Skip to main content

Find out more about the current wildfire and wildfire-related concerns in the NWT.

Home Story The Fabled History of Nahanni National Park Reserve
Best paddling in Nahanni National Park Reserve in the NWT. Angela Gzowski

The Fabled History of Nahanni National Park Reserve

For thousands of years the Nahanni River has held great significance  among Dene people, who have travelled this majestic waterway for millennia and revere its natural wonders as part of their culture and traditions.

Every year, hundreds of paddling enthusiasts set off on thrilling and memorable journeys on this wild and remarkable river, known to offer some of the best paddling experiences in the Northwest Territories.

Many people in Canada and around the world became acquainted with the river’s sheer beauty in 1970 thanks to a daring handstand by then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. This one moment on the top of the Northwest Territories’ spectacular Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls) played a key role in the official designation of today’s Nahanni National Park Reserve.  Trudeau also famously tossed around a frisbee over the 96-metre (314-foot) falls, twice the  drop of Niagara Falls. 

This famous Nahanni River tour increased public awareness about the region and bolstered Canada’s political drive to protect the storied waterway. In 1972, the Government of Canada established the Nahanni National Park reserve to help protect the river from hydroelectric development.

What to Do in the Dehcho Region

A World Heritage Site

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has agreed  that the Nahanni River and its surrounding landscapes are  uniquely special. For this reason, in 1978, UNESCO handpicked Nahanni National Park Reserve, along with the celebrated Galápagos Islands and Yosemite National Park, as one of the first World Heritage Sites selected for “Outstanding Universal Value.” The park reserve met two of UNESCO’s exacting criteria for this nomination. UNESCO determined the pristine Nahanni River, with its deep canyons, is one of the most spectacular wild rivers in North America and that the area’s “major geologic and geomorphologic features provide a combination of geological processes that are globally unique.”

The park size has increased six-fold since its creation. In 2003, an agreement between the Dehcho First Nations (DFN) and Parks Canada gave temporary protection to 23,000 sq km (8,880 sq mi), and in 2007 and 2009 even more land was committed to the park. The park remains in “reserve” status pending settlement of outstanding Dene land claims in the region.

The park reserve is now managed cooperatively by Parks Canada with the DFN, the group that represents First Nations and Métis in the NWT’s Dehcho Region. The Nahʔą Dehé Consensus Team, with representatives from Parks Canada and the DFN, works to maintain the ecological integrity of the reserve, monitoring and taking actions related to factors such as mining developments near the park.

A moose in Nahanni National Park Reserve in the NWT Photo by Angela Gzowski

A place of legends

Besides Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), the park features a wide variety of landscapes, including  daunting peaks like the Cirque of the Unclimbables, the lush Fairy Meadows, canyons, hot springs and burbling limestone tufa mounds. 

The mineral spring cauldrons of Gahnįhthah, the largest tufa mounds in Canada, are home to the legendary Dene horizon walker Yamba Deja, who is thought to have created Dene laws. Gahnįhthah is just one of many places in the park reserve which remain important to the Dene people who have made the area their home for millenia.

Dene oral history also contains references to the Naha tribe of a mountain-dwelling people who disappeared long ago from the region, only to seemingly surface in the southwestern United States. Linguistic similarities between the Dene and Navajo languages have fueled speculation that Navajo may be descendants of these missing Naha.

Sluice Box Rapids in the Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories

A storied past

The park also comes with an aura of more recent mysteries, including hidden tropical gardens, mythical creatures, spirits hiding in the park’s tufas and allegations of cursed gold.

In the early 1900s, two missing gold prospectors were found dead — and headless — in a valley now called Deadmen Valley. To explore “the myths of lost gold mines and tropical valleys and ghostly tribes of devouring Indians,” noted Canadian writer Pierre Berton as he embarked on what he called the “Headless Valley Expedition” in the late 1940s.

Various others have written books or produced films about their paddling treks down the Nahanni. These have prompted paddlers worldwide to add this river to their bucket list of must-do trips.

A person stand on a cliff in at the Cirque of Unclimbables Nahanni National Park reserve in the Northwest territories

Write your own story of adventure

Today the DFN welcomes roughly 1,000 adventurers to the Nahʔą Dehé region every year, In Fort Simpson, the visitors centre offers insights on the history, culture and geography of the area.

Reservations are required for river trips on the Nahanni River  through park offices in Fort Simpson or Nahanni Butte. De-registration is mandatory upon your safe return.

Paddling the Nahanni River can seem like a daunting experience, especially for a novice paddler. Luckily, there are a few operators that offer exciting guided trips on the river. As well, many aviation companies offer stellar day-long flightseeing tours of the park by float plane or helicopter from Fort Simpson and other nearby communities.

All you have to do is simply choose how you wish to experience the wonders of Nahanni National Park Reserve. It’s guaranteed that you’ll leave with your own tales to tell.

The Northwest Territories is home to some of the most pristine national parks in Canada. The humbling beauty and wild landscapes of the North are on full display. Read our guide to the 6 Canadian national parks in the NWT  for a taste of what awaits you there.

member icon Member
Nahanni River Adventures

Spectacular river journeys on Canada’s most iconic rivers. Travel with expert guides by raft or canoe and immerse yourself in......

member icon Member
Blachford Lodge

What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......

member icon Member
Trail Blazer Tours

Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......

member icon Member
Canoe North Adventures

For over 30 years, Canoe North Adventures has made it our mission to create spectacular memories for life, and to show......

member icon Member
Enodah Wilderness Travel/ Trout Rock Lodge/Enodah Kennel

Enodah Wilderness Travel / Trout Rock Lodge/ Enodah Kennel offer high-quality Aurora viewing experiences by night and dogsled tours by......

member icon Member
Ji Guang Tour

With over 30 years of living in Yellowknife, we offer a variety of tourism experiences for our guests. We are......

member icon Member
Andrew Lake and Lynx Tundra Lodges

Arctic Adventure & Wildlife viewing on the edge of the tree line of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Lynx Lake 400 km......

member icon Member
Ram Head Outfitters Ltd.

Commercial air charter service providing air support for hikers on Canol Road, sightseeing in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains, and fly-in fishing......

member icon Member
Arctic Chalet Tours

Best Northern Road Trip! Now you can drive all the way to the Arctic ocean linking Canada from coast to......

member icon Member
Aylmer Lake Lodge

DISCOVER A MOMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME. Aylmer Lake Lodge is located in Rocknest Bay, which is on the Barren......

member icon Member
Simpson Air

Simpson Air (and its predecessor) is the oldest continuously-operated flying service in the Mackenzie Valley, established in the early 1960s.......

member icon Member
Canoe North

Canoe North, located in Hay River, Northwest Territories offers kayak and canoe rentals and sales. We can set you up for a......

member icon Member
Taltson Lake Lodge Ltd.

Fly-in fishing lodge located 150 air miles (240 kms) south of Yellowknife. Full American Plan or unguided....

member icon Member
Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures

For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......

member icon Member
Watta Lake Lodge

Comfortable lodge a 20 minute by floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Guided fishing for Lake Trout (to 34 lb), Arctic Grayling (to......

member icon Member
North-Wright Airways Ltd.

If are looking for a spectacular weekend retreat nestled in the serenity of the Mackenzie Mountains at Ten Stone Mountain Lodge. North-Wright......

member icon Member
Nahanni Mountain Lodge

Remote private wilderness paradise on Little Doctor Lake, 100 km west of Fort Simpson. Accommodates 20 in cabins. Fishing, swimming,......

member icon Member
Yellowknife Tours

Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......

member icon Member
Jackpine Paddle

Unplug from the commonplace with our Northwest Territories canoe and kayak expeditions. We specialize in true wilderness adventures to the......

member icon Member
Dancing Skies Photo Tours

Dancing Skies is a new tour operator in Yellowknife, led by an experienced northern lights chaser and photographer with a passion for contemplation. Specializing in private tours and small groups of up to 5 people, we prioritize silent, serene observation and photography of the aurora, far from the crowds. With expertise in Space Weather data, […]...

member icon Member
Trophy Lodge - Great Slave Lake

Fish for Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling and Northern Pike at the remote untouched East Arm of Great Slave Lake, one......

member icon Member
Kasba Lake Lodge

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 icon Member
Arctic Tours Canada

Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......

member icon Member
Black Feather - The Wilderness Adventure Company

For over 50 years, Black Feather has had the opportunity to operate canoe, hiking and sea kayaking expeditions throughout the......

member icon Member
Tukto Lodge

Tukto Lodge has been exceeding anglers’ expectations for more than fifty years. As the only fishing and eco-tourism lodge in......

member icon Member
Plummer's Great Bear Lake Lodge

Great Bear Lake Lodge is located on the Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake and is home to the biggest......

member icon Member
NARWAL Northern Adventures

Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......

member icon Member
Scott Lake Lodge

One of the finest Pike and Lake Trout waters in North America, on the 60th Parallel. Enjoy luxurious private cabins......

member icon Member
Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc.

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 icon Member
2 Seasons Adventures

2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......

member icon Member
South Nahanni Outfitters Ltd.

Outfitting to all of us is a way of life, one that we cherish because we love to hunt, love the......

member icon Member
Peterson's Point Lake Lodge

Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge provides you access to known waters teeming with monster lake trout. Their current record is a......

member icon Member
Aurora Village

Aurora Village – A Class of Its Own Aurora Village is a unique Aurora-viewing facility situated 25 minutes from downtown......

Book this entire cabin in the remote wilderness of the stunningly breath-taking, Mackenzie Mountains. This cabin is hands down the......

Exceptional fishing on Gordon Lake, 100 km northeast of Yellowknife. Fish for Lake Trout, up to to 56 lbs! Fly in by......

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......

Welcoming and friendly with a rustic charm and all modern conveniences, Grey Goose Lodge immediately catches your eye as you......

Warburton Bay has a magic of its own. Located on the southwest end of Mackay Lake, it is close to......

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......

We cover your every helicopter need in and around South Nahanni National Park in the Mackenzie Mountains of Canada’s NWT.......

Spectacular NWT        </div>
                
    </div>
</div> <!-- end .endo -->

</div>

<script>
    jQuery(document).ready(function(){
        getReadingTime();
        if($('.story-fullwidth section:first').hasClass('mediastack--hero') || $('.story-fullwidth section:first').hasClass('mediastack--video')) {
            $('#social01').css('display', 'none');
            $('#social02').css('display', 'block');
        }else{
            $('#social01').css('display', 'block');
            $('#social02').css('display', 'none');
        }
    });
</script>
					</main><!-- /#main -->
				
<section id=