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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 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 pioneers Gus and Mary Krause, this rustic lodge sleeps eight to twelve people comfortably in two fully equipped log cabins. There is a beautiful sand beach, swimming, wildlife and exceptional scenery right out the front door. Boat, motor, gas, canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided for your use. Come experience the remote northern wilderness that has captured the hearts of all those who visit.

The Virginia Falls day tour is 5 to 6 hours. This charter takes a maximum of 4 passengers, or 5 if there are small children. The Cessna 206 on floats takes you through 1st, 2nd and 3rd Canyon to land at the top of Virginia Falls. En route your pilot will share the legends associated with Deadmen Valley, Headless Range, Funeral Range, Death Lake and Crash Lake. At Virginia Falls your pilot will guide you along the top of the falls to a perfect photo location, or you can follow the portage trail to the bottom of the falls to experience the force of this spectacular natural wonder. On the return trip you fly over the Nahanni Plateau and Ram River Canyons to make a short stop at Little Doctor Lake and Nahanni Mountain Lodge. You can relax on the sand beach or swim in the lake, take photographs of the scenery, the birds or the wildlife nearby before returning to Fort Simpson.

 The Glacier Lake day tour is 6 to 8 hours and takes you further into the mountains, to Glacier Lake and the Cirque of the Unclimbables. A short stop will allow time to take in the spectacular view of Lotus Flower Tower and Mt. Harrison Smith, one of the highest mountains in the Ragged Range. The tour continues over Rabbit Kettle Lake and the Tufa Mounds, stopping at Virginia Falls and then flying over the Nahanni Platea and Ram River Canyons to Little Doctor Lake for a brief rest stop before heading back to Fort Simpson.

The centerpiece of Nahanni National Park Reserve is the South Nahanni River. Four great canyons line this spectacular whitewater river. The name Nahanni comes from the indigenous Dene language and can be translated as ‘Spirit.’

For information on charter services into all communities in the Northwest Territories, please contact:

SIMPSON AIR:

Phone: (867) 695-2505

Toll Free: (866) 995-2505

Fax: (867) 695-2925

PO Box 260, Fort Simpson, NT Canada X0E 0N0

Email: info@simpsonair.ca

Website: www.simpson-air.com