Fred Henne Territorial Park

Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, is a city of rock and water, and Fred Henne Territorial Park is where both are easiest to enjoy. The park lies on the shore of Long Lake, a few kilometres from downtown and not far from the airport, and it has a sandy beach, campsites and trails set among the low spruce and birch of the boreal forest and outcrops of ancient Canadian Shield granite. It is named after a local resident and community figure, and it is the most popular outdoor space in the Territories’ capital.

The Canadian Shield, the huge expanse of Precambrian rock that underlies much of northern Canada, shows itself here in bare, rounded ridges scraped smooth by glaciers. Some of the rock exposed around Yellowknife is among the oldest on Earth, billions of years old, and the mix of rock, lakes and forest gives the landscape a stark beauty. The beach, one of the few sandy ones in the city, is a favourite in summer, when long days and warm spells make swimming possible, and the lake supports canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Camping is a main draw. The campground has about 115 sites, a mix of powered and unpowered, with kitchen shelters, playgrounds, showers and washrooms, and the shelters can host sizeable groups. Camping requires advance booking, and stays are limited, so plan ahead for the summer peak. The park is open seasonally, from mid-May to mid-September, and its facilities close when winter returns.

For walkers, the park links to a network of trails. Prospector’s Trail, a few kilometres long, leads through the rocky landscape with signs explaining the gold-bearing geology that gave Yellowknife its beginning, and it makes a good short hike with views over lakes and rock. Other paths lead to waterfalls and viewpoints, and a walk along the shore is rewarding at sunset.

Wildlife is part of the experience. Black bears live in the area, so camp food should be stored securely and walkers should be aware, and visitors may see ravens, loons, red squirrels and, with luck, foxes. In midsummer, the sun barely sets, and the north's famous midnight light stretches the day. Mosquitoes and blackflies can be intense in June and July, so bring repellent and light, long-sleeved clothing.

Entry is free for day use, with fees for camping, and it is a short drive or taxi from downtown. It suits families, campers and anyone wanting a taste of the northern outdoors without leaving the city.