The Canol Heritage Trail
The Canol Heritage Trail, and its attached Doi T’oh Territorial Park, is becoming an increasingly popular long-distance wilderness trail. Stretching some 372km from Norman Wells to the Yukon border, the journey can take three to four weeks and ranks among the world’s tougher treks, passing through some of the NWT’s most spectacular ranges. The route meanders through the Mackenzie Mountains west of Norman Wells, across three challenging rivers (at least one must be crossed by raft) and through grizzly bear country. Unless you sign up for a tour to see this magnificent but utterly wild region, you should have extensive backcountry experience. If you venture on the trail without a guide, inform the local detachment of the RCMP about your itinerary in either Dawson City (t 867 993 2677) or in Ross River, Yukon (t 867 969 2677).
Mountain River Outfitters and Canoe North Adventures provide both package tours and logistical support for individual hikers on the Canol trail.