This park has a scenic picnic area overlooking the beautiful Hay River, plus nine non-powered campsites nestled amongst birch and aspen trees. Entering the Northwest Territories from Alberta, the friendly staff at the 60th Parallel are available to welcome you. The Visitor Information Centre is open from mid-May to mid-September. Brochures, maps, fishing licences, camping permits, pay phone, drinking water, washrooms and fresh coffee area available. Aboriginal arts and crafts are on display in the centre. Audiovisual presentations depict the Northern way of life and what you might expect to see on your travels in the Northwest Territories.

With capacity for 25 people who may want to spend the night, come experience the amazing people and sites of the community at the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Cultural Tourism Centre. There is a central kitchen, sauna, five cabins heated by propane, five canvas tents heated by wood stove, solar panels to help power the facilities and a gazebo where visitors can warm up by a fire. A shuttle service to the site, located near the Fort Simpson ski hill, will be offered from the band office starting at 11:30am

Canoe North, located in Hay River, Northwest Territories, offers kayak and canoe rentals and sales. The company can arrange self‑guided trips on a number of northern rivers as well as on Great Slave Lake. Situated just 40 km from the source of the Mackenzie River, it provides access to one of the North’s premier paddling experiences. Several shorter but equally beautiful routes around the Hay River area are also available. Canoe North has been operating for more than a decade and is ready to support you with all of their canoe and kayak needs.

Castaway Cottages and Campgrounds was developed with you in mind. We are here to make your northern experience once in a life time. We offer cottages that can accommodate up to 5 and a beautiful lake front campground. Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience viewing the amazing Aurora Borealis or looking for world-class fishing? Here at Castaways Cottages, you will have an experience you will not forget. 100% locally owned aboriginal business, we are a proud supporter of our local cultural events with a strong emphasis on showcasing traditional aboriginal culture.

We are proud of our experienced pilots and our top priority is always your safety and comfort. We invite you to fly with us to a corner of the Northwest Territories that few people know, yet which has some of the most awesome scenery on the continent. Wherever you choose to fly, South Nahanni Airways promises you a truly unforgettable experience at a reasonable rate. As we say up here, Mahsi Cho (thank you)!

Extend your trip to Fort Simpson with a visit to our Dene Camp, K’iyeli. We have options available for an afternoon, or overnight experience. You will learn about the people who have lived in the territory for thousands of years, staying near the old Fork of the Forks which was established in 1803 by the North West Company. You will learn about our history and culture and get a chance to try our traditional food and Dene games.

Simpson Air (and its predecessor) is the oldest continuously-operated flying service in the Mackenzie Valley, established in the early 1960s. Air charters and flightseeing tours are our specialty. We also provide lodging services through Nahanni Mountain Lodge for overnight or extended stays. Visit our website for more information.

Nahanni Parks Canada Office in Fort Simpson supports the protection and management of Nahanni National Park Reserve. Staff provide visitor information, permits, and guidance on trails, camping, and backcountry travel. They also share knowledge about the park’s history, wildlife, and conservation. The office works with partners to protect ecosystems and cultural sites, serving as a key hub for exploring and preserving this iconic wilderness.

The Fort Simpson Visitor Information Centre has all the info you need to enjoy your visit. Staff will happily escort you on a walking tour of the community, pointing out the historical and cultural significance of Fort Simpson’s many sights. Inside you will find cultural exhibits showcasing the history of the region and the Dene people, as well as a selection of arts and crafts made by local artists of the Dehcho region available for purchase. Stop by and say hello as you explore Fort Simpson.

This manicured nine-hole course follows the curvaceous contours of Hay River’s namesake river. Grassy and aspen-shrouded, it’s a duffer’s delight. There’s also a driving range, walking trails, and a beautiful log clubhouse with a deck overlooking the water – a great place to spend the afternoon even if golf isn’t your game.

Located alongside the Hay River, as you head onto Vale Island, Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to come for local arts and crafts, market-garden produce, and fresh-caught Great Slave Lake fish – or simply to sit in the sunshine and people-watch. It operates on Saturdays in summer from 10 am to 2 pm. The fresh, fried fish served up at the market is legendary throughout the Northwest Territories and shouldn’t be missed.

Located in Hay River’s Old Town, this museum occupies the community’s former Hudson’s Bay store, built in 1949. 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. All summer long, tables are set up with art supplies and visitors can paint a rock, fish or bird house. When you visit our museum, one of our staff will provide a friendly relaxed tour of our old hotel building, zoo and all the outdoor exhibits.

One of the first stops you should make when you arrive in beautiful Hay River is the Visitor Information Centre. Here you will find knowledgeable staff eager to help you. They will have local knowledge about the Town and surrounding region as well as current information on what is happening in the ‘'Hub of the North’. If you are travelling by camper make this your first and last stop in our area to top up your water tank and drain your septic tank. Don’t forget to browse through our artisan shop, which features art made by local artists. There is free WiFi if you need to look up information or send a message to those back home.

Located in the heart of Denendeh’s Dehcho Region, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ means “The Place Where the Rivers Come Together” in Dene Zhatie. This sacred place is where our people have gathered for generations—where stories are shared, traditions are passed on, and the land continues to nourish our way of life. Rooted in Dene values and principles, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation is dedicated to the stewardship of our traditional lands and the well-being of our people. We honour the teachings of our ancestors while supporting a strong and healthy future for generations to come.

Built in 1936, this one-and-a-half story squared-log dwelling overlooks the Ehdaa Historic Site and Papal Flats in Fort Simpson. The house is located at the southern edge of the original Hudson’s Bay Company compound, boasting a beautiful view of the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers – a key trade transportation route for many centuries. An excellent example of Métis architecture and the fur-trade heritage of the community, the McPherson House also sits on grounds comprising a multi-component stratified archaeological site. Upper layers suggest that the Hudson’s Bay Company used this area for the construction of York Boats, while lower strata indicate use by Indigenous groups dating centuries before contact with European traders.

Festive sounds of celebration and solemn whispers of prayers have been heard seasonally at Ehdaa since oral tradition began for the Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ Dene. For centuries Dene have gathered at this site, located on inviting, low-lying flat land on the southwestern end of Fort Simpson Island, near the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers. Groups would journey here as part of their seasonal travels in order to strengthen and renew social and spiritual ties. Land use was allocated by the Elders, coming of age ceremonies were held, marriages were performed, disputes were settled, goods, knowledge and techniques were traded and games were played. Spiritual healing ceremonies, such as the drum dance, were practiced as well. Today, the site remains an important location to the local Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ Dene, who continue to visit this sacred ground, holding seasonal celebrations at the Drum Circle, honoring their connection to the land and their culture.

Golf under the midnight sun at this beautiful, grassy, 9-hole golf course. Within easy walking distance of downtown Fort Simpson, the Seven Spruce Golf Course features rolling fairways, a relaxing clubhouse, and laid-back vibes. The course is built, maintained and regularly enjoyed by locals. You can rent some clubs if you didn’t bring your own, or just put your feet up and enjoy some hot food, cold drinks and great conversation on the clubhouse’s sunny deck.

The Escarpment Creek Group Campground, located in Twin Falls Territorial Park, is a group campsite available for private rentals only. Guests who reserve can enjoy the exclusive use of 12 powered campsites, a group fire pit area with seating, outhouse, and potable water. This park is a lovely group camping destination for large groups of RV campers. There are no shower facilities at the park, but guests are welcome to use the facilities at the Louise Falls Campground. 

A mandatory stop on the drive North of 60, this booming 10-storey spillover on the Hay River is the centerpiece of Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park, not far from Enterprise. Shockingly, in 2003, an American daredevil kayaked over the falls – and lived. This is a dramatically beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic, take a 3 KM stroll to nearby Louise Falls, or just take in this magnificent waterfall from two viewing platforms. Interpretive displays along the trail provide historical information about the area, including the falls’ spiritual significance to the Dene people who regarded the Twin Falls as the sacred resting place of two spirits – Grandmother and Grandfather. The couple are said to remain here until the falls disappear, protecting the land and ensuring people respect creation. The day-use area here has picnic facilities, kitchen shelters, tables, drinking water, outhouses and, of course, ready access to the sights and sounds of the waterfalls.

Situated along the fast-flowing Liard River, Blackstone Territorial Park is a popular destination for anglers, canoers, and power boaters. A trip along the Liard Trail to this park promises spectacular scenery rich in historical significance, alive with abundant wildlife, and framed by stunning mountain views,

The on-site Visitor Information Centre has very knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you make the most of your time in the area. The campground features 19 non-powered campsites, washrooms, showers, drinking water, firewood, a kitchen shelter, picnic areas, helpful staff and an intriguing interpretive centre. There’s also a furnished cabin with a woodstove in the park that can be rented.

Enjoy great fishing, bison and bird watching, and take advantage of the services available in nearby historic Fort Providence, featuring visitor services, tours, fishing, groceries, a motel and restaurant. The campground is on the north bank of the Mackenzie River, only 2 KM off Highway 3. There are 42 powered campsites, washrooms, drinking water, firewood, a kitchen shelter and a picnic area.

Located on Vale Island in Hay River, (follow the signs; it’s about 10 KM past the information centre), this park offers fantastic swimming on the sandy shores of Great Slave Lake, unique views of barges and fishing vessels plying the waters, and great opportunities to fish for Northern Pike. The campground has over 60 powered campsites with nearby wilderness and modern amenities.

This idyllic park overlooks the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard rivers, yet is within easy walking distance of the centre of town. Adjoining it are the Papal Site commemorating the 1987 visit of Pope John Paul ll and the ancient Ehdaa Historical Site, which has been a gathering place for the Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ Dene for generations. This is a great location for bird-watching; dozens of species have been documented throughout the park, and migratory waterfowl can easily be spotted in season, including tundra swans and snow geese. You can also enjoy the chorus of frogs serenading the northern wildlife. A community trail is readily accessible from the park’s campsites and runs around the perimeter of Fort Simpson, linking several historic sites.

Take a break to enjoy a picnic or spend the afternoon fishing (in season, of course) along the fast-moving Kakisa River at this quaint territorial park. Amenities include washrooms, a boat launch and a picnic/day-use area. Watch for trophy Grayling, too One of the iridescent northern fish’s favourite spawning tributaries is the Kakisa River, and Great Slave Lake is home to the current world record for Arctic Grayling. Visitors to this territorial park can also hike the trail to Lady Evelyn Falls, where the Kakisa River drops off a limestone ledge, creating a frothing pool of trophy catches leaping and spinning through the air while fishers cast their lines.

Reach the park from Kakisa, which is at the end of a 13 KM detour from Highway 1, approximately two hours from the Alberta border or an hour-and-a-half from Hay River.

Make the trip to see Lady Evelyn Falls Territorial Park, a road-accessible destination just outside the little village of Kakisa, even if you don’t plan to camp overnight. The Kakisa River is a warm and boulder-strewn waterway with many lovely spots for wading and swimming. The fishing is also excellent – Northern Pike, Pickerel and Arctic Grayling can be caught by casting small spoons into the pools at the base of the falls.

But Lady Evelyn Falls is really the star attraction. It occurs where the Kakisa River jumps off an ancient coral reef, forming a crescent-shaped, 17-metre-high curtain of spray. A staircase leads into the gorge at the base of the falls. There are 23 powered campsites in the territorial park, plus washrooms and showers, a kitchen shelter, drinking water, firewood, interpretive displays and helpful staff. From the Mackenzie Highway, an access road leads 7KM south to the park. From the parking lot, a short trail leads to Lady Evelyn Falls.

A 4KM day-hike downriver from Alexandra Falls – or upriver from Enterprise – is where you’ll find this 15-metre-high cataract in the Hay River Canyon. It’s here that Louise Falls can be viewed from one of the finest (and most popular) campgrounds in the Northwest Territories. Together, Alexandra and Louise Falls make up Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park – a dramatically beautiful place to enjoy a picnic and stroll the paths. To get a little closer to Louise Falls, walk down the spectacular winding spiral staircase that leads to the river below and the bottom of the falls. Interpretive displays along the trail between Louise and Alexandra falls provide historical information about the area, and explain the cultural significance of the falls.

The McNallie Creek Territorial Park Day Use Area offers a small picnic spot with a short trail leading to the magnificent 17-metre McNallie Creek Falls. Recently rebuilt, the site now features an upgraded viewing platform and improved trail access. McNallie Creek is an ideal place for a short walk to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the surroundings natural beauty.

A beloved attraction in the Dehcho, Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park is a must-see for any visitors travelling on Highway 1. Most visitors stop to photograph the roadside Sambaa Deh Falls, where the Trout River surges through a limestone slot and over a dazzling drop, but there’s plenty more to see if you follow the network of trails that trace the canyon rim. Take a stroll 1.5-kilometres upstream and you’ll arrive at the beautiful Coral Falls, named for the numerous coral fossils still found in the area. Downstream, meanwhile, the path will take you to the water, where you’ll find stellar fishing for Arctic Grayling and Pickerel. The river here was a traditional transportation route before and during the fur trade. The falls forced travellers to portage around this dangerous stretch of water. Today, the park and campground contains hiking and walking trails, a viewing platform overlooking and 20 non-powered camping sites with washroom facilities.

The park has three main areas, located between the Mackenzie Highway and the Hay River, and linked together by a beautiful and dramatic trail: Alexandra Falls Day Use Area, Louise Falls Campground & Day Use Area, and the Escarpment Creek Group Campsite. They are well signposted on the highway heading either north from the Alberta border or south from Enterprise. Twin Falls park offers excellent day-trip facilities for activities such as viewing the waterfalls, trail walking, or picnicking; a fully serviced campground for a longer stay; and a partially serviced group camping area at Escarpment Creek. The fully serviced campground is at Louise Falls, in the centre of the park, making the features at Alexandra and Escarpment easy to access and enjoy. Just the Hay River Canyon by itself is a spectacular sight, cut deep by a river with water the same honey colour as the steep rock walls to either side.