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Prelude Lake Territorial Park in the Northwest Territories

One of the most scenic trails in the Yellowknife area loops over granite hills and through woodlands as part of this popular vacation spot for NWT residents. The largest developed park on the Ingraham Trail, Prelude Lake Territorial Park offers a variety of facilities, including a sandy beach for swimming, a dock and boat launch, and boat rentals.

Prelude Lake itself is about 16 kilometres long and stretches east and west, forming part of the Cameron River system. There are several islands, and many pleasant places to fish for trout and pike here. There are also two magnificent trails in the park: one a short stroll to a panoramic view; and one a longer, interpretive hike.

Panoramic Trail offers an easy, well-marked half-kilometre walk (much of it on boardwalks) to two lookout points that provide splendid views of Prelude Lake. You can access this trail either from the boat launch parking area near the beach, or from the parking lot located between the boat launch and the campsites.

The Nature Trail forms a loop, passing through several natural zones that vary from loose sand to bedrock to muskeg and swamp, with an equally varied array of inhabitants. Follow a series of informative signs along the way, with pictures of some of the creatures that you may see, including squirrels, ruffed grouse, whiskey jacks, snowshoe hares and crossbills.

Prelude Lake Territorial Park is located 29 kilometres east of Yellowknife. Turn left onto the Prelude Lake access road from the Ingraham Trail and drive past the campground to the day-use area. There are 79 campsites to choose from – 67 non-powered and 12 tent sites. Be sure to pick up a trail guide when you arrive, available at the campground office.

Fort Providence Territorial Park

Enjoy great fishing, bison and bird watching, and take advantage of the services available in nearby historic Fort Providence, featuring visitor services, tours, fishing, groceries, a motel and restaurant. The campground is on the north bank of the Mackenzie River, only two kilometres off Highway 3. There are 21 powered campsites, washrooms, drinking water, firewood, a kitchen shelter and a picnic area.

Lady Evelyn Falls Territorial Park

Lady Evelyn Falls in Lady Evelyn Territorial Park in the Northwest Territories

Make the trip to see Lady Evelyn Falls Territorial Park, a road-accessible destination just outside the little village of Kakisa, even if you don’t plan to camp overnight. The Kakisa River is a warm and boulder-strewn waterway with many lovely spots for wading and swimming. The fishing is also excellent – Northern Pike, Pickerel and Arctic Grayling can be caught by casting small spoons into the pools at the base of the falls.

But Lady Evelyn Falls is really the star attraction. It occurs where the Kakisa River jumps off an ancient coral reef, forming a crescent-shaped, 17-metre-high curtain of spray. A staircase leads into the gorge at the base of the falls.

There are 23 powered campsites in the territorial park, plus washrooms and showers, a kitchen shelter, drinking water, firewood, interpretive displays and helpful staff. From the Mackenzie Highway, an access road leads 6.8 kilometres south to the park. From the parking lot, a short trail leads to Lady Evelyn Falls.

Little Buffalo River Falls Territorial Park

View of Little Buffalo Falls Territorial Park in the Northwest Territories

Devastated by a forest fire in 1981, Little Buffalo Falls Territorial Park is now, 40 years later, an ideal spot to observe the regeneration of nature in the north.

Relax by the Little Buffalo waterfalls, a narrow cascade that plunges to the basin below. Launch your canoe or kayak into the gorge below. This picturesque spot features six non-powered campsites, along with a playground, trails, interpretive displays and a kitchen shelter. A short distance from the site is the boat launch to the Little Buffalo River.

Little Buffalo Falls Territorial Park is just off the highway on the way from Hay River to Fort Smith. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-September.

Hay River Territorial Park

Located on Vale Island in Hay River, (follow the signs; it’s about 10 kilometres past the information centre), this park offers fantastic swimming on the sandy shores of Great Slave Lake, unique views of barges and fishing vessels plying the waters, and great opportunities to fish for Northern Pike. The campground has 35 powered campsites with nearby wilderness and modern amenities.

60th Parallel Territorial Park

The 60th parallel sign in the Northwest Territories

Adjacent to the visitor information centre, this park has a scenic picnic area overlooking the beautiful Hay River, plus seven non-powered campsites nestled amongst birch and aspen trees. Entering the Northwest Territories from Alberta, the friendly staff at the 60th Parallel are available to welcome you. The Visitor Information Centre is open from May 15 to September 15. Brochures, maps, fishing licences, camping permits, pay phone, drinking water, washrooms and fresh coffee area available. Aboriginal arts and crafts are on display in the centre. Audiovisual presentations depict the Northern way of life and what you might expect to see on your travels in the Northwest Territories.

Cameron Falls

For a pretty little hike through classic Northern shield-country, drive 45 kilometres east of Yellowknife to the Cameron Falls Trail. The path twists through evergreen forests, across boardwalks and over undulating outcrops until, 20 minutes later, you arrive atop a lookout facing the waterfall, where the Cameron River tumbles 17 metres down a slanting stone face. From here, you can continue upstream, where a bridge permits access to the far side, with excellent picnicking, fishing and (on hot days!) swimming at the base of the falls.

Sambaa Deh Trails

Samba Deh Falls in the Dehcho Region of the NWT

Gaze upon the mighty Sambaa Deh Gorge, which gapes where the Trout River slices through thick spruce woodlands, not far from the community of Jean Marie River. Most visitors stop here to photograph the roadside falls, where the river surges through a limestone slot and over a dazzling drop, but there’s plenty more to see if you follow the network of trails that trace the canyon rim.

Take a stroll 1.5-kilometres upstream and you’ll arrive at the beautiful Coral Falls, named for the numerous coral fossils still found in the area. Coral is a sweeter, shyer waterfall than Sambaa Deh Falls, and one that you’ll likely have all to yourself. Downstream, meanwhile, the path will take you down to the water, where you’ll find stellar fishing for Arctic Grayling and Pickerel. Please take care, because the rocks may be slippery when wet, and there are no fences.

Both the falls and trails are found within Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park, a must-see for any visitors that’s located at the junction of Highway 1 and the Trout River. This river was a traditional transportation route before and during the fur trade. The falls forced travellers to portage around this dangerous stretch of water.

Today, the park and campground contains hiking and walking trails, a viewing platform overlooking the gorge and 20 non-powered camping sites with washroom facilities.

Sambaa Deh Falls, gorge, trails, and Territorial Park are all located along Highway 1 between Fort Providence and Fort Simpson.

Twin Falls Gorge Trail

Perch yourself atop some of the best views in the territory by taking the Twin Falls Gorge Trail. Following the rim of the gorgeous Hay River Canyon, this easy eight-kilometre hike begins at the community of Enterprise and leads south through majestic boreal forest.

The path links together the three main destinations found within the marvellous Twin Falls Territorial Park. Hikers can take a dizzying spiral staircase down to the lip of Louise Falls’ cascading waters, and take in the awe-inspiring sight of the mammoth Alexandra Falls, where the trail reaches its end.

Along the route you’ll find interpretive signage, viewing platforms, campsites and day-use areas, sitting benches and, of course, incredible views of the yawning limestone chasm of Hay River Canyon.

Frame Lake Trail

Forming a seven-kilometre loop around the shores of Frame Lake in the heart of Yellowknife, the city’s favourite walking trail has a little of everything.

The eastern half of the loop is a paved, sedate urban path, leading you past architectural marvels such as the territorial Legislative Assembly, City Hall and the famous Prince of Wales museum, as well as the grassy picnic area of Somba K’e park.This is cyclist heaven weaving along the lake and in and out of Boreal Forest it is a great early morning ride.

The western half of the trail, however, is a taste of the Northern backcountry, allowing you to ascend rocky outcrops, cross black-spruce swampland (via convenient wooden boardwalks) and spy on local wildlife, including waterfowl, muskrats, foxes and even coyotes.

Although Frame Lake itself is not open for swimming or ice fishing, the frozen lake becomes a winter playground, cross-country skiers enjoy the groomed lake shore trails, and the city maintained skating rinks by Somba K’e park are the perfect spot for a lunch time hockey game or leisurely skate. The lake is also a hub for snowmobilers to access the many trail systems around the area.

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Prelude Lake Territorial Park