From the Mackenzie Highway, southeast of Fort Simpson [1], to Fort Nelson (British Columbia [2]) is 394 kilometers (245 miles) of relatively straight road through a boreal forest of spruce, aspen, and poplar. Wildlife along this route is abundant; chances are you’ll see moose and black bears, especially at dawn and dusk. The only services are at Fort Liard [3].
A little more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Mackenzie Highway, where the Blackstone River drains into the Liard River, a small territorial park has been established at a site known as Blackstone Landing.
Inside the park visitors center (daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m. mid-May–mid-Sept.) are some interesting displays on the area’s history and a good selection of locally made documentaries to watch. The center is the starting point for a short trail that leads to a trapper’s cabin.
The park’s campground ($21) has flush toilets, showers, and two bug-proof, woodstove-equipped cooking shelters. Black bears are common, so keep your food securely stored.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/western-canada/northwest-territories/nahanni-country-and-the-mackenzie-valley/fort-simpson
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/western-canada/northwest-territories/nahanni-country-and-the-mackenzie-valley/fort-liard