Theses distances were taken from “The River Guide”

Info from the Park

The Park has implemented a mandatory reservation system to help evenly distribute visitor use in the park throughout the visitor season. Visitors must register prior to entering the park and at the check-in stations along the way and deregister when leaving the park.

Two non-guided departure units will be allowed each day to a maximum of 40 departures. The maximum stay at Virginia Falls is two nights.

The Park has implemented a cost recovery fee of $100 per person. Since river trips can start at different locations, for purposes of administration the date of arrival at Virginia Falls is used as the date of your reservation.

You MUST apply to Parks Canada for a reservation. The air charter company cannot do it for you. The Park Office

Island Lakes - generally flat water with a few class II rapids. Allow 3 - 4 days to reach Rabbitkettle Lake.
Rabbitkettle Hotsprings - hiking trail from Rabbitkettle Lake round trip takes 5 hours.

Sunblood Mountain - This is a full day hike, but well worth it, according to the people who have done it. You start by crossing the river just above Virginia Falls (keep paddling!) and then follow the trail to the mountain top.

Ending your trip
 Canoeists continue down the Liard River to Blackstone Park, which is alongside the Liard Highway.   Air staff will come to Blackstone with a van and a canoe trailer and pick you up.  This is the most economical way of returning to your starting point at Fort Liard. Remember to deregister when you leave the Park.

Camping
Camping is permitted anywhere in the park along the river corridor except for these restrictions: Camping is not permitted at park patrol cabins.  Designated campgrounds must be used at Rabbitkettle Lake, Virginia Falls and Kraus Hotsprings.  Low impact camping is encouraged.

 
Fishing
A National Park fishing license ($13.00) is required for angling in the Park. These are available from Deh Cho Air or the Rabbitkettle Warden Station. The Regulations are not too complicated. Daily catch limits are 2 Arctic Grayling, 3 Trout and 5 Pike. The daily possession limit is 5 fish. Fish remains can be burned, but only in a hot fire to avoid attracting animals. Park regulations allow fish remains to be thrown into the river.

 In addition, you will be flying in a float plane and travelling in a canoe, both of which have weight limitations. Prepare accordingly. For flying in, keep your gear below 100 pounds or 45 kg per person. Don't forget to include a safety factor for food as the trip may take longer than expected.

Information
To more information contact Park Administration at:
Nahanni National Park Reserve
Box 348
Fort Simpson, NWT, Canada XOE ON0
Phone: 867-695-2310 867-695-3151
Fax: 867-695-2446
e-mail: nnpadmin@cancom.net
Duty Warden: 867-695-3732 (June - September)

Total Distance

A.      517 km (324 mi) from Moose Ponds to Nahanni Butte

B.      610 km (381 mi) from Island Lake to Nahanni Butte

C.      184 km (114 mi) from Nahanni Butte to Fort Simpson

Average Gradient

The gradient from Rabbitkettle Lake to Virginia Falls is .7m/km. The drop in the river from Virginia Falls to Kraus Hot Springs is 1,7m/km, and the average gradient from Kraus Hotsprings to the Splits is 1.1m /km.