Calling a flightseeing trip into Nahanni National Park “awe-inspiring” doesn’t do it justice—it is simply one of the most memorable flights I have ever taken. Getting into the park for just the day is problematic but well worth the effort and cost.

Typically, charter operators use a floatplane to fly from Fort Simpson to Virginia Falls, with up to two hours spent at the falls, enough time to walk the 1.3-kilometer (0.8-mile) portage to the base of the falls. If you have three or more people in your group, there are no problems; just call each operator for the best quote (or get the staff at Fort Simpson Visitor Centre to do it for you) and expect to pay around $500 per person for a four- to five-hour trip.

Groups of less than three have the choice of chartering an entire plane (from approximately $1,400) or waiting around for other interested parties to turn up. Each of the air charter companies can tailor flights to suit your needs.

By waiting around until the plane is full, or by booking in advance, you have a better chance of keeping the cost down. Fort Simpson operators are the following: Simpson Air (867/695-2505) or Wolverine Air (867/695-2263).