What to do in Norman Wells
Norman Wells is an historic town of about 650 nestled between the Mackenzie River and the Franklin Mountains. Its traditional name, Tlegohli means “Where There is Oil,” which makes sense given the town of Norman Wells was established in 1920 with a small oil refinery. As the largest town in the Sahtu, Norman Wells is the governmental, industrial and transportation hub of the region and the place to launch innumerable Sahtu adventures.
camp out
If you’re looking to maximize your time outdoors while staying in the rugged Sahtu wilderness, book a campsite at MacKinnon Territorial Park. Located right on the banks of the Mackenzie, this park provides you with excellent views of the river and across to the Mackenzie Mountains and the start of the Canol Trail.
If you prefer sleeping indoors, there are three hotels in Norman Wells, the Yamouri Inn, Heritage Hotel and the Mackenzie Valley Hotel.
Take in some history
Norman Wells features not one but two great museums. Check out the Norman Wells Historical Society to learn about the town, the construction of the Canol Trail, unique fossils found in the area and local Sahtu Dene crafts. And for the aviation fans in the house, the Historical Aviation Museum is a must-see. Learn about the early pilots and planes that helped open up the whole region.
Dig for fossils
Head to the aptly named Fossil Canyon and you never know what you’ll find! Stroll along the shore of the river and keep a close eye on the ground. There could be mementos and evidence of life in the Sahtu long before people inhabited the town of Norman Wells.
Hit the links
Whether you want to work on your swing or your short game, head to Ptarmigan Ridge Golf Course. This four-hole course (soon to be expanded to six) is conveniently located next to the Heritage Hotel, right on the banks of the Mackenzie.
Hike the Canol
The Canol Trail, at 371 km / 231 miles long, is Canada’s longest hike and one of North America’s toughest, most satisfying backpacking adventures. If you’re looking for a bucketlist-level trek, this is it. It’ll take you about three weeks, traversing mountains, rivers, Second World War relics, incredible wildlife including Grizzlies and Dall’s sheep, and so much more.
If your trip doesn’t allow for a three-week hiking adventure, guides in town can set you up with a day-hike out in the Franklin Mountains where you’ll gaze down on an ancient seabed and be home in time to sleep in your cozy hotel.
See Carcajou Falls
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Canol Trail is the incredible scenery you’ll come across. Places that evoke adventure and curiosity at the mere mention of their names: Camp Canol, Dodo Canyon and Carcajou Falls. But what if you want to see all these places without walking around for three weeks with 50 lbs. of gear on your back? Luckily for you, Norman Wells, is the aviation hub of the Sahtu and offers the best flightseeing tours in the region. In the span of as little as 90 min, you can check off all these gems of the Mackenzie Mountains. Just don’t forget your camera.
Norman Wells is a town with a unique history and vibrant culture, surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Sahtu region. No matter what your interest is, you’ll find unforgettable things to do in Norman Wells.
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.
Every community across the NWT has its own timeless history of storytelling through art. Read more to learn what makes each practice unique and where you can find authentic Indigenous art from artists across the territory.
Intriguing tales from Canada's Northwest Territories
Member
Red Cliff Adventures has a traditional camp that is located in Lutsel K’e, on the shores of the East Arm,......
Member
What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......
Member
Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......
Member
We are the Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ got’ine. People of the community of Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́, “the place where rivers come together”, in......
Member
Tundra North Travel is an Inuit company based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories that was established with the dream of being......
Member
With over 30 years of living in Yellowknife, we offer a variety of tourism experiences for our guests. We are......
Member
Commercial air charter service providing air support for hikers on Canol Road, sightseeing in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains, and fly-in fishing......
Member
Best Northern Road Trip! Now you can drive all the way to the Arctic ocean linking Canada from coast to......
Member
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 […]...
Member
For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......
Member
Comfortable lodge a 20 minute by floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Guided fishing for Lake Trout (to 34 lb), Arctic Grayling (to......
Member
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 […]...
Member
Join us for an unforgettable experience on the mighty Mackenzie River. Day trips are available for a full or half......
Member
We are an Inuvialuit owned and operated family business, run by locals Enoch and Amanda Pokiak, based in Inuvik in the Western......
Member
Remote private wilderness paradise on Little Doctor Lake, 100 km west of Fort Simpson. Accommodates 20 in cabins. Fishing, swimming,......
Member
Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......
Member
2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......
Member
Aurora Village – A Class of Its Own Aurora Village is a unique Aurora-viewing facility situated 25 minutes from downtown......
Member
Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......
Member
For over 50 years, Black Feather has had the opportunity to operate canoe, hiking and sea kayaking expeditions throughout the......
Member
Tukto Lodge has been exceeding anglers’ expectations for more than fifty years. As the only fishing and eco-tourism lodge in......
Member
Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......
Member
“Unforgettable remote fishing experience” We are the only lodge located on this fly-in only lake. With only 8 guests per......
Member
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....
Member
Gana River Outfitters is a family owned and operated outfitting business offering remote wilderness hunts in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains......
Member
Outfitting to all of us is a way of life, one that we cherish because we love to hunt, love the......
Member
Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge provides you access to known waters teeming with monster lake trout. Their current record is a......
Create your own story. We offer a variety of services to make your Sahtu adventure a reality! We offer everything from......
Book this entire cabin in the remote wilderness of the stunningly breath-taking, Mackenzie Mountains. This cabin is hands down the......
Pehdzeh Ki First Nation is located in the community of Wrigley, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are a Designated Authority in......
Welcoming and friendly with a rustic charm and all modern conveniences, Grey Goose Lodge immediately catches your eye as you......
For 35 years, Sambaa K’e has offered world-class fishing on Trout Lake just north of the Northwest Territories-British Columbia border.......
Fishing and Barrenlands wildlife photography, including migrating caribou, at the Obstruction Rapids in the central Barrenlands north of Yellowknife....
To truly experience the Northwest Territories, take your camping gear for a highway driving adventure! Long ribbons of road without......
Remote naturalist’s lodge snuggled in the Mackenzie Mountains, in the largest mountain wilderness in North America. Located along the Canol......
Member
Beaufort Sea Adventures is a family-owned and Indigenous-operated business, proudly offering Arctic experiences in Tuktoyaktuk. Our family lives and breathes the North, giving us a unique insight into the hidden gems that make Tuktoyaktuk truly special. We offer guests an authentic cultural immersion, sharing our Inuvialuit heritage, stories, and deep connection to the land and […]...
