Northwest Territories Parks are now Open

Communiqués de presse

YELLOWKNIFE (May 13, 2016) — Gates swung open at parks across the Northwest Territories (NWT) this morning marking the start of another spectacular season for outdoors enthusiasts from the territory and beyond.

Park users will notice some improvements in facilities this year, with $3.5 million in capital investment allocated to the NWT’s five regions by the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. 

The Department of ITI has also invested in national and international marketing initiatives to drive new traffic to the NWT’s one-of-a-kind parks in support of a strong, growing tourism sector. 

Sambaa Deh Falls and Fort Simpson Territorial Parks will open May 20, and Blackstone Territorial Park and parks along the Dempster Highway will open June 1.

Quote

“From the Beaufort Delta to the Dehcho, the NWT is fortunate to have the most unique, spectacular parks the world has to offer. The Department of ITI is working to leverage this natural beauty with strategic investment to bring explorers from across the nation and the world to our territory in support of a stronger, more diverse economy while providing world-class facilities for the enjoyment and well-being of our citizens.”
- Bob McLeod, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Quick facts

  • Examples of improvements being made to parks by region:
    • Beaufort Delta - Improvements to lake access road and expansion and improvements to the RV campsite loop at Gwich’in Territorial Park
    • South Slave – New group camping area to be constructed at Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park; washroom improvements at 60th Parallel Territorial park; increased number of showers at Fort Providence Territorial Park to meet growing demand.
    • North Slave – Improvements to one kitchen shelter and new children’s playground in Loop D at Fred Henne Territorial Park; expanded day-use area and improved accessibility for those with disabilities at Yellowknife River Territorial Park.
    • Dehcho – Washroom and shower facilities improvements at Fort Simpson Territorial Park.
    • Sahtu – Infrastructure improvements along the Canol Trail.
  • The Department of ITI distributed 40,000 Road and Campground guides to visitor centres across the NWT and its adjoining jurisdictions, as well as high-volume markets in Calgary and Edmonton last week to attract traffic to NWT Parks.

Relevant links

Media inquiries for the department

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Drew_Williams@gov.nt.ca   
867-767-9202 ext.63037