Fort McPherson, home to about 800 people, is the first community you encounter when driving north into the NWT along the Dempster Highway.  The community began as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in 1849 and today has year round air and road access, except during the fall freeze and spring break up when the ice isn’t fully formed and the ferry is out.  

Students from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12 are taught at the Chief Julius School.  There is a community adult learning centre and a community health centre.