This wilderness area, west of the Mackenzie River and Great Slave Lake, 325 mi/520 km west of Yellowknife, in the southwest corner of the Northwest Territories, contains deep canyons, waterfalls, rapids, hot springs, alpine prairies, rugged mountains and plenty of wildlife.

The very impressive Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara Falls) is located within the park, and the South Nahanni River offers excellent canoeing and rafting. Although extended river trips are a major draw, it is also possible to visit the park on a flightseeing trip that lands above the falls.

The capital of the Northwest Territories and the largest town, Yellowknife sits on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake. For an informative overview of the area, stop at the Northern Frontier Regional Visitors Centre, where you can take a simulated bush plane ride.

Plan to see the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (history museum), the Legislative Assembly building, the Northern Images Inuit Art Gallery (original paintings and prints from northern artists) and the Bush Pilot's Monument (with a nice view of the town and the lake).

Take a day to follow the Ingraham Trail, which leads east from Yellowknife. On it you'll find Prelude Lake Park and Reid Lake Park, both popular for canoeing and fishing.

Annual festivals and events scheduled in Yellowknife include the biennial Arctic Winter Games (March), the annual Canadian Championship Dog Derby (a three-day race on Great Slave Lake—March), Festival of the Midnight Sun (July), Folk on the Rocks (Inuit and Dene performers and folk artists from southern Canada—July) and the Dead North Film Festival (November).