Nahanni National Park Reserve

Nahanni National Park Reserve protects the wild canyon system of the South Nahanni River, thunderous Virginia Falls (Náilicho), hot springs and karst, alpine plateaus, and the Mackenzie Mountains in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 (among the world’s first sites) and expanded in 2009, the park reserve safeguards outstanding river canyons, tufa mounds, and serrated granite spires such as the Cirque of the Unclimbables.

At a glance — Nahanni National Park Reserve

Location	Mackenzie Mountains, Dehcho Region, along the South Nahanni River (NWT)
Province / territory	Northwest Territories
Place type	National Park Reserve (modern treaty context)
Established	Created 1972; major boundary expansion 2009
Area (approx.)	≈ 30,000 km²
Notable features	Virginia Falls (Náilicho) (~96 m drop, twice Niagara’s height); First–Fourth Canyons of the South Nahanni; Rabbitkettle Tufa Mounds & hot springs; Cirque of the Unclimbables (Lotus Flower Tower); karst, sinkholes & caves; alpine plateaus and wild rivers
Nearby communities	Fort Simpson (main staging/visitor centre); Nahanni Butte (local gateway); regional hubs include Fort Liard and Watson Lake (YK/BC corridor)

Overview

Carved into the Mackenzie Mountains, the South Nahanni River plunges over Náilicho (Virginia Falls) before slicing four vast canyons on its way to the Liard. Icefields and high plateaus feed tributaries through karst and faulted bedrock, while hot springs precipitate delicately layered tufa. Granite walls in the Cirque of the Unclimbables draw climbers to some of Canada’s most dramatic alpine rock.

Lands and relationships

Nahanni lies within the traditional territories of Dehcho and Sahtu Dene and Métis peoples. As a National Park Reserve, it is managed with Indigenous partners under modern land-claim agreements, with collaborative stewardship, cultural interpretation, and ongoing research.

Landscapes and ecosystems

• River & canyons: The South Nahanni flows through First, Second, Third, and Fourth Canyons, framed by 1,000 m cliffs in places, with classic features like the Sluice Box and Whirlpool Alley.
• Waterfalls & hot springs: Virginia Falls (Náilicho) drops ~96 m around Mason’s Rock; Rabbitkettle Lake hosts fragile tufa mounds formed by mineral springs (guided access only).
• Mountains & cirques: Rugged granite and limestone peaks including the Cirque of the Unclimbables (Lotus Flower Tower, etc.).
• Karst & caves: Sinkholes, disappearing streams, and cave systems showcase active carbonate dissolution.
• Wildlife (highlights): Dall sheep, mountain goat (localized), grizzly and black bear, woodland caribou, moose, wolves, lynx; raptors and songbirds in summer.

Things to do

• River trips (advanced): Multi-day canoe/raft expeditions on the South Nahanni (popular put-ins by floatplane; classic take-out at Nahanni Butte). Whitewater varies from swift current to technical features—guided options common.
• Virginia Falls area:** Boardwalks and viewpoints near the falls; short hikes to Mason’s Rock and canyon rims.
• Rabbitkettle (guided only): Guided walks protect the delicate tufa terraces—no independent access on the mounds.
• Backpacking & alpine routes (experienced): Off-trail plateaus and cirques with big elevation and route-finding (e.g., Sunblood area viewpoints).
• Climbing:** Technical alpine rock in the Cirque of the Unclimbables for expert teams with fly-in support.

Access and visitor services

• No road access to core areas. Most visitors stage via Fort Simpson (visitor centre, lodging, outfitters) and charter floatplanes to Virginia Falls, Rabbitkettle, or backcountry lakes; river parties exit near Nahanni Butte (boat shuttles common).
• Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve (upstream) protects headwaters and routes like the Broken Skull and Little Nahanni—some trips link both parks.
• Reservations & registration: River trip registration is required; camping quotas/fees apply in popular zones. Guided access is mandatory for Rabbitkettle tufa.

Safety and low-impact travel

• Cold, fast water & canyons: Hypothermia and powerful hydraulics are real—PFDs/drysuits, throw bags, and whitewater competence essential. Scout major rapids and respect high flows.
• Bear country & wildlife: Store food/odours in approved systems; keep 100 m from bears/wolves and 30 m from elk/deer; carry deterrents where advised.
• Remoteness & weather: Storms, strong winds, and smoke can affect flying/river conditions—build buffer days; carry satellite communications.
• Fragile features:** Stay on boardwalks at Virginia Falls; Rabbitkettle tufa is extremely delicate—guided visits only.
• Practice Leave No Trace; pack out all waste and respect cultural sites and seasonal closures.

See also

• Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve • Wood Buffalo National Park • Aulavik National Park
• South Nahanni River • Dehcho Region • National parks of Canada

External links (official)

• Parks Canada — Nahanni National Park Reserve: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nt/nahanni
• Parks Canada — Visit (river trips, Virginia Falls, safety): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nt/nahanni/visit
• Parks Canada — Reservations/registration: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
• Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, fire/river advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp