Nahanni National Park
District

Nahanni National Park

Pristine Canadian wilderness with thundering waterfalls and canyons

Nahanni National Park isn't your average weekend getaway. This UNESCO World Heritage site in the Northwest Territories delivers the kind of raw wilderness experience that makes Instagram hikers weep with envy. Virginia Falls thunders 96 meters down limestone cliffs—twice the height of Niagara. The South Nahanni River carves through four massive canyons that took millions of years to sculpt. And here's the thing: you'll likely have it mostly to yourself. Only about 1,000 visitors make it here each year, which means the wildlife outnumbers tourists by a comfortable margin. Grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and woodland caribou roam freely across 30,000 square kilometers of untouched boreal forest and alpine tundra. But this remoteness comes with a price—literally and logistically. Getting here requires bush planes, serious planning, and a healthy respect for nature's power.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Nahanni National Park. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Look, there aren't really 'trails' in Nahanni the way you'd find in Banff. This is backcountry paddling and hiking territory where you create your own path. The South Nahanni River is the main highway here—a 563-kilometer waterway that ranges from Class II to Class IV rapids depending on the section. Most people tackle the classic Rabbitkettle to Blackstone Landing route, which takes 10-14 days and covers about 200 kilometers of river. You'll pass Virginia Falls, navigate the four canyons (First through Fourth Canyon), and camp on gravel bars under northern lights. The Cirque of the Unclimbables offers world-class mountaineering for serious climbers, with granite spires reaching over 2,700 meters. Day hiking around Rabbitkettle Lake gives you thermal springs and easier terrain if you're not ready for multi-week expeditions. But here's the reality: everything here is advanced level. Even the 'easy' options require wilderness skills, bear awareness, and the ability to handle emergencies miles from help.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Book your bush plane flights early—prices jump from $800 to $1,200 per person if you wait until summer
  • 2.Split the $3,000+ charter flight costs by organizing a group of 4-6 people
  • 3.Rent camping gear in Yellowknife instead of flying it in—saves baggage fees and weight limits
  • 4.Pack dehydrated meals to reduce food weight; every pound costs extra on small planes
  • 5.Consider guided trips for first visits—they include permits, flights, and gear for around $4,000 total

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps to your GPS device—phone GPS won't work and paper maps get soaked
  • •Bring extra batteries for everything; cold weather drains them 3x faster than normal
  • •Pack bear spray in an easily accessible spot—grizzlies are common and curious
  • •Test all your gear before the trip; there's nowhere to buy replacements once you're in
  • •Learn basic wilderness first aid; the nearest hospital is a 2-hour flight away
  • •Inform someone of your exact itinerary and check-in schedule before departing
  • •Bring cash for Fort Simpson—many local services don't accept cards

Frequently Asked Questions

You fly into Fort Simpson, NWT, then take a bush plane or helicopter into the park. There are no roads. Charter flights cost $800-1,200 per person depending on your destination within the park. Some visitors drive to Fort Simpson (8 hours from Edmonton) to save on airfare.

Explore Nahanni National Park

Things to Do in Nahanni National ParkWhen to Visit Nahanni National Park3 Days in Nahanni National Park7 Days in Nahanni National Park

Ready to explore Nahanni National Park?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.