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.

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.

Dive into the rich history of the Northwest Territories’ capital at the Yellowknife Historical Museum and Interpretive Centre. Operated by the Yellowknife Historical Society, this vibrant museum brings the city’s fascinating past to life, showcasing stories of Indigenous traditions, sporting achievements, cultural milestones, geology, and mining heritage.

Explore four captivating collections featuring over 1,300 items, including archives and photographs, intriguing artifacts, dazzling rock and mineral specimens from the NWT, and impressive machinery and equipment that played pivotal roles in Yellowknife’s industrial and mining history. The archives include nearly 50 photographic collections and treasures from the Giant and Con Mines, making it a haven for history buffs and curious minds alike.

The museum’s exhibits celebrate local culture with displays highlighting Inuit and Dene games, hockey, dogsledding, and curling, along with an interactive play area designed especially for kids. After your visit, stop by the gift shop, brimming with handcrafted goods from talented local artists, or enjoy a meal at the Miner’s Mess, a cozy café serving lunch and dinner.

Discover the wonders of Northern wildlife at Nature’s North Wildlife Gallery, a must-see attraction in the heart of Yellowknife. Here, you’ll come face-to-face with lifelike displays of muskoxen, majestic caribou, and other iconic animals of the Northwest Territories. The collection also includes two rare “grolar” bears—a hybrid of polar bear and grizzly bear. Guided tours take you through the gallery’s exhibits and offer a behind-the-scenes peek into the taxidermy workshop, where you’ll learn how these animals are expertly brought to life.

The gallery is the passion project of Greg and Dean Robertson, two brothers whose craftsmanship captures the spirit and character of each animal in breathtaking detail. 

Importantly, none of the animals on display were hunted for the gallery. They were either harvested sustainably by Indigenous hunters to support Northern communities, died of natural causes, or were donated by the Government 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.