Hike to Virginia Falls and Sunblood Mountain, Northwest Territories, Canada

During my time at Nahanni National Park Reserve, I visited a very special area: Virginia Falls, also known as Nàilicho meaning "big river that falls" in Slavey. It is a place that moves the soul and goes beyond words. 

Virginia Falls is a beautiful spot along the South Nahanni River which is a key feature that runs the entire length of the park. There are various options for hiking adventures for those looking for spectacular views and deepening connections to the earth. The campsite at Virginia Falls offers a portage trail that leads down to the bottom of the falls. This view gives hikers a wonderful view of not just the falls but of the canyon they walk down into. You are also gifted with the beautiful view of the summit of Sunblood Mountain, which is located right across the river from the campsite. Another option at Virginia Falls is a guided hike by one of the Parks Canada staff members. These guided hikes walk along the thundering rapids of the South Nahanni River and opens to a stunning view overlooking Virginia Falls. Here, you can participate in a traditional First Nations pray and offering with traditional tobacco to the family members who have passed on. It's a deeply spiritual, beautiful and an uplifting experience to feel this connected to the earth and to those who you have lost. 

Also, at the Virginia Falls campsite, if you're looking for something a little more challenging, cross the river and trek up Sunblood Mountain. Your climb begins in dense undergrowth and forest, which at times, can be boggy and muddy. As you continue to climb, your ascent will take you through the treeline into brush and eventually leads to scree. Here, there is an incredibly narrow path through the scree and can be significantly dangerous if you've never climbed through this terrain before. It roughly takes 45mins to an hour to manage through the scree, but this solely depends on your physical fitness. Once through this section, you will again ascend through mighty forest which smells heavenly. As you scramble up through forest and boulders, you will eventually summit Sunblood Mountain and have one of the most breathtaking views in Northern Canada. The view makes you realize how truly tiny you are on this planet compared to the giants of these mountain ranges. I was privileged enough to scramble, hike and climb Sunblood with some amazing people who I will never forget. The experience has changed my life and opened my eyes to continue scrambling mountain ranges all over Northern and Western Canada.

If you're looking for a challenge, a stunning view and a moment that changes your life, then visiting Virginia Falls at Nahanni National Park Reserve should be on your bucket list. It truly is a little piece of heaven on earth and worth every cent. 

• If you're looking for just a day trip out to Virginia Falls, you will have to visit the Parks Canada office in Fort Simpson, NWT and obtain a day permit for this specific purpose. 
• If booking a day trip, you will need to contact and book a reservation on one of the various companies that fly into Nahanni National Park such as Simpson Air or South Nahanni Air. 

• Also, if solo tripping it is your plan, contact the Parks Canada office, who can give you more insight and information on park regulations, permits needed, and specific gear that should be brought along for your trip. 

Remember, you make a trip memorable for yourself, so be safe and have fun!