Canol Trail
The Canol Trail is the longest hiking trail in North America, running 355 kilometres from Norman Wells in the Northwest Territories to Ross River in the Yukon. The trail follows the mostly defunct Canol Road and Pipeline, built during the Second World War as a joint project by the United States and Canada to bring crude oil from Norman Wells to a refinery in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Local Dene and Métis people played an important role by guiding builders and establishing the route through the mountainous terrain. Oil flowed through the pipeline for about one year, starting in 1944.
After the pipeline was abandoned, a lot of material was left behind, including vehicles and buildings.
The GNWT is responsible for Miles 0-8. Miles 0-1 were the location of Pump Station #1 and a tank farm and Mile 8 was the location of Camp Canol. Canada is responsible for Mile 8-222. See what work Canada has completed on Miles 8-222.
Is there contamination?
Contamination has been identified at Miles 0-1 and Mile 8 and additional environmental assessment and risk assessment work has been completed to better understand the risks at the site.
The environmental site assessments identified metal and petroleum hydrocarbon (fuel) contamination in soil, groundwater, surface water, and/or sediment, and buildings contain asbestos and may be unstable. The risk assessment concluded that human health risks from contaminants at Mile 0-1 and Mile 8 were low, with the exception of four areas of lead contaminated soil at Mile 8. These areas should be remediated or managed to reduce risk to people. With respect to ecological risks, the assessment concluded that ecological health risks were low and no action is required.
Canol Trail Miles 0-8 Remediation Project
The GNWT has been studying and assessing the first section of the Canol Trail to understand contamination, health risks, and cultural values. Since 2017, work has included environmental site assessments, risk assessments, archaeological studies, signage, and community workshops.
In June 2025, ECC visited communities to share the process so far and gather input on next steps. See the presentation here: Canol Trail Miles 0-8 Project
The goal is to develop a clean-up approach that reduces risks to people and the environment, respects cultural heritage, and supports the creation of a future territorial park.
Learn more about the Canol Trail remediation work
Can I use the trail?
In short, yes the trail is safe for use by trail users, as long as you follow posted guidance, which includes:
-
DO NOT DISTURB THE SOIL: Lead was identified at Mile 8 as a potential risk to human health. The GNWT advises trail users to avoid disturbing the soil at Mile 8.
-
DO NOT DRINK SURFACE WATER: The GNWT advises trail users to avoid using surface water as a source of drinking water. Surface water from lakes and rivers can contain dirt and microorganisms that can make you sick.
-
DO NOT ENTER BUILDINGS: Historic buildings may be at risk of collapsing and may contain asbestos. The GNWT advises trail users not to enter buildings. If you require shelter, there are two emergency shelters in this area, one at Mile 0 and one at Heart Lake.
Engagement in the remediation process?
The GNWT is committed to engaging with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, the public and stakeholders on this project. The GNWT has held information sessions with IGIOs and the communities of Norman Wells and Tulita and has launched a “Have Your Say” survey to get the public’s input and help prioritize closure objectives to inform a remedial options analysis.