National Parks and Territorial Parks in the Northwest Territories

Parks in the Northwest Territories range from territorial campgrounds along a road journey to remote national park reserves reached by air or water. Decide which kind of travel you want before comparing individual destinations on the map.

National parks, national park reserves and territorial parks have different operators and access arrangements. A convenient campground near Yellowknife and a river expedition in Nahanni cannot be planned with the same assumptions about transport or services.

Remote reserves need their own itinerary

Nahanni National Park Reserve is associated with the South Nahanni River, Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls) and mountain landscapes. Trips can involve river travel or flightseeing, with transport and support arranged in advance. Parks Canada requires an overnight trip reservation for Nahanni and Nááts'įhch'oh; consult the Nahanni guide before booking the journey.

Thaıdene Nëné National Park Reserve protects country where boreal forest and the barrens meet around Great Slave Lake. It is part of a wider Indigenous Protected Area with more than one management jurisdiction. Plan for the boundaries relevant to your route and follow the national park reserve's visitor information.

Territorial parks can anchor a road trip

Territorial parks provide another way to spend time outdoors, including day-use areas and campgrounds around established road routes. Fred Henne, Prelude Lake and Reid Lake are examples near the Yellowknife area. Use the NWT Parks directory to distinguish a day-use stop from a park offering overnight facilities.

Choose a campsite for the next day's activity and driving distance. Confirm water, powered-site requirements and seasonal operation rather than assuming every campground supplies the same services.

Make transport the first booking

For a remote trip, settle the entry point, return arrangements and weather allowance before booking inflexible onward travel. Ask which permits, registration steps and equipment your activity needs. A scenic flight and a multi-day river journey differ substantially in what you must bring and what happens if conditions change.

Respect the place behind the map label

These are Indigenous homelands as well as protected landscapes. Local communities and Indigenous governments play important roles in their care and in visitor experiences. Arrange community visits and local services with the appropriate hosts. A protected-area boundary does not make every nearby landing place or route freely available.