Fort Smith, located just north of the Alberta border on the Slave River is the most southern community in the Northwest Territories. The Slave River offers Fort Smith’s 2,600 residents world class whitewater paddling and a summer sanctuary for migratory pelicans.

The community was the administrative capital of the Northwest Territories for 56 years before the designation was moved to Yellowknife in 1967.  Aurora College is headquartered in Fort Smith, with additional campuses in Inuvik and Yellowknife. The community has year round road access connecting it to the rest of Canada; regular flights are available to Yellowknife and various locations in Alberta. 

The community is considered the gateway to Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), the largest Canadian National Park and one of the largest parks in the world.  WBNP was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining bison herds in northern Canada. 

There are a variety of activities to keep residents active and occupied throughout the year including a museum, two golf courses, Slave River events and activities, hiking and organized all-season sport leagues (curling, hockey, and slo-pitch). 

There are two schools in the community serving Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.  French Immersion classes are available from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 10.