Northern · Northwest Territories
Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve
Headwaters of the South Nahanni — protected with the Dene of the Sahtu.
Province
Northwest Territories
Established
2014
Size
4,895 km²
Coordinates
62.78°, -127.45°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve
Upstream of Nahanni National Park Reserve, Nááts'ihch'oh protects the South Nahanni headwaters in partnership with the Sahtu Dene. Access is fly-in only; the park preserves the heart of Dene cultural geography.
Why visit
- Headwaters of one of the world's great rivers
- Dene cultural co-management
- Pristine Mackenzie Mountains landscapes
- Combined trips with Nahanni
Things to do
Plan your days.
South Nahanni headwaters paddle
kayaking
Backpacking in the Mackenzie Mountains
hiking
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Operator-supported wilderness camping only
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Snowbound.
- Summer
- Late June to August.
- Fall
- Brief; cold-weather camping skill required.
- Winter
- Closed.
- Peak
- July.
- Shoulder
- Late June or August.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
From river or expedition camp.
Common species
Caribou · Moose · Grizzly bear
Signature species
Mountain caribou · Grizzly bear · Dall sheep
Wildlife safety
Only travel with licensed operators.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Tulita
- Norman Wells
Nearby attractions
- Nahanni (downstream)
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
7 day
Combined Nááts'ihch'oh + Nahanni
Three-week river trip across both parks.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve.
Can I camp in Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve?+
Yes. Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve?+
Yes — campsite reservations are required during peak season and open via the Parks Canada Reservation Service in mid-winter.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve family friendly?+
Our family score is 3/10. Better suited to teens and adults — expect remote conditions and limited services.
When is the best time to visit Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve?+
July. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include mountain caribou, grizzly bears and Dall sheep. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
RV access is limited or unavailable; this park is best explored by tent, backcountry travel or day trips from nearby communities.
How many days should I spend here?+
Ten to twenty days as a river expedition.
Nearby parks
