Nahanni National Park Reserve

Nahanni National Park Reserve is a large protected area in Canada’s Northwest Territories that conserves a dramatic river canyon system and mountain wilderness centred on the South Nahanni River. It is internationally recognised for its spectacular canyons, waterfalls and geological formations.

Key attractions include deep limestone canyons, hot springs and major waterfalls such as Virginia Falls, alongside opportunities for river running and wilderness camping in a largely roadless landscape. The park is known for its remote backcountry experiences and its intact river ecology.

The park was established to protect the Nahanni landscape and has seen varying conservation measures over the 20th century to extend protection and manage access. It received international recognition and protection as a World Heritage Site for its natural values.

Nahanni National Park Reserve lies in the Mackenzie Mountains region of the Northwest Territories, several hundred kilometres west-northwest of Yellowknife, and is reached primarily by chartered aircraft or river expeditions.

• World Heritage: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural features and intact river canyon landscapes.
• Access and logistics: The park is remote and access is usually by air or multi-day river trips; visitors should plan for limited services and wilderness conditions.

What to See#

• Virginia Falls: Virginia Falls (Nailicho), a major waterfall on the South Nahanni River with a vertical drop that significantly exceeds that of Niagara Falls.

Nahanni National Park Reserve has no year‑round road access to its main protected valleys. The park is reached by air (charter floatplane or helicopter) from the gateway community of Fort Simpson, or by multi‑day river trips on the South Nahanni River that originate near Nahanni Butte; both are the standard entry options for visitors. Expect transfers from Fort Simpson to drop‑off points such as Virginia Falls by floatplane; there are no public road routes into the park’s core.

• Best time to visit is late June through August when river levels are navigable for multi-day float trips and charter flights operate most reliably; plan for short Arctic summer weather windows.
• Access is primarily by multi-day river trip or charter floatplane out of Fort Simpson - book river operators and small-aircraft charters many months in advance, since visitor capacity is limited.
• Many visitors only see Virginia Falls; to experience the park's deeper canyons and remote features, choose a longer river itinerary or ask operators about stops beyond the falls.