Nahanni National Park

One of the most spectacular, wildest, and purest stretches of whitewater in the world is the South Nahanni River. A 300-kilometer (186-mile) section of this remote river is protected by Nahanni National Park, a vast, roadless wilderness inhabited only by bears, mountain goats, Dall sheep, caribou, moose, and wolves. Although some visitors fly in to Virginia Falls for the day, the best way to really experience the park is on a raft or canoe trip down the South Nahanni River with a commercial outfitter. Trips range from one to two weeks, beginning with a flight to the river’s upper reaches and ending with a return to civilization along the ...

One of the most spectacular, wildest, and purest stretches of whitewater in the world is the South Nahanni River. A 300-kilometer (186-mile) section of this remote river is protected by Nahanni National Park, a vast, roadless wilderness inhabited only by bears, mountain goats, Dall sheep, caribou, moose, and wolves. Although some visitors fly in to Virginia Falls for the day, the best way to really experience the park is on a raft or canoe trip down the South Nahanni River with a commercial outfitter. Trips range from one to two weeks, beginning with a flight to the river’s upper reaches and ending with a return to civilization along the Liard River. However you decide to visit the park, the adventure will remain with you for the rest of your life. But with names on the map like Headless Creek, Deadmen Valley, Hell's Gate, Funeral Range, Devils Kitchen, Broken Skull River, and Death Canyon, you'd better tell someone where you're going before heading out.

About the Expert

Over the last 20 years, Andrew Hempstead has authored and updated more than 60 guidebooks for Avalon Travel, Frommer’s, Michelin, Odyssey, Dorling Kindersley, Michelin, and Sasquatch Books, including many books on Canada.