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 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES CANADA |
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Driving
North
Whether you travel
by car, motorhome or bus, we
offer an exciting journey
through unspoiled country. Try
the Mackenzie Highway, newly paved all the way to
Yellowknife, and stop to fish in the Hay River area. Or
choose the Deh Cho Route, the waterfall route to Fort
Simpson, gateway to Nahanni National Park, with
excellent camping along the highway. |
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DRIVETOUR COMMUNITIES NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
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DRIVETOUR COMMUNITIES NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
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Deh Cho means Big Riv-
er in the Slavey langu-
age. Rich in history,
culture and unmatched nature, the 'driveable'
portion of the Northwest Territories is a world
apart yet within reach total there are about
1800 km to explore.
| Sections of some
highways are paved, and other portions are well
maintained gravel surfaces (with dust control).
Highway 1 is the main entry route into the
southern NWT via Alberta. It winds its way west to
Fort Simpson, gateway to Nahanni National Park,
and Highway 7 takes travelers southwest into
British Columbia connecting with the Alaska
Highway. Highway 3 crosses the mighty Mackenzie
River and continues on to the capital city of
Yellowknife. East of Yellowknife is the Ingraham
Trail which is a 75 km road leading into a variety
of lakes, rivers and campgrounds popular with
locals and visitors. Highway 2 leads into the town
of Hay River on the south shore of Great Slave
Lake, and Highway 5 continues on into Wood Buffalo
National Park and the town of Fort Smith. There
are spectacular waterfalls found throughout the
region, wildlife encounters are frequent and there
are excellent campgrounds for those wanting to
take time to relax, fish and explore. Visitor and
mechanical services are available in the larger
communities, with fuel and groceries available in
most communities and truck stops along the
routes. 
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DRIVETOUR COMMUNITIES NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
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The Dempster Highway is
Canada's road to the top of the world, north of
the Arctic Circle. It passes through some of the
most beautiful and remote wilderness scenery in
North America. Starting just east of Dawson City
in the Yukon Territory, this unpaved, all
weather road | winds its
way north across the Arctic Circle into the
Northwest Territories, ending at km 736 at the
town of Inuvik. Services are limited to the
communities of Eagle Plains (halfway point), Fort
McPherson and at Inuvik. Carrying extra fuel and
spare tires are recommended. There are about a
dozen campgrounds along the Dempster. For those
looking for 'fall colours', Mid August into early
September is an excellent time to travel the
Dempster when the tundra is ablaze in colour. At
least a week is suggested to properly complete the
journey with time for exploring along the way,
visiting Inuvik and returning to Dawson.
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DRIVETOUR COMMUNITIES NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
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Exit Highway 1 at Enter-
prise and follow NWT Highway
2 to the bustling
| community of Hay River,
on the south shore of Great Slave Lake. There's a
beach and campsite for good swimming, canoeing,
fishing and boating. Hay River is also home to the
Xatl'odehchee Reserve and the Dene Cultural
Institute, and Hay River Missions Historic Site.
Just south of Hay River, Highway 2 meets Highway
5. Just east of Hay River, Highway 6 branches
north to Fort Resolution, oldest trade centre on
Great Slave Lake, which overlooks the Slave River
Delta. Services are limited, but there's great
fishing and boating on the Big Lake. Travelling
southeast on Highway 5, you pass through Wood
Buffalo National Park, where there are several
camping, swimming and scenic stop-offs. You can
also picnic at Little Buffalo River Crossing and
camp at Little Buffalo River Falls Park. At Salt
River, there are camping and hiking opportunities.
Queen Elizabeth Park is located on the edge of
Fort Smith, just a short hike from the legendary
Slave River Rapids. In Fort Smith itself, there's
lots to see and do, from visiting the Northern
Life Museum and Fort Smith Mission Historic Park
to hiking or kayaking those wild rapids. Check in
at the Wood Buffalo National Park Visitor Centre
for extensive information on this huge reserve and
its many lookouts, campsites, hiking trails, and
day-use areas.
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DRIVETOUR COMMUNITIES NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
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Leave Highway #1 at km 224,
where it meets Highway 3. Stop at Dory Point
day-use area on the bank of the Mackenzie River
to wait for the ferry and your eight-minute
crossing. Fort Providence Park, high on the
opposite bank near Fort Providence has good
camping facilities and boat rentals. In the
community of Fort Providence, shop for supplies
and Dene crafts and admire the mission church.
As you drive north on Highway 3, you'll find
| yourself in the
Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary, where you'll need to
keep an eye out for wandering wood bison. Continue
north through the wildlife-rich Mackenzie
lowlands, perhaps stopping at Chan Lake or North
Arm day-use areas. In the twin Dogrib communities
and Rae/Edzo, many people still follow the
traditional Dene way of life. You're entering
Taiga Shield country as you head south to
Yellowknife. The NWT's capital city has every
amenity, from parks, walking trails and a major
museum, to Old Town atmosphere and excellent
restaurants. Pop into the Northern Frontier
Visitors' Centre for complete information on the
city's attractions and about jaunts out of town.
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DRIVETOUR COMMUNITIES NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
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| FROM YELLOWKNIFE TO:
MILES KM
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| VANCOUVER,
BC
1613
2595 |
| EDMONTON,
AB
937
1508 |
| CALGARY,
AB
1110
1789 |
| WINNIPEG,
MB
1773
2853 |
| TORONTO,
ON
2824
4544 |
| WHITEHORSE, YT
1180
1900 |
| CHICAGO,
IL
3078
4953 |
| SALT LAKE
CITY, UT
2036
3278 |
| DENVER, CO
2391
3848 |
| DALLAS, TX
3150
5069
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NATIONAL PARKS LAKES AND ISLANDS
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Deh Cho
Route
