4) Nahanni National Park, Northwest Territories
This is truly one of the most spectacular places on the planet, let alone Northern America. The name is taken from the Dene language of the indigenous First Nations populations, and roughly translated means “river of the land of the Naha people”. This park offers a cornucopia of geological delights, and its diversity is simply awesome, having been formed by nature’s forces for millions of years. It has 4 main canyons, with a colossal drop of 1000m (3300 feet) to the floor. Virginia Falls is where the Nahanni River plummets some 90m (250ft), and you’ll be treated to one of the most magnificent sprays of water that will rival any waterfall in the world. The park also is renowned for its tufa mounds, as well as some of the most highly varied fauna and flora on the continent. The park is not easy to access, but if you make the effort, you will be glad you did.
