Skip to main content

Find out more about the wildfire and wildfire-related concerns in the NWT.

Home Story Wrigley Calling: Drive the North’s Unsung Highway
Wrigley Calling view

Wrigley Calling: Drive the North's Most Unsung Highway

Here’s why to roll to Wrigley on the scenic Heritage Route

The Northwest Territories has a number of famous drives – the fabled Dempster Highway, the legendary ice road to the diamond mines, or Highway 5 through Canada’s largest protected area, Wood Buffalo National Park.

But there’s one stretch of rambling road that nearly no one ever drives – and that’s both a blessing and a shame, because it’s one of the wildest, most compelling routes in the North.

Called the Heritage Route, it’s technically the final stretch of Highway 1, linking the hub of the Dehcho region, Fort Simpson, to the tiny, rustic village of Wrigley in the shadow of the Franklin Mountains.

The Heritage Route is a dusty, lonesome, soulful drive – perfect for escapists seeking the freedom of the open road and looking to experience the true flavour of the untamed North.

This 220-kilometre route was the last public highway to open in the Northwest Territories, back in 1994. It was meant to run down the Mackenzie Valley clear to the Dempster, linking up our southern and northern road systems.

But the wallet and the will were lacking, so the road dead-ended at Wrigley – and there, for now, it remains.

You could get from Fort Simpson to Wrigley and back in a long day of driving – but why rush it? The trip is bliss, and should be savoured.

Wrigley Calling

It begins by slicing through the boreal woodlands along the southwest bank of the Mackenzie River. Slowly, in the distance, you begin to catch glimpses of the Mackenzie Mountains that rise beyond Camsell Bend.

Then, at the N’Dulee Crossing, you hop the river by ferry. The spunky little MV Johnny Berens plies the Mackenzie daily from late May until early October, operating from 9-11 each morning and again in the afternoon from 2-8 p.m. (In winter, travelers cross on the ice.)

After traversing to the east bank, the rolling hills begin. Ridgetop vantage points are numerous, offering big views of the Mackenzie River and the Franklin Range. The bridge over Willowlake River is the second longest in the Northwest Territories. Bears, moose and other roadside creatures are common.

When you finally roll into Wrigley, you’ll find the community perched on a high bluff overlooking the Mackenzie, with the rumpled Franklin Range at its back door and the great Mackenzie Mountains rising to the west.

wrigley

Home to the Dene First Nation of Pehdzeh Ki, this is the northernmost town in the Dehcho region, with just 130 residents dwelling in a scenic, serene scattering of log cabins.

There’s one store, a health centre, a two-person RCMP detachment, a small school that goes up only to ninth grade, and the adorable Church of the Holy Heart of Mary. A community campground is being developed.

What Wrigley lacks in cosmopolitan splendour it makes up for in rich culture and easy access to the great outdoors.

Slavey is the language of everyday life here. Locals spend their time much as their ancestors did for millennia – hunting in the hills, fishing the lakes, travelling the river, fur-trapping, and gathering the fruit of the land.

Church of the Holy Heart of Mary

The settlement got its start back in 1817, when trading posts began cropping up in the area, including Fort Alexander, Fort of the Small Rapid, and Fort Wrigley. In 1965, due to the swampy conditions at Fort Wrigley, the government relocated locals 16 kilometres up the Mackenzie to the present site of Wrigley.

Pehdzeh Ki means “the place where the rock goes into the water” — an apt name for this setting. Just above the town is the confluence of the Wrigley River. Downstream, at the base of a cliff, is the Roche qui trempe a l’eau sulphur springs. In back of the community is 1,228-metre Cap Mountain, the highest peak in the Franklin Range.

Outdoor activities are within easy reach: camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing, rafting and nature watching.

Or you could just kick back and relax, doing absolutely nothing. The beauty, the peace and quiet, the magic of the place – it’s certainly worth the drive.

Enoch Pokiak_Region_Western Arctic_Polar Pack Arctic Adventures_Aurora_Witner_2024_2

Winter Package – Northern Lights Tour

Polar Pack Arctic Adventures

Activities

Aurora Aurora Day Trips Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean Nature and Wildlife Road Tours Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Experience the Northern Lights on the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Join us for a breathtaking tour along the stunning Mackenzie River, where we embark on an adventure to chase the mesmerizing northern lights. As we traverse the icy landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife! Tour Details: Time: 9 PM to […]...

Starting at

$550

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Ice Fishing Adventures _ Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventure_2

Trophy Ice Fishing Adventure- Great Slave Lake

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures

Activities

Fishing Fishing Day Trips Ice Fishing Inconnu Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities

The Big Lake is safe to travel January 1 and with the darkness of mid winter the Burbot are always on the menu. The sun is back end of February, March and April are prime time for big fish. We get to play outside all day and travel further out on the lake. Come explore […]...

$1,500

CAD + 5% GST + 1/2 Anglers
View this Package
Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventure_Ice Fishing_2025_2

Half Day & Full Day - Ice Fishing Experience

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures

Activities

Burbot Fishing Fishing Day Trips Ice Fishing Lake Trout Northern Pike Tours Whitefish Winter Activities

Join us on 1/2 Day and Full Day Ice Fishing Adventures for Northern Pike, Walleye and Whitefish on one of our local lakes, or match wits with a Trophy Lake Trout, Northern Pike or Inconnu on Great Slave Lake. Catch the morning bite or sleep in and join us at lunch or wait until dark […]...

Starting at

$750

CAD + 5% GST + Per 1-4 People
View this Package
Casting North Fly Fishing_Yellowknife_2025_Package 4

Boat Excursion Guided Fly Fishing, Full-Day or Half-Day

Casting North Fly Fishing Company

Activities

Fishing Fishing Day Trips Fly Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Whitefish

We are just a short drive to many of the lakes or rivers along the Ingraham Trail, making our half day trips the perfect fit if you’re just looking for a shorter trip or an evening outing. For folks who prefer a longer day on the water, our full day trips include a shore lunch […]...

Starting at

$400

CAD + 5% GST + 1-2 guests per boat
View this Package
Image related to Premium Indigenous Aurora & Culture Package (Winter & Summer) with Hotel

Premium Indigenous Aurora & Culture Package (Winter & Summer) with Hotel

North Star Adventures

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Aurora Day Trips City Tours Fall Aurora Ice Road Tours Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours Tours Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Experience the Aurora Borealis like never before with North Star Adventures. Our Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages in Yellowknife offer exclusive Aurora hunting tours, free professional photos, and local Indigenous knowledge. Book your unforgettable adventure today!...

Starting at

$1,589

CAD+ 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Nahanni, NWT, Canoe, Nahanni Park_2024_Nahanni River Adventures

Nahanni Canyons from Virginia Falls - 12 Day Rafting Trip

Nahanni River Adventures

Activities

Arctic Char Arctic Grayling Aurora Birding Boat Tours Camping Canoeing and Kayaking Experienced Paddling Fall Aurora Fishing Fly Fishing Hiking Tours Inconnu Lake Trout Nahanni to Dehcho Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Nature Tours Northern Pike Novice Paddling Paddling Rafting Road Trips Tours White Water

This trip takes you through some of the iconic features for which this historic river is renowned, including Canada's deepest canyons and Nailicho / Virginia Falls - twice the height of Niagara! Our Nahanni River 12-day trip covers the same distance as our seven day trip but allows more time for additional hiking and exploring, as well as savouring the beauty of the Nahanni Valley area because… why rush if you don’t have to?...

$10,595

CAD + 5% GST + $220.48 CAD National Park fees.
View this Package
A group of eight people standing in front of a plane with the backdrop the lake.

Canada North Experiences - Mackenzie Nahanni Expedition

North Star Adventures

Activities

Arts and Crafts Tours Aurora City Tours Cultural Demonstrations Flight Tours Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours On the Land Tours

Embark on the Mackenzie Nahanni Expedition, an unforgettable adventure through Canada’s Northwest Territories. Explore Yellowknife, the majestic Mackenzie River, and the stunning Nahanni National Park, all while immersing yourself in authentic Indigenous cultures. With comfortable accommodations and all-inclusive meals, this Indigenous-led tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and history. Book your Arctic Circle Adventure today—spaces are limited!...

Starting at

$10,995

CAD + 5% GST + Based on Double Occupancy
View this Package
Okpik Arctic Village_Western Arctic_Winter_2024_1

Great Northern Adventure Signature Package

Tundra North Travel

Activities

Arts and Crafts Tours Arts and Culture City Tours Cultural Demonstrations Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean Dogsledding On the Land Road Tours Road Trips Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities

Day 1 Meet your guide at the airport in Inuvik, collect your bags and start your adventure. You will experience a town tour of Inuvik, learning about the Northern community before we take you on a scenic ride along the Inuvik-Aklavik ice road to the small community of Aklavik. After a town tour of Aklavik, […]...

Starting at

$6,000

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Image related to Van Tour

Van Tour

Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ Tourism

Activities

City Tours Tours

Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Fort Simpson), “the place where the rivers come together” is a village on the Dehcho Region of Canada’s Northwest Territories. The community is located on an island where the Dehcho (Mackenzie River) and the Nácháh Dehé (Liard River) meet. Learn more with our van tour through Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́/Fort Simpson and showcasing the landmarks […]...

Starting at

$200

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Image related to Ultra 11 Day Winter Package

Ultra 11 Day Winter Package

Arctic Chalet Tours

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Dogsledding Nature and Wildlife Road Trips Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities

Discover the wonders of the Arctic Ocean, witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis far from city lights, and embark on thrilling adventures with dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing along breathtaking scenic trails! Day 1: We will meet you at the airport and shuttle you to the Arctic Chalet where you will check into your cozy cabin. […]...

Starting at

$4,875

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person (Double for single traveller)
View this Package
Artic Chalet_western Arctic_Dempster Highway_2025_Pic 3

Dempster Highway Tour

Arctic Chalet Tours

Activities

Arts and Culture Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean Nature and Wildlife Tours Western Arctic

The Dempster Highway is one of North America’s Top Ten Drives! Our package tours start and end in Dawson City. Flights between Dawson City and Whitehorse can be added on to your package. You will most likely travel with Olav, an experienced guide, who has lived and worked in the Arctic, has driven the highway […]...

Starting at

$2,550

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Bucket List Tours bus - Yellowknife

City Tour

Bucket List Tour Company

Activities

Arts and Culture City Tours Nature and Wildlife Road Tours Tours

Experience the amazing Yellowknife City Tour! With 7+ stops, there is something for everyone in Yellowknife! With so much to see and do, the Yellowknife City Tour offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Not only will you immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this northern gem, but you’ll also get […]...

$140

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Yellowknife City Tour + Nature's North Wildlife Gallery

Yellowknife City Tour + Nature's North Wildlife Gallery

Yellowknife Tours

Activities

City Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours

We live locally in Yellowknife and that makes a huge difference in understanding the history, local communities and landscape of Yellowknife. We have Cantonese, Mandarin and English-speaking tour guides. Immerse yourself in the rich northern culture of Yellowknife City with a comprehensive tour. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Legislative Assembly, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, and Frontier […]...

$130

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Casting North Fly Fishing_Yellowknife_2025_Package 1

Guided Float Tube Excursion with Fly Fishing

Casting North Fly Fishing Company

Activities

Fishing Fishing Day Trips Fly Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours Whitefish

Imagine floating along on a peaceful lake and casting a fly from the comfort of an inflatable float tube.  You and your guides will head out on the water in our fleet of Outcast Float Tubes for an experience you won’t soon forget. Half-day: $450 for up to 4 guests What we provide: Outcast Fish […]...

Starting at

$450

CAD + 5% GST + up to 4 guest
View this Package
Image related to Arctic Tours Canada

member icon Member
Arctic Tours Canada

Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......

A dancing green aurora captured by Sonny Aurora Tours in Yellowknife.

member icon Member
Sonny Aurora Tours

Day Trips Summer Winter

Join us on an Aurora hunting adventure. Our skilled tour guides know all the best places around Yellowknife to capture......

Trophy lake trout & northern pike fishing at Nonacho Lake NWT

member icon Member
Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures

Fishing Multi-day Trips Summer

Creating Memories for a Lifetime Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures offers trophy lake trout and northern pike fishing. Wildlife abounds at......

Image related to Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures

member icon Member
Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures

For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......

Destination NWT

member icon Member
Destination NWT Ltd.

Day Trips Northern Lights Winter

Destination NWT Limited is a tourism operator located in Yellowknife, Canada. DNWT specializes in outdoors adventures, aurora photography, and cultural experiences: Best rated Snowmobile Tour, winter gears included, exciting trail riding Aurora Tour in a Luxurious lakeside Lodge Unique Aurora tour while Ice Fishing indoors Full panoramic moonroof vehicle for Aurora Viewing DNWT’s tours allow […]...

Aurora Hunting Tour - North Star Adventures

member icon Member
North Star Adventures

Day Trips Indigenous Multi-day Trips Northern Lights Summer Winter

100% Indigenous owned!  Experience the spirit of the untamed Canadian north with a 100% Indigenous owned tour company. Journey with an Indigenous tour company that still lives by the traditions of our ancestors. Feel the heartbeat of the land as we share the stories, wisdom, and spiritual connections that have been passed down from generation to […]...

Yellow Dog Lodge aerial view among trees on a bright sunny day along the Duncan and Graham lakes in the Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc.

Multi-day Trips Northern Lights Summer

Yellow Dog Lodge is a comfortable lodge with 3 private cabins for our guests. The lodge is a short (15 minute) floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Located on Duncan and Graham Lakes, the lodge is your hub for adventure. Choose from an additional 5 lakes for guided day trip excursions. Each lake is unique and offers unspoiled first class fishing. We are the only lodge that operates guided trips on each of these remote lakes located in the NWT taiga wilderness. Packaged trips feature superb sport fishing and safe outdoor adventure. The lakes and streams offer the finest Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye and Arctic Grayling in the region. As an added bonus, our guests will enjoy the midnight sun and may even catch the northern lights later in the fall or early spring....

Hiking Yellowknife_2025_Yellowknife_Logo

member icon Member
Hiking Yellowknife

Day Trips Summer

Hiking Yellowknife offers authentic, guided hiking experiences in the heart of the Northwest Territories, providing adventure tourists, business travelers, and families with safe, customized, and informative outdoor excursions. With 20 years of local experience, the owner/operator delivers an unparalleled connection to the land, blending outdoor adventure with rich knowledge of the region’s natural and resource […]...

Aurora Viewing Cabins

member icon Member
Trail Blazer Tours

Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......

Trout Rock lodge aerial view in the summer time.

member icon Member
Enodah Wilderness Travel/ Trout Rock Lodge/Enodah Kennel

Enodah Wilderness Travel / Trout Rock Lodge/ Enodah Kennel offer high-quality Aurora viewing experiences by night and dogsled tours by......

Multi-layered Waterfall in Hay River with three people on a grey speed boat passing by in Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
2 Seasons Adventures

2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......

NWT Charter Services

member icon Member
NWT Charter Services

Northern Lights Summer Winter

Charter the bus. Tour the North. Explore more. Local tours, private transfers, and charter travel in Yellowknife! See below for some of our Local Tour options: Aurora Hunting (Bus or Private SUV) Aurora Viewing at Cabin and Teepee Sightseeing City Tours Bison & Wildlife Tours Waterfall & Nature Hiking Tours Art Gallery, Writing Cultural Tours  Multi-Night Aurora […]...

Northern Lights Tour_Yellowknife_Pic 4

member icon Member
Northern Lights Tour

Day Trips Fishing Northern Lights Summer Winter

Northern Lights Tours is an adventure-focused tour company dedicated to providing authentic experiences just like the locals do! Our expert guides will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis. We also offer thrilling snowmobiling and ice fishing trips, immersing you in the beauty of the Northwest […]...

Yellowknife Tours Spectacular Aurora green and purple in the sky in the NWT.

member icon Member
Yellowknife Tours

Northern Lights Summer Winter

Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......

Ena Lake Lodge and lake aerial view on a sunny day at the 60th Parallel with boats parked along shore.

member icon Member
Ena Lake Lodge

Ena Lake Lodge is a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive luxury fishing and outdoors experience in Northern Canada. Come and experience authentic fly-in......

Bluefish Outfitting beautiful sunny day three boats docked on the Great Slave Lake in Yellowknife Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Bluefish Outfitting

Fishing Summer Winter

With Bluefish Outfitting you’ll get an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Bluefish Outfitting offers personalized, guided fishing trips and boat tours on......

Narwal Northern Adventures voyageur canoe on Great Slave Lake

member icon Member
NARWAL Northern Adventures

Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......

The green aurora dancing in the sky above the Raven Tours cabin in Yellowknife, NWT in the winter.

Raven Tours

Raven Tours is a tour operator in Yellowknife, NT, Canada. We offer Aurora Viewing, Snowshoeing, and Hiking Tours. We hope to......

Jeep Gladiator under the blazing green northern lights in Yellowknife with Lonely Traveler.

Lonely Traveler

Our goal is to provide unique customized services for high-end customers. We excel at making personalized tours. You can see......

Sandy Point Wilderness Lodge by Gordon Lake on a sunny day in the Northwest Territories.

Sandy Point Wilderness Lodge

Exceptional fishing on Gordon Lake, 100 km northeast of Yellowknife. Fish for Lake Trout, up to to 56 lbs! Fly in by......

Pehdzeh Ki First Nations picture of picnic benches on a cloudy day in Wrigley with the Mackenzie mountain range in the background in the NWT.

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation is located in the community of Wrigley, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are a Designated Authority in......

Grey Goose Lodge exterior picture surrounded by trees and the Great Bear Lake at sunset in Deline in the Northwest Territories.

Grey Goose Tours & Lodge

Welcoming and friendly with a rustic charm and all modern conveniences, Grey Goose Lodge immediately catches your eye as you......

Image related to Northwest Territories Parks

Northwest Territories Parks

To truly experience the Northwest Territories, take your camping gear for a highway driving adventure! Long ribbons of road without......

Spectacular NWT </div> </div> </div> <!-- end .endo --> </div> <script> jQuery(document).ready(function(){ getReadingTime(); if($('.story-fullwidth section:first').hasClass('mediastack--hero') || $('.story-fullwidth section:first').hasClass('mediastack--video')) { $('#social01').css('display', 'none'); $('#social02').css('display', 'block'); }else{ $('#social01').css('display', 'block'); $('#social02').css('display', 'none'); } }); </script> </main><!-- /#main --> <section id=

© Northwest Territories Tourism 2026

Land Acknowledgement

Northwest Territories Tourism acknowledges that we are located in Chief Drygeese territory. From time immemorial, it has been the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and more recently, the homeland of the North Slave Métis Alliance. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of Inuit, First Nations, Metis, and all First Peoples of the NWT and Canada, whose presence and cultures continue to enrich our vibrant communities.