Facts About Canada

Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve

Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve protects the headwaters and upper canyons of the South Nahanni River and neighbouring basins in the Mackenzie Mountains of the Sahtu Region, Northwest Territories. Rugged limestone and granite peaks, alpine plateaus, clear rivers, and wide wildlife corridors characterize this upstream companion to Nahanni National Park Reserve.

At a glance — Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve
Location Mackenzie Mountains (Sahtu Region, NWT), at the headwaters of the South Nahanni River
Province / territory Northwest Territories
Place type National Park Reserve (modern treaty context)
Established 2014 (formally established after earlier agreements and consultations)
Area (approx.) ≈ 4,800–4,900 km²
Notable features Headwaters canyons of the South Nahanni; Moose Ponds whitewater reaches; Broken Skull River multi-day paddle route; Little Nahanni tributaries; alpine plateaus, karst, and Dall sheep country; the namesake peak Nááts’įhch’oh
Nearby communities Tulita and Norman Wells (Sahtu Region) as main air gateways; connections via Yellowknife

Overview

Named for a prominent mountain whose profile “stands like a porcupine,” Nááts’įhch’oh safeguards the upper South Nahanni watershed—source lakes, swift tributaries, and canyon stretches that feed the world-famous river farther downstream in Nahanni. The landscape blends sharp ridges and karst with open alpine benches frequented by Dall sheep and caribou.

Lands and relationships

The park reserve is within the traditional territories of the Sahtu Dene and Métis. As a National Park Reserve, it is managed in partnership with Indigenous governments under modern land-claim agreements, with cooperative stewardship, research, and cultural interpretation.

Landscapes and ecosystems

  • Headwaters & rivers: Moose Ponds (classic whitewater start), upper South Nahanni, Little Nahanni, and the scenic Broken Skull River flow through canyons, benches, and gravel flats.
  • Mountains & plateaus: Mackenzie Mountain ridges, talus slopes, alpine meadows, and karst sinkholes/caves in carbonate belts.
  • Wildlife (highlights): Dall sheep on high benches, mountain caribou, moose, grizzly and black bear, wolves, lynx, and raptors; rich wildflower displays in short summers.

Things to do

  • River trips (experienced/remote): Multi-day paddles on the Broken Skull River and upper South Nahanni starting near Moose Ponds (air access required; cold, swift water and canyon hazards).
  • Backpacking & alpine routes:** Off-trail ridge walks and bench traverses with route-finding, fords, and variable weather.
  • Basecamps & day hikes: Fly-in lakes for day hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing.
  • Link trips with Nahanni:** Some parties connect upstream routes in Nááts’įhch’oh with downstream canyon sections in Nahanni National Park Reserve.

Access and visitor services

  • No road access to core areas. Most visitors stage via Tulita or Norman Wells and charter float/wheel planes to lakes or gravel bars; weather delays are common.
  • Registration & permits: Backcountry registration is required; commercial river trips operate under licence.
  • Facilities & logistics: There are no frontcountry campgrounds or stores in-park; communities provide limited services—plan full self-sufficiency (food, fuel, repairs, comms).

Safety and low-impact travel

  • Cold, fast water & canyon hazards: Wear PFDs/drysuits; carry rescue gear; scout rapids and respect high flows and wood hazards.
  • Wildlife: Store food/odours properly; keep 100 m from bears/wolves and 30 m from ungulates; carry deterrents where advised.
  • Remoteness & weather: Mountain storms, smoke, and wind affect flying and travel—build buffer days and carry satellite communications.
  • Terrain: Talus, cliffs, and karst pits demand careful footwork and conservative choices.
  • Practice Leave No Trace and respect cultural sites and any seasonal closures.

See also

External links (official)

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