National park · Canada
Naats'ihch'oh National Park ReserveNááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve
Go only if you can fly in and paddle or walk out self-supported: charter a float plane to a backcountry lake in late June–August, budget a full day of flying each way, and treat every route as unmarked. No trails, no services, no road access.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
4,850 km² (1,873 sq mi)1,873 sq mi (4,850 km²)
approximate
Established
2014
Best months
Jul–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Area
- 4,850 km² (1,873 sq mi)1,873 sq mi (4,850 km²)
- About 4,850 km², roughly the size of Trinidad (check).
- Established
- 2014
- Best months
- Jul–Aug
- Permits
- For some areas
Naats'ihch'oh protects the upper South Nahanni watershed in the Mackenzie Mountains, on the traditional lands of the Shúhtaot'ine (Mountain Dene). It adjoins Nahanni National Park Reserve to the south and is reached only by float plane. There are no blazed trails, no visitor facilities and no road in; paddlers and hikers plan their own routes. If you want the Nahanni experience with more infrastructure and a known river, start with Nahanni instead.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2014.
Size and age
4,850 km² (1,873 sq mi)1,873 sq mi (4,850 km²) · national park since 2014
About 4,850 km², roughly the size of Trinidad (check).
Why go
- Wild headwater rivers of the South Nahanni, upstream of the famous canyons.
- Mackenzie Mountains terrain with no trail signs, no crowds and no bookings queue.
- Wildlife that includes grizzly bear, Dall's sheep, mountain goats and woodland caribou.
- A chance to travel country the Shúhtaot'ine have used for generations, with the park's cooperation agreements behind it.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprAvoid
- MayCaution
- JunGo
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepCaution
- OctAvoid
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep winter; no practical access
- FebDeep winter; no practical access
- MarWinter; fly-in not offered
- AprThaw; unsafe ice and snow
- MayBreak-up; lakes still icy, charters unreliable
- JunLate June: guided trips start, long daylight
- JulWarmest, full daylight, rivers runnable
- AugStable weather; trips wind down late in the month
- SepSnow possible; most outfitters finished
- OctFreeze-up; no access
- NovWinter; no access
- DecWinter; no access
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly bearMay–Sep · Active through the snow-free season; carry bear spray and store food away from camp. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Woodland caribouJun–Sep · A species at risk in this watershed; observe from a distance. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Dall's sheep and mountain goatsJun–Aug · Alpine slopes; the northernmost mountain goat population in Canada is here. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Trumpeter swans and waterfowlJun–Aug · Wetlands along the meandering rivers. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| MooseJun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Tulita
Float-plane charter to a backcountry lake; no road reaches the park.
1–2 h flying
From Norman Wells
Float-plane charter, usually staged through Tulita or Fort Simpson.
2–3 h flying
From Whitehorse
Fly to a staging community, then charter; the park sits near the Yukon–NWT border.
Full day
From Nahanni National Park Reserve
The two reserves adjoin; some itineraries link the upper watershed with the Nahanni River.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Upper South Nahanni watershed | Headwater rivers and wetlands feeding the South Nahanni. | Fly-in; self-supported travel only. |
| Mackenzie Mountains slopes | Alpine ridges and valleys where Dall's sheep and mountain goats live. | No trails; route-finding on your own. |
| Ǫtaa Tué Fehto (Divide Lake) | Remains of a hunting outfitter's camp, with an emergency shelter and outhouse. | Emergency use; not a serviced campground. |
| Nááts'įhch'oh mountain area | The peak the reserve is named for, a place of significance to the Sahtu Dene. | No established route; experienced parties only. |
Sketch map
- 1Nááts'įhch'oh mountain area · Summit≈62.250, -128.250Approximate; the reserve's namesake peak.Map ↗
- 2Ǫtaa Tué Fehto (Divide Lake) · Sleep≈62.400, -128.500Approximate; old outfitter camp with emergency shelter.Map ↗
- 3Tulita · Town≈64.900, -125.580Approximate; usual staging community for charters.Map ↗
- 4Nahanni National Park Reserve boundary area · Gate≈61.900, -127.500Approximate; the two reserves adjoin to the south.Map ↗
Take the points offline
4 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions for orientation only; the reserve has no road access and few fixed landmarks.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (day use) | Free | person | Parks Canada does not charge a gate fee at Naats'ihch'oh; the real cost is the charter (check current fee schedule). |
| Float-plane charter, one way | CAD 3,000–8,000 (≈ US$2,500–6,000) | aircraft | 2026 estimate; depends on origin, load and lake. Confirm with the operator. |
| Guided paddling trip with an outfitter | CAD 4,000–9,000 (≈ US$3,000–7,000) | person | 2026 estimate; late June–August only. |
| Satellite messenger or PLB rental | CAD 100–300 (≈ US$75–250) | trip | 2026 estimate; there is no phone coverage in the park. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Guided river trips permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- C$3,000–8,000≈ US$2,500–6,000
- C$4,000–9,000≈ US$3,000–7,000
- C$100–300≈ US$75–250
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Parks Canada — Nááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve before you go.
Park rules
- No trails, no markers
- Do not expect signs, cairns or maintained routes; navigation is your responsibility.
- Food storage
- Store all food and scented items away from your tent; this is grizzly country.
- Fires
- Keep fires small and only where dead wood is plentiful; use a stove for cooking (check local fire restrictions).check
- Cultural sites
- Do not disturb archaeological or cultural sites; this is the traditional homeland of the Shúhtaot'ine, Sahtu Dene and Métis.
- Drones
- Not permitted without Parks Canada authorization (check).check
Where to stay
In the park
Backcountry camping
No designated sites or facilities; camp on durable ground and leave no trace.
In the park
Divide Lake emergency shelter
Remains of an outfitter's camp; emergency use only.
Near the park
Tulita
Small community and usual staging point for charters; limited lodging, book ahead.
Near the park
Fort Simpson or Norman Wells
Larger service bases for flights and supplies before a charter.
Safety
No rescue infrastructure high
Grizzly encounters high
River conditions high
Weather swings medium
Remoteness and navigation high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- There are no facilities, boardwalks or accessible trails in the reserve.
- Access is by float plane and self-propelled travel; the park is not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Follow leave-no-trace practice: pack out everything, including human waste where required.
- Keep distance from caribou and other species at risk; do not approach or feed wildlife.
- Use licensed local outfitters and staging communities so trip money stays in the Sahtu region.
- Respect Dene and Métis cultural sites and any closures agreed with the park.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve?
Parks Canada does not charge a gate fee here, and there is no gate to reach by road. Your real costs are the float-plane charter (2026 estimate CAD 3,000–8,000 per aircraft, one way) and, if you join one, a guided trip (2026 estimate CAD 4,000–9,000 per person). Confirm current fees and charter quotes before you commit.
What are the best hikes in Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve?
There are no blazed trails. Experienced hikers plan their own alpine and valley routes, often from a float-plane drop at a backcountry lake. Treat every route as unmarked and carry navigation and rescue gear.
When is the best time to visit Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve?
Late June to August. Guided paddling trips run late June–August, July and August give the most stable weather and full daylight, and access closes with freeze-up in autumn.
How do I get to Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve?
Charter a float plane from a Northwest Territories or Yukon community, usually staged through Tulita, Fort Simpson or Norman Wells, and land on a backcountry lake. There is no road into the reserve.
Is Naats'ihch'oh the same as Nahanni National Park Reserve?
No. They adjoin and share the South Nahanni watershed, but Nahanni is a separate reserve with more established river infrastructure. Naats'ihch'oh is the upper, wilder side with no trails or services.
Can I visit without a guide?
Yes, if you are self-sufficient. Independent travel is allowed, but you must file a trip plan, carry a satellite messenger or PLB and handle your own safety. Guided trips are the usual route for first-time visitors.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go