Living Here

About Fort Smith

Two red outdoor lounge chairs overlooking the water. There is a telescope near the chairs.

Fort Smith (Chipewyan language: Thebacha "beside the rapids") is a town in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada. It is located in the southeastern portion of the Northwest Territories, next to the Slave River and one of the main gateways to Wood Buffalo National Park!

Life in Fort Smith is steeped in history, beauty and adventure. Our rapids along the Slave River are world class, our Dark Sky Preserve is the largest on Earth and Wood Buffalo National Park is thriving with unique wildlife, such as the protected and majestic whooping crane. The people are friendly and their culture is strong.

Person kayaking through rough waters.
A close up of a bison

In summer the land abounds with birds, fish and animals. The trails are endless, and fences are rare. In winter it becomes a peaceful oasis of sparkling snow, clear skies and Northern lights.

Whether you're here for a short or a long while, we're happy to welcome you to unexpected, unforgettable Fort Smith!