portage trail and feel humbled as nature explodes into a watery frenzy. Here, whitecaps spout higher than houses, and the roar shakes your very bones. NWT tour operators can help you experience the awe-inspiring Sluice Box Rapids.
Sunblood Peak
The Nahanni River is synonymous with paddling, but to get to know the lay of the land you’ve got to make landfall and head uphill. Sunblood Peak is a trail that begins directly across the river from the Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls) campground, leading northeast through a spruce forest, continuing up an open screen ridge toward the 1,450-meter-high (4,757 feet) summit. The trek to the summit rises above Náįlįcho and is one of the park’s most popular excursions, offering a variety of hiking options to suit your style. It’s a 16-kilometre (10 miles) round-trip climb, keeping you moving for at least half a day. However, you may be wishing it was longer as you breathe in the crisp air, take in the sprawling landscape, and listen to the Northern birdsongs.
Rabbitkettle Tufa Mound
Like a bizarre lunar stalagmite, the largest tufa mound in Canada rises near the shores of the Rabbitkettle River in Nahanni National Park. Thirty metres tall and 10,000 years old, the mound is formed by thermal springs that burble from the volcanic ground, leaching calcium carbonate that hardens into a crust called tufa. Take off your shoes and follow park officials on a barefoot hike to the delicate summit.
Trekking the Ram Plateau can make you feel mighty small, and that’s not a bad thing! It’s a powerful reminder that here, nature is larger than life. The plateau is an enormous dolomite table, ringed by the Mackenzie Mountains and slashed by plunging canyons. On this dramatic mesa, life is ever-present. Keep an eye out for some of the North’s most iconic wildlife, including Dall’s sheep, bears, mountain caribou, moose, birds of prey, and a plethora of alpine wildflowers.
The Nahanni National Park Reserve is carved by many gaping gorges. But none are as dramatic as the legendary Scimitar Canyon, which is 20 kilometres long, very narrow and mysteriously deep. It was formed eons ago when the Ram River cut through the Ram Plateau, creating an unbelievably impressive chasm.
Back at ground level lies Rabbitkettle Hot Springs which are surrounded by otherworldly tufa mounds. These are the largest tufa mounds in Canada, appearing as bizarre lunar-like formations that tower 30-meters-tall and are well over 10,000 years old! Tufa is a type of limestone that forms when carbonate minerals precipitate out of water from deep within the earth’s crust. These formations offer a unique geological spectacle.
Little Doctor Lake
Accessible only by floatplane, Little Doctor Lake is renowned for its pristine waters, golden beaches, feisty fish (Pickerel, Grayling and Trout, plus Pike that approach 40 pounds), and mountain scenery, including the legendary Gap, formed by twin massifs guarding the lake’s perimeter.
Tthenáágó (Nahanni Butte or “strong rock”) is a deeply traditional Kaska Dene outpost on the edge of Nahanni National Park Reserve. This quiet community is closely tied to their rich culture, the land, and the ever-important Nahanni River.
Once accessible only by river and air, the community can now be reached by water taxi from the Liard Highway as well as an ice road in the winter. Located where the Nahanni River empties into the Liard, Tthenáágó lies in the shadow of its namesake peak and welcomes paddlers as they exit the park. While visiting, be sure to stretch your legs and take some time to experience the Tthenáágó Mountain with a local tour operator and be treated to stunning views of the community and the natural surrounding landscape of the Spectacular NWT.
Paddling in the North is a time-honoured practice. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’re finally tackling your dream canoe trip, learn from the experience of countless generations with the 7 top tips for an unforgettable NWT paddling experience.
Intriguing tales from Canada's Northwest Territories
Member
Red Cliff Adventures has a traditional camp that is located in Lutsel K’e, on the shores of the East Arm,......
Member
Spectacular river journeys on Canada’s most iconic rivers. Travel with expert guides by raft or canoe and immerse yourself in......
Member
What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......
Member
Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......
Member
For over 30 years, Canoe North Adventures has made it our mission to create spectacular memories for life, and to show......
Member
Your Dene Connection in Yellowknife. B. Dene Adventures is a Traditional Dene Culture Camp business which teaches the Dene way......
Member
We are the Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ got’ine. People of the community of Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́, “the place where rivers come together”, in......
Member
Tundra North Travel is an Inuit company based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories that was established with the dream of being......
Member
Enodah Wilderness Travel / Trout Rock Lodge/ Enodah Kennel offer high-quality Aurora viewing experiences by night and dogsled tours by......
Member
With over 30 years of living in Yellowknife, we offer a variety of tourism experiences for our guests. We are......
Member
Arctic Adventure & Wildlife viewing on the edge of the tree line of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Lynx Lake 400 km......
Member
Commercial air charter service providing air support for hikers on Canol Road, sightseeing in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains, and fly-in fishing......
Member
Creating Memories for a Lifetime Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures offers trophy lake trout and northern pike fishing. Wildlife abounds at......
Member
Best Northern Road Trip! Now you can drive all the way to the Arctic ocean linking Canada from coast to......
Member
The all new Namushka Lodge! Come enjoy all the new amenities of a fly-in fishing lodge! Located on Harding Lake, 32......
Member
Destination NWT Limited is a tourism operator located in Yellowknife, Canada. DNWT specializes in outdoors adventures, aurora photography, and cultural experiences: Best rated Snowmobile Tour, winter gears included, exciting trail riding Aurora Tour in a Luxurious lakeside Lodge Unique Aurora tour while Ice Fishing indoors Full panoramic moonroof vehicle for Aurora Viewing DNWT’s tours allow […]...
Member
With us, you will find a unique Northern fishing experience with no distractions. Our amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi, standard queen-sized......
Member
DISCOVER A MOMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME. Aylmer Lake Lodge is located in Rocknest Bay, which is on the Barren......
Member
Simpson Air (and its predecessor) is the oldest continuously-operated flying service in the Mackenzie Valley, established in the early 1960s.......
Member
Canoe North, located in Hay River, Northwest Territories offers kayak and canoe rentals and sales. We can set you up for a......
Member
Fly-in fishing lodge located 150 air miles (240 kms) south of Yellowknife. Full American Plan or unguided....
Member
For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......
Member
Comfortable lodge a 20 minute by floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Guided fishing for Lake Trout (to 34 lb), Arctic Grayling (to......
Member
With Bluefish Outfitting you’ll get an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Bluefish Outfitting offers personalized, guided fishing trips and boat tours on......
Member
Join us for an unforgettable experience on the mighty Mackenzie River. Day trips are available for a full or half......
Member
We are an Inuvialuit owned and operated family business, run by locals Enoch and Amanda Pokiak, based in Inuvik in the Western......
Member
100% Indigenous owned! We are the world’s first Aurora Hunting tour company, we know Aurora. Learn about Aurora, why Yellowknife is the......
Member
If are looking for a spectacular weekend retreat nestled in the serenity of the Mackenzie Mountains at Ten Stone Mountain Lodge. North-Wright......
Member
Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures is a professional fishing charter company with a professional NWT fishing guide looking to help you catch......
Member
Remote private wilderness paradise on Little Doctor Lake, 100 km west of Fort Simpson. Accommodates 20 in cabins. Fishing, swimming,......
Member
Great Slave Lake Tours offers winter and summer trips on Great Slave Lake, the ninth biggest lake in the world......
Member
Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......
Member
We are a small air service with two bush planes based in Fort Simpson. Operating on floats throughout the summer......
Member
Sundog Adventures is a year-round experiential tour company based in Yellowknife’s Old Town. During the winter we offer kicksled tours......
Member
“Like No Other Place On Earth” We are the only fly-in lodge located a 50 minute float plane flight from......
Member
Unplug from the commonplace with our Northwest Territories canoe and kayak expeditions. We specialize in true wilderness adventures to the......
Member
Fish for Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling and Northern Pike at the remote untouched East Arm of Great Slave Lake, one......
Member
World Class Fishing Within Reach Yet Beyond Belief For 3 generations we have been honing the Kasba experience to be like no-other. Our level of hospitality, dedication to the fishery, and a legendary passion for the experience that permeates through our entire team is undeniably contagious. No matter what you’re looking for in your fishing […]...
Member
Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......
Member
We offer tours such as aurora viewing, dog sledding, snowmobile rides, ice fishing and more. Come experience a once in......
Member
Extend your trip to Fort Simpson with a visit to our Dene Camp, K’iyeli. We have options available for an......
Member
For over 50 years, Black Feather has had the opportunity to operate canoe, hiking and sea kayaking expeditions throughout the......
Member
Tukto Lodge has been exceeding anglers’ expectations for more than fifty years. As the only fishing and eco-tourism lodge in......
Member
Great Bear Lake Lodge is located on the Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake and is home to the biggest......
Member
Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......
Member
One of the finest Pike and Lake Trout waters in North America, on the 60th Parallel. Enjoy luxurious private cabins......
Member
“Unforgettable remote fishing experience” We are the only lodge located on this fly-in only lake. With only 8 guests per......
Member
Yellow Dog Lodge is a comfortable lodge with 3 private cabins for our guests. The lodge is a short (15 minute) floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Located on Duncan and Graham Lakes, the lodge is your hub for adventure. Choose from an additional 5 lakes for guided day trip excursions. Each lake is unique and offers unspoiled first class fishing. We are the only lodge that operates guided trips on each of these remote lakes located in the NWT taiga wilderness. Packaged trips feature superb sport fishing and safe outdoor adventure. The lakes and streams offer the finest Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye and Arctic Grayling in the region. As an added bonus, our guests will enjoy the midnight sun and may even catch the northern lights later in the fall or early spring....
Member
Gana River Outfitters is a family owned and operated outfitting business offering remote wilderness hunts in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains......
Member
2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......
Member
Outfitting to all of us is a way of life, one that we cherish because we love to hunt, love the......
Member
Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge provides you access to known waters teeming with monster lake trout. Their current record is a......
Member
Aurora Village – A Class of Its Own Aurora Village is a unique Aurora-viewing facility situated 25 minutes from downtown......
Create your own story. We offer a variety of services to make your Sahtu adventure a reality! We offer everything from......
Book this entire cabin in the remote wilderness of the stunningly breath-taking, Mackenzie Mountains. This cabin is hands down the......
Our goal is to provide unique customized services for high-end customers. We excel at making personalized tours. You can see......
Floatplane charter service using classic DHC-2 Beaver aircraft based in Yellowknife’s historic Old Town. Sightseeing flights over Yellowknife and surrounding......
Exceptional fishing on Gordon Lake, 100 km northeast of Yellowknife. Fish for Lake Trout, up to to 56 lbs! Fly in by......
Air Tindi is an airline company based in Yellowknife offering flights to a number of diverse destinations within Canada’s spectacular Northwest Territories!......
An Indigenous, family owned business with much history, knowledge and stories to share about the Spectacular Northwest Territories! We used......
Pehdzeh Ki First Nation is located in the community of Wrigley, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are a Designated Authority in......
Northstar Resort is a remote fishing lodge located on Thekulthili Lake, 95 miles (152 km) northeast of Fort Smith. Operates from......
Boat tours in the wildlife-rich Slave River delta and fishing at Taltson Big Pike Lodge....
Ena Lake Lodge is a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive luxury fishing and outdoors experience in Northern Canada. Come and experience authentic fly-in......
Welcoming and friendly with a rustic charm and all modern conveniences, Grey Goose Lodge immediately catches your eye as you......
For 35 years, Sambaa K’e has offered world-class fishing on Trout Lake just north of the Northwest Territories-British Columbia border.......
Warburton Bay has a magic of its own. Located on the southwest end of Mackay Lake, it is close to......
Chuck Gruben is an active Inuvialuit hunter and trapper very knowledgeable in the Tuktoyaktuk area offering customized tours (hunting, hiking,......
Fishing and Barrenlands wildlife photography, including migrating caribou, at the Obstruction Rapids in the central Barrenlands north of Yellowknife....
To truly experience the Northwest Territories, take your camping gear for a highway driving adventure! Long ribbons of road without......
Remote naturalist’s lodge snuggled in the Mackenzie Mountains, in the largest mountain wilderness in North America. Located along the Canol......
