If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the histories and cultures of the North, the nearest museum is where the North’s rich culture and history come to life through informative displays and engaging tours.

There’s the Norman Wells Historical Centre in an old-time military Quonset hut, where you’ll learn of the scramble to build the Canol Pipeline through the untracked Mackenzie Mountains. Or the log-cabin museum in Colville Lake, housing the works of the village’s celebrated founder, the late priest, painter and bush pilot Bern Will Brown. Or the Northern Life Museum, the pride of Fort Smith. No matter where you turn, you’ll find Northerners are especially proud of their history and culture, and more than willing to share it with interested visitors.

The granddaddy of Northern museums, Yellowknife’s voluminous Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre has it all – from biplanes to gold-mining memorabilia to Dene mooseskin boats. In addition to all the exhibits there’s an interactive play area for kids (complete with a miniature trappers cabin), a scrumptious café upstairs, and, often, live performances and presentations.

In the heart of Fort Smith, the must-see Northern Life Museum showcases the area’s First Nations, Métis and Euro-Canadian heritage. It boasts a collection of some 10,000 items, including local man Frank Conibear’s famous trap, which revolutionized fur-harvesting, and the stuffed body of Canus, a whooping crane sire whose, um, efforts brought his species back from the brink of extinction in nearby Wood Buffalo National Park.

The most quaint museum in the Northwest Territories, this hand-built log structure in the tiny fly-in community of Colville Lake features paintings by famed local priest, pilot, and town-founder Bern Will Brown, as well as the North’s first snowmobile.

The lovingly curated Norman Wells Historical Centre in Norman Wells showcases the multifaceted events that shaped this region. Colourful military vehicles from the building of the legendary Canol Road sit bumper-to-bumper in the yard, while inside you’ll find memorabilia from the oil-boom nearly a century ago, displays on Mackenzie river shipping and barging, and much more.

Perched on the shores of Yellowknife’s Frame Lake, the igloo-shaped territorial assembly building is the North’s centre of power. Take a tour and you’ll get a peek at the stately assembly chamber; the ornate, diamond-tipped territorial mace; artworks by Group of Seven master A.Y. Jackson; plus exhibits capturing the dynamic political evolution of the Northwest Territories.

Located in Hay River’s Old Town, this museum occupies the community’s former Hudson’s Bay store, built in 1948. In it, you’ll find displays showcasing the various eras of the town’s history, as well as exhibits on Métis and K’atl’odeeche Dene culture.

The Northwest Territories is made spectacular by the thriving cultures, deep histories, and rich traditions of the people who call it home. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the authentic art and culture of the NWT on your visit through the North.

Read a kilometre-by-kilometre guide to the NWT’s best road trip routes to point you in the direction of iconic photo spots, thriving communities, and detours to truly spectacular landscapes and unique experiences – this place will change you.