Look no further: Territorial parks and campgrounds in the Northwest Territories will provide you with all the water adventures you can imagine — from idyllic riverside campsites and breathtaking views of glittering lakes to spectacular waterfalls.
You’ll find most territorial parks are open from mid-May to mid-September. But make sure to plan your visit ahead — and you can book your campsite online here.
Make plans to stay for a night or a week— and have a splash:
You won’t need to bring a white noise machine when you visit the Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park, located near Enterprise. That’s because the comforting sounds of the Twin Falls, Alexandra Falls and Louise Falls, will lull you to sleep.
Alexandra Falls is a booming 10-storey spillover on the Hay River, where a daredevil once kayaked over in 2003 — and lived to tell the tale. But, no worries — you can safely descend a spiral staircase to the base of the falls. From there, it’s an easy hike of about three kilometres (under two miles) to the gentler Twin, the Louise Falls. Interpretive displays along this trail provide information about the falls’ spiritual significance. The Dene people regard the Twin Falls as the sacred resting place of two spirits, a grandmother and grandfather, who continue to protect the land and ensure people respect creation.
Long Lake
If you’re looking for a park with great swimming and beach access, simply head to Fred Henne Territorial Park on the shores of Long Lake in Yellowknife. You can book a campsite on a high rocky outcrop with a stellar view of Long Lake, while only a few kilometres of trail (or a quick drive) will take you back into Yellowknife.
In late July, Long Lake also plays host to the rollicking Folk on the Rocks music festival. Its unique mix of Canadian musical acts is split between northern artists and those from South of Sixty. In between performances, there are plenty of delicious eats on-site, or you can take a refreshing dip in Long Lake’s cool, clean waters. The festival culminates with a giant drum dance under the midnight sun, led on by the YK Dene Drummers. But the lake remains a perfect retreat all summer long, a place where you can see boaters, water skiers and maybe play a volleyball game or two.
The Mackenzie River
Once dubbed “The Fort of the Forks” by the Hudson’s Bay Co., Fort Simpson, or Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ as it is traditionally known, overlooks the meeting of the mighty Liard and Mackenzie rivers. Just downstream of the confluence, in a shady glade of aspens, lies the placid Fort Simpson Territorial Park, which offers many excellent opportunities for observing nature, including a variety of plants, and birds.
This is a great location for bird-watching, so remember to bring your binoculars along. Many different species of birds have been documented in the Snye, a shallow wetland ecosystem located between the main portion of Fort Simpson and the southern shoreline of the river. There, you’ll spot migratory waterfowl such as tundra swans and snow geese in season. A trail with interpretative signage that crosses over a 152-metre (500 ft) floating bridge provides easy access to prime viewing areas. As well, operators offer tours by foot, canoe and air of this entire area and its many attractions.
lady evelyn falls
Lady Evelyn Falls Territorial Park, located not far from the Dene village of Kakisa, it features 23 powered campsites, and a close-up view of a giant cascade where the Kakisa River washes over a limestone escarpment in Lady Evelyn Falls’ truly spectacular 17-metre-high curtain of water.
From the park’s parking lot, a short trail leads to the falls, where a staircase will take you down to the base of the falls. There, fish abound in the frothy pools. Northern pike, Pickerel, Walleye and Arctic Grayling can be caught by casting with small spoons or spinners into the pools at the base of the falls. And, while you’re bringing the catch in, enjoy the rainbows produced by the play of the waterfall mist and sunlight.
Hay River Beach
Hay River beach, which many refer to as the best beach in the North, sprawls along Great Slave Lake just in front of the town of Hay River, which also boasts one of the best golf courses in the North and the headquarters of Buffalo Airways, which flies a fleet of classic aircraft.
The Hay River Territorial Park is perfectly located by the beach. A constant supply of driftwood washes up on the shore, providing you with a place to hang your towel after you’ve gone for a dip. You’ll enjoy miles of sandy dunes stretching out along Great Slave Lake, which are ideal for strolling. More than 30 powered campsites beckon you to stay the night.
The liard River
If riverside views are what you’re after, head to Blackstone Territorial Park on the banks of the Liard River, a short boat ride to Nahanni Butte and the South Nahanni River. This campground on the edge of Nahanni National Park Reserve is an essential stop on a Dehcho Region road trip as well as an excellent starting or ending point for canoeists, boaters or anglers.
Located at the convergence point of three rivers — the Peace, Liard and Mackenzie — Blackstone has long served as a vital transportation route and hunting and fishing area for the Dene in the Dehcho Region. The Liard River, an important watershed in the NWT, continues to support many species of fish and other aquatic life and provides communities with sustenance and cultural connections. You can learn more about the Dehcho region and First Nations history of the area at Blackstone’s interpretive centre, which provides displays and video information.
sambaa deh falls
Roaring directly beneath the Mackenzie Highway not far from the community of Jean Marie River, the Sambaa Deh Falls gets deserved attention from motorists. You can’t miss the falls, its impressive gorges and rushing gauntlet of fast-moving water. The falls’ waters roar into a mini gorge with bends, then open up into a fan. No wonder the Trout Rapids at the Sambaa Deh Falls are rated a Class V on the International Scale of River Difficulty.
But the nearby Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park offers a peaceful, spruce-shrouded oasis. And if you take a stroll 1.5 km down-stream you’ll come to Coral Falls, calmer falls that you’ll likely have all to yourself. Along the way you may spot ancient fossils, testimony to the falls’ long geological history.
Ingraham Trail lakes
The Ingraham Trail stretches out from Yellowknife, linking together glittering waterways which can serve as a launching point for extended canoe trips into the surrounding lake systems. As you follow the highway, you’ll find beautiful campgrounds, boat launches and swimming access at Prelude Lake and Reid Lake parks as well as day use swimming and boating areas at the Yellowknife River, Madeline Lake, Pontoon Lake, Prosperous Lake, Powder Point and Cameron River Crossing territorial parks.
From Powder Point and Cameron River parks you can head to Hidden Lake Park, a natural 3.000-hectare (11.6 square-mile) backcountry park which can only be accessed by hiking and/or paddling, depending on the route. On a sunny day the lake appears aquamarine in colour, and fish can be spotted swimming in its crystal-clear water. The Cameron Falls Trail access route offers easy to moderate route options through a forested trail to Cameron Falls. From above the falls, you’ll find a trail leading to Hidden Lake Park.
The Slave River
The friendly town of Fort Smith is located at a historic portage around the wild Slave River Rapids. For most of its length, the broad Slave River meanders over the boreal plains, sliding leisurely toward Great Slave Lake. At the NWT border, it transforms into world-class rapids, with waves as tall as houses, dizzying whirlpools and gushing channels. Visitors can watch the rapids at various lookouts along the shore, or they can get a feel for the river’s incredible might by attending the annual Slave River Paddlefest.
From the Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park on the riverbank, you can wander along forested trails to see rare white pelicans feeding and breeding on mid-river islands in the rapids..
Paddling in the North is a time-honoured practice. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’re finally tackling your dream canoe trip, learn from the experience of countless generations with the 7 top tips for an unforgettable NWT paddling experience.
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