PRE-TRIP PLANNING INFORMATION FOR CUSTODIAL GROUPS IN NAHANNI NATIONAL PARK RESERVE

The South Nahanni River is a world-class wilderness river. Its glaciers, rapids, waterfalls, canyons, hotsprings and wildlife have become an icon of Canadian heritage, inspiring countless outdoor enthusiasts.

It is the youth of today who will be tasked with the future management of special places such as Nahanni National Park Reserve (NNPR). By encouraging youth to visit, and experience NNPR today, we will help build a constituency of people who care about the long-term cultural and ecological integrity of unique wild places such as Nahanni. NNPR is committed to such investments in our youth and will continue to encourage youth groups to experience the park.

Leading a group of youth through any wilderness environment is an enormous responsibility. Safety is the first consideration for all groups. Sound decisions must be made constantly to anticipate and mitigate hazards and associated risks inherent to travel in Nahanni. The onus is on all partners, including parents, group organizers, group leaders, licensed outfitters, guides, trip participants and youth to understand and accept their respective roles and responsibilities for the safety of Custodial Groups in NNPR.

The following information is important for anyone who is planning to take a group of youth to NNPR. The following information will assist trip planners to prepare a safe and rewarding journey for youth in NNPR.

What is a Custodial Group?

A Custodial Group means an institutional group where at least one trip participant is less than 18 years of age, and that youth is not in the company of his/her parent or legal guardian. Institutional groups include but are not limited to School Groups, Scout/Guide Groups, Church Groups, Cadet Groups and Community Youth Groups.

Custodial Management Directive #2008-001

As per the NNPR Custodial Management Directive #2008-001 the following activity is designated as restricted: Travel in Nahanni National Park Reserve by Custodial Groups without a valid Custodial Permit. To obtain a valid Custodial Permit, institutions sponsoring Custodial Groups must acquire the professional services of an outfitting and guiding company licensed by NNPR.

On behalf of the Custodial Group, the licensed outfitting and guiding company must submit a Custodial Permit Application form to NNPR a minimum of four (4) weeks prior to the planned departure date.

Pre-trip planning and risk disclosure

Parents, group organizers, group leaders, and trip participants should familiarize themselves with the park information package to learn more about Nahanni National Park Reserve, and the risks associated with travel in the park. The park information package is a comprehensive document available to all potential park visitors. It is important that all parties understand their obligations for safety of youth groups in NNPR and the park information package is a good place to begin. NNPR will provide assistance and support to Custodial Groups throughout their planning stages.

How are custodial permits acquired?

Institutions sponsoring Custodial Group excursions into NNPR will determine their levels of service in cooperation with an outfitting and guiding company licensed by the park. A licensed outfitting and guiding company must submit a Custodial Permit Application to NNPR. Once all documentation as been received and processed, NNPR will issue a Custodial Permit.

Which documents are required for a custodial permit?

The licensed outfitting company must submit an equipment list form, members list and emergency contact form with the Custodial Permit Application. Once all documentation is complete, a permit will be issued to the licensed outfitting company.

Fees

All park visitors are required to pay a northern park backcountry excursion fee. The licensed outfitting and guiding company will collect these fees from the Custodial Group and forward them to NNPR. There is no fee for the Custodial Permit.

Group Size

Group size is limited to 12 people. This does not include the guides provided by the licensed guiding and outfitting company.

Licensed Guiding and Outfitting Companies

The park website, www.pc.gc.ca/nahanni, contains links to the commercial guiding and outfitting companies that are licensed to operate within NNPR.

For additional information, please contact us.