Page 48 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

FORT SIMPSON

SIMPSON AIR has been offering air charter
service in the Nahanni area since the 1960s
and was awarded Operator of the Year 2006 by
Northwest Territories Tourism. President and chief
pilot Ted Grant was captivated by the wondrous
scenery while stationed in Fort Simpson with the
RCMP and purchased the company in 1981. Ted
and his staff have played host to many tourists
from around the world including Britain’s Prince
Andrew. Simpson Air conveniently operates from
the island airstrip in Fort Simpson, providing
wheeled or float-equipped aircraft for charter
services.
In the September 2006 issue of Air Canada’s
enRoute Magazine, Simpson Air was written up
in the article 100 things to do before you’re 100: See Video
“See the iconic Nahanni National Park Reserve,
Canada’s answer to the Grand Canyon, on a
private flight with Simpson Air pilot (and former
RCMP officer) Ted Grant as your guide.”
Nestled in the trees along the eastern shore
of scenic Little Doctor Lake 60 miles west of Fort
Simpson, Nahanni Mountain Lodge is owned and
operated by Ted Grant. Formerly the home of Virginia Falls your pilot will guide you along the the Tufa Mounds, stopping at Virginia Falls and
pioneers Gus and Mary Krause, this rustic lodge top of the falls to a perfect photo location, or you then flying over the Nahanni Platea and Ram River
sleeps eight to twelve people comfortably in two can follow the portage trail to the bottom of the Canyons to Little Doctor Lake for a brief rest stop
fully equipped log cabins. There is a beautiful falls to experience the force of this spectacular before heading back to Fort Simpson.
sand beach, swimming, wildlife and exceptional natural wonder. On the return trip you fly over the The centerpiece of Nahanni National Park
scenery right out the front door. Boat, motor, gas, Nahanni Plateau and Ram River Canyons to make Reserve is the South Nahanni River. Four great
canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided for a short stop at Little Doctor Lake and Nahanni canyons line this spectacular whitewater river.
your use. Come experience the remote northern Mountain Lodge. You can relax on the sand beach The name Nahanni comes from the indigenous
wilderness that has captured the hearts of all or swim in the lake, take photographs of the Dene language and can be translated as ‘Spirit.’
those who visit. scenery, the birds or the wildlife nearby before For information on charter services into all
The Virginia Falls day tour is 5 to 6 hours. This returning to Fort Simpson. communities in the Northwest Territories, please
charter takes a maximum of 4 passengers, or 5 if The Glacier Lake day tour is 6 to 8 hours and contact:
there are small children. The comfortable Cessna takes you further into the mountains, to Glacier SIMPSON AIR:
206 or de Havilland Beaver takes you through 1st, Lake and the Cirque of the Unclimbables. A short Phone: (867) 695-2505
2nd and 3rd Canyon to land at the top of Virginia stop will allow time to take in the spectacular view Toll Free: (866) 995-2505
Falls. En route your pilot will share the legends of Lotus Flower Tower and Mt. Harrison Smith, one PO Box 260, Fort Simpson, NT Canada X0E 0N0
associated with Deadmen Valley, Headless Range, of the highest mountains in the Ragged Range. Email: info@simpsonair.ca
Funeral Range, Death Lake and Crash Lake. At The tour continues over Rabbit Kettle Lake and Website: www.simpsonair.ca

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