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The Nahanni-Ram area in the southwestern corner of the NWT centres on Fort Simpson , which is accessible by two long gravel roads: from the west, the Liard Hwy follows the Liard Valley from close to Fort Nelson (BC) on the Alaska Hwy; from the east, the Mackenzie Hwy follows the Mackenzie Valley from close to Fort Providence and Hay River. Both roads offer drives through a fairly mundane wilderness of boreal forest and muskeg bog, and neither penetrates beyond Fort Simpson to offer ordinary travellers access to the Nahanni National Park, the area's jewel. With gorges deeper than the Grand Canyon and waterfalls twice the height of Niagara, the 4766 square kilometres of the NAHANNI NATIONAL PARK rank as one of the finest national parks in North America and one of the most rugged wilderness areas anywhere in the world. Located close to the Yukon border in the heart of the Mackenzie Mountains, it surrounds the South Nahanni River , a renowned 322-kilometre stretch of water whose white-water torrents, pristine mountains and 1200-metre-deep canyons have attracted the world's most eminent explorers and the ultimate thrill-seeking canoeists (the river ranks as one of the best white-water runs in the world). Unless you fit one of these categories, however, or can afford to fork out for guided boat trips or sightseeing by air - well worth the money, even if you're only out in the wilderness for a short time - there's no way of getting close to the best areas, even by backpacking: the park is totally roadless and totally wild. Operators in Fort Simpson cater to all levels of demand, from day-trippers wanting air tours of the big set-pieces to self-contained canoeists and walkers off on month-long expeditions who require no more than a drop-off or pick-up by air. Even self-sufficient explorers should note that it can still save considerable time, hassle and money to take a three- or four-week tour with a licensed outfitter in Fort Simpson. Also note that the popularity of trips means that a reservation and fee system have been instigated for people wishing to use the river: details from the tourist and park offices in Fort Simpson.
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