Camping and Side Trips

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Camper sitting by their yellow tent. There is camping gear near the tent. The camping area is surrounded by trees.

Fort Smith connects you to both long and short trips that will show you many different sides of Northern life and wilderness.

Campgrounds

Fort Smith connects by road to a number of  NWT Parks’ campsites and camping routes, the nearest being the Wood Buffalo Route. As the name suggests, the route focuses on campsites and day-use areas near Wood Buffalo National Park. Visit www.nwtparks.ca for more information on exciting routes along the highway, to find campgrounds, parks, quaint churches, traditional villages, tumbling rapids or roaring waterfalls.

All campsites have well-maintained amenities and facilities, as well as beautiful views of lakes, rivers, and landscapes:

Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park: 867-872-2607, Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park - NWT Parks. Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park is a full-service campsite right in the Fort Smith townsite. It accommodates both RV and tent campers, and it's connected to trails with views of the Slave River and the Rapids of the Drowned. For more information call:

Little Buffalo River Falls:  867-872-2607. Little Buffalo River Falls, is located approximately 50km from Fort Smith on Highway 5. It has six non-powered sites, a great view of the falls, and an ideal launch for a paddle on the river. 

Thebacha Campground: To rent facilities call the Metis office at 867-872-2643 or stop by 25 Camsell Street. Thebacha Campground is a year-round facility perched on the banks of the Salt River, a 20-minute drive northwest of Fort Smith. It’s maintained by the Metis Council and has four cabins, a gazebo, and an open hall with a kitchen.

Wood Buffalo National Park -  867-872-7960. Pine Lake Campground is embedded in a spruce forest, minutes away from the crystal clear waters of Pine Lake. The lake was created by a series of five sinkholes and is boarded by soft, sandy beaches. It’s a favourite swimming location for locals. Self-registration sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis but Kettle Point Group Camp can be reserved for larger groups..

Backcountry Camping

If a truly rustic camping experience is what you’re after, Fort Smith has no shortage of backcountry. To plan and register your trip (wherever you go in the area) talk to the knowledgeable staff at the Visitor Information Centre:

Fort Smith & Wood Buffalo National Park Visitor Information Centre:

149 McDougal Rd

Box 750

Fort Smith, NT X0E 0P0

Hours (Mountain Standard Time)

June 1 – August 31: 9 am – 6 pm daily

September 1 – May 31: 9 am – 12 pm; 1 pm – 5 pm, Monday to Friday

  • Wood Buffalo National Park Visitor Services Phone: 867-872-7960
  • Town of Fort Smith Visitor Services Staff: (867) 872-3065
  • Email: wbnp.info@pc.gc.ca
  • Park Administration
  • Phone: 867-872-7900

Business Listings

The Town is fully equipped to be your adventure headquarters whether you need to plan, stock up on supplies or both. If you are looking for supplies check out our business directory.

Winter Road to Fort McMurray

The 499-kilometre winter road from Fort McMurray to Fort Smith winds through Wood Buffalo National Park and stops in Fort Chipewyan, 228 kilometres from Fort Smith. The winter road is open from mid-December to mid-March and will give you the full Northern winter experience. It can be very cold, with temperatures as low as -40C, so it’s important to be prepared for unexpected stops. As well as your regular safety kit, pack warm outdoor clothes, matches, candles, and a very warm sleeping bag.

The Deh Cho Connection

Fort Smith connects to the Deh Cho Travel Connection, a 2,200-kilometre driving route through northern Alberta, British Columbia, and southern NWT. The route includes portions of the Mackenzie, Liard, and Alaska highways and stops in a multitude of Northern Canadian cities. You'll follow the path of gold-seekers, trappers and explorers, seeing a world barely changed since centuries past. Check out the following itineraries: an Adventure Itinerary or a History Itinerary