Where to fly in to
• Moose Ponds Before deciding to start here, take careful note of the water level downstream — the amount of spring runoff and summer rain significantly affects water levels for this section. During spring runoff this is a very serious piece of water, requiring advanced paddling skills. Overall, I would rate it as class III+ to IV at this time of year. On the other hand, by the end of July the water level can be too low to float some sections of rapids. Call the park office for water level information.

• .Island Lake This lake is located so close to the river, it requires only two brief portages. Before you land, have a look at Haywire Lake and Honeymoon Lake. Depending on the weather and size of the plane, landing at these lakes may allow you to paddle to the river instead of portaging. Ask your pilot.

•Gravel bar above Britnell Creek This is the only spot in Nahanni where you can land a plane on wheels. It is very dependent on water levels and is not an option during spring flooding. The position indicated on the map is approximate.

• Rabbitkettle Lake Float planes of all sizes can land here. There is a campground and warden cabin, and the portage to the river is an easy half-kilometre.

• Virginia Falls You can use this as the starting point for a shorter trip. Landing here is an option at all water levels. The plane drops you off at the campground.

• .Seaplane Lake This spot is used to paddle a short section of the Flat River should you wish to join the South Nahanni below Virginia Falls.

• .Flat Lakes The starting point for the Little Nahanni River route to the South Nahanni which is joined north of Island Lake.

Air-charter Companies
As of 1998 there are seven air-charter companies to choose from:
• Simpson Air
The address is Box 260, Fort Simpson, NWT, X0E 0N0. (867) 695-2505, fax (867) 695-2925.

• Watson Lake Flying Services
Box 7, Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, Y0A 1C0. (867) 536-2231 or fax (403) 536-2399.

• Liard Tours
The address is Box 3190, Fort Nelson, BC, V0C 1R0. (250) 774-2909, fax (250) 774-2908.

• Blackstone Aviation
Box 151, Fort Liard, NWT, X0G 0A0. (867) 770-3111 fax (867) 695-2132, or via the mobile telephone operator – Arrowhead Channel YJ39704.

• South Nahanni Airways
Box 407, Fort Simpson, NWT X0E 0N0. (867) 695-2007.

• Deh Cho Air
flies General Delivery, Fort Liard, NWT, X0G 0A0. (867) 770-4103 Fax (867) 770-4102.

• Wolverine Air
Box 316, Fort Simpson, NWT, X0E 0N0. (867) 695-2263,
fax (867) 695-3400.

• Action Aviation
Box 5898, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 4N6 (867) 668-6700.

In brief, your choices are to fly from either Fort Liard, Muncho Lake, Fort Simpson, or Watson Lake.

In case you are quoted a price based on air mileage, here are some distances in statute miles (the measure used by air charter companies) to help you out:

Fort Simpson to Glacier Lake, 204
Rabbitkettle Lake, 194
Seaplane Lake, 185
Virginia Falls, 147
Nahanni Butte, 90
Blackstone Landing, 72

Now you have decided where to begin your adventure and have chosen an air-charter company (if you are using one). The next step is getting to the air-charter company base.

By Air to the Northwest Territories
If you are flying into Canada from the US or from overseas, you will most likely arrive at Vancouver (British Columbia), or Calgary or Edmonton (Alberta).

From these cities as well as from other parts of Canada, Air Canada and Canadian Airlines both fly to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. From Yellowknife, NWT Air flies a regularly scheduled service to Fort Simpson. If coming from Vancouver, the most direct flight is via Whitehorse in the Yukon.

By Road to the Northwest Territories
Assuming you are travelling by road, there are two possible routes to follow. Whichever route you choose, expect two long days driving from major centres of population.

The Alaska Highway (Hwy. 97), accessible from Calgary/Edmonton, Vancouver, Prince George, Whitehorse and Fairbanks, accesses Fort Nelson and Watson Lake. The highway is paved and easy to drive. To get to Fort Liard, Blackstone Landing and Fort Simpson, turn off just west of Fort Nelson and take the Liard Highway (#77 in BC, #7 in NWT). Although a good, four-season, gravel road, it can be quite rough driving, so bring an extra headlight or two and a dependable spare tire.
The Mackenzie Highway (Hwy. 1) is an alternative route to Fort Simpson and Blackstone Landing if you are coming from Yellowknife, Hay River and northern Alberta. The paved section ends at the Fort Providence turn-off. From here the highway is a good four-season gravel road. A free ferry service takes vehicles across the Liard River to Fort Simpson, another 63 km distant. To avoid arriving after the ferry has stopped running for the day phone 1-800-661-0751 for the schedule.