Naats’ihch’oh National Park

Naats’ihch’oh Overview

Naats’ihch’oh National Park, located in the Northwest Territories of Canada, spans an area of approximately 1,836 square miles (4,850 square kilometers).

Situated near the border with Yukon, this remote and rugged park is named after the Naats’ihch’oh mountain, a peak that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Indigenous Shúhtagot’ine (Mountain Dene) people. The park is part of the greater Nahanni watershed, complementing the neighboring Nahanni National Park Reserve and helping to protect a vast expanse of northern wilderness.

The landscape is characterized by towering peaks, glacial-fed rivers, alpine tundra, and vast boreal forests. The South Nahanni and Natla Rivers carve through the terrain, offering striking views of deep canyons, braided channels, and pristine valleys. The park’s elevation varies dramatically, from lowland river valleys to craggy mountain summits, creating a striking contrast of ecosystems that support a diverse range of plant and animal life.

The park’s rugged terrain hosts a mixture of boreal and subalpine ecosystems. Black and white spruce forests dominate the lower elevations, interspersed with patches of willow, birch, and aspen. As one ascends into the alpine regions, the vegetation becomes sparse, giving way to windswept tundra covered in mosses, lichens, and hardy shrubs. This transition in habitat types provides critical refuge for a variety of wildlife species.

One of the most notable inhabitants of the park is the northern mountain caribou, a species that migrates through the region and relies on the vast, undisturbed landscapes for calving and foraging. Dall’s sheep are frequently seen navigating the rocky slopes, while grizzly bears roam the valleys and forests in search of food.

Other large mammals include moose, wolves, wolverines, and black bears. Bird enthusiasts can spot golden eagles soaring above the cliffs, as well as peregrine falcons, gyrfalcons, and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds that inhabit the wetlands and river corridors.

Visitors are drawn to Naats’ihch’oh National Park for its remoteness and opportunities for backcountry adventure. One of the most popular activities in the park is paddling along the South Nahanni River, a journey that offers a mix of calm waters and exhilarating rapids set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Whitewater enthusiasts also seek out the Broken Skull River, known for its challenging rapids and breathtaking scenery.

Hiking and backcountry camping provide ways to explore the park’s untamed landscapes, with routes leading to alpine lakes, glacial valleys, and panoramic mountain vistas. Wildlife viewing and photography are rewarding experiences, especially for those with patience and a keen eye for spotting the elusive species that inhabit the park.

As part of the larger Nahanni ecosystem, Naats’ihch’oh faces conservation challenges such as climate change, which threatens permafrost stability and alters habitats critical for wildlife. Resource development outside park boundaries poses potential risks, particularly regarding water quality and caribou migration routes.

However, the park’s creation marked a major conservation success by securing protection for a significant portion of the watershed and maintaining ecological integrity. Collaborative management with the Shúhtagot’ine ensures that traditional knowledge informs conservation efforts, strengthening the park’s role in safeguarding cultural heritage and biodiversity for future generations.

Park Map

Naats’ihch’oh National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The diverse landscapes of Naats’ihch’oh National Park provide habitat for a variety of bird species, ranging from birds of prey to waterfowl and songbirds. Many of these species migrate long distances to breed in the park’s pristine wilderness.

Golden Eagle
A powerful raptor, the golden eagle soars over the mountains and valleys in search of prey such as marmots, hares, and even young caribou. Its keen eyesight and strong talons make it an efficient hunter.

Bald Eagle
Often seen near rivers and lakes, bald eagles feed primarily on fish but will also scavenge carrion. Their distinctive white head and dark brown body make them easy to identify.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon is an adept aerial predator, using its speed to catch birds in mid-air. It nests on cliffs and rocky outcroppings.

Great Horned Owl
A nocturnal hunter, the great horned owl is a top predator in the park’s forests. Its powerful talons and keen hearing allow it to catch prey such as rabbits, rodents, and even other birds.

Common Raven
Highly intelligent and adaptable, ravens are found throughout the park. They are opportunistic feeders, scavenging on carcasses and foraging for a variety of food sources.

Northern Harrier
This distinctive raptor hunts by gliding low over open areas, using its sharp vision and keen sense of hearing to detect small mammals and birds.

Gyrfalcon
A rare and powerful falcon of the Arctic and subarctic regions, the gyrfalcon hunts birds and small mammals in open tundra and mountainous areas.

American Dipper
This small, aquatic songbird is known for its ability to dive underwater in fast-flowing streams to catch insects and small fish. It thrives in the park’s pristine waterways.

Sandhill Crane
These large, elegant birds migrate through the park, stopping in wetland areas to feed and rest. Their distinctive calls and graceful flight make them a spectacular sight.

White-crowned Sparrow
A common songbird of the boreal forests and alpine meadows, the white-crowned sparrow is known for its clear, whistling song and striking black-and-white head markings.