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Nahanni National Park Reserve (est 1976, 4765.2 km2) is a wilderness of rugged mountains, wild rivers and luxurious hot springs stretched along the South Nahanni River in the southwest corner of the Northwest Territories. The park was recognized as a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1978.
Human History
Tales of lost gold mines and hidden tropical valleys lured prospectors in the early 1900s. Many disappeared without trace in the harsh land, and when 2 headless corpses were discovered, stories of fierce mountain men spread. No one found gold or tropical valleys, but prospectors did discover a land of incomparable beauty. The uniqueness of the area led the federal government to set aside part of it to be included in the national park system in 1972. Four years later Nahanni was formally established as a national park, but it has reserve status until the settlement of native land claims in the area.
Natural History
The South Nahanni River twists for more than 320 km through the park, crashing through 3 immense canyons over 1000 m deep, plummeting 90 m over Virginia Falls, rushing past boiling hot springs, icy caves, soaring mountains and seething rapids. Terraced tufa deposits, Karst formations and extensive cave systems add to the allure of this park.
The vegetation is characterized by boreal and alpine species. Frequent, extensive fires have marked much of the forest. The park's 32 mammal species include Dall sheep, moose, woodland caribou and grizzly bear. Peregrine falcons, trumpeter swans and golden eagles are among the 120 species of birds recorded.
Facilities
The adventures experienced by the gold seekers can be recaptured by visitors in canoeing, hiking or wilderness camping. The South Nahanni River is considered to be one of the best canoe-tripping rivers in the world. There is no road access to the park. Essential services and facilities are available at Fort Simpson, NWT.
Did you know?
There is a difference between a national park and a national park reserve. A national park reserve is land that is managed like a national park but is subject to Indigenous land claims being negotiated between the federal, provincial/territorial and Indigenous governments. There are 11 national park reserves in Canada. If those land claims are resolved, the national park reserve may transition to being a national park.
