Embrace the wilderness
CANOL Heritage Trail
General Information
The CANOL Heritage Trail is set to become Doi T’oh Territorial Park, the newest addition to the territorial park system. Spanning 371 km the CANOL Heritage Trail— is the longest trail in Canada and one of North America's most challenging hikes—this park provides an exceptional adventure through the stunning Mackenzie Mountains.
Park Size
Operating Date
Address
Phone
On this page
Amenities
Nearest community
Park Highlights
Private overnight accommodations are available at the Keele River Outfitters base camp located at Mile 170 and at Dechenla Lodge at Mile 212.
There are airstrips at Miles 80, 170, and 222, as well as a Dept of ECC check station at Mile 222.
There are 9 emergency shelters along the trail are located at:
Mile 1: GPS Coordinates: 65degree 15’ 12” N 126degree 58’ 32” W
Mile 8, Heart Lake: GPS Coordinates: 65degree 11’ 55” N 127degree 10’ 10” W
Mile 35, Dodo Canyon: GPS Coordinates: 64.55’43”N, 127.16’32”W
Mile 50, Little Keele River: GPS Coordinates: 64.749786, - 127.113861
Mile 71: GPS Coordinates: 64.66289, -127.58540
Mile 100: GPS Coordinates: 64.44714, -128.04863
Mile 129, Twitya River: GPS Coordinates: N 64 08’ 50.5” W 128 21’ 19.4”
Mile 152, Godlin River: GPS Coordinates: N 64 00’ 29.8” W 128 37’ 44.0
Mile 173, Ekwi River: GPS Coordinates: 63.7159411, -128.7345633
Camping
The CANOL Trail offers backcountry camping. Reservations are not required, however it is important for all park visitors inform the Department of Environment and Climate Change (Dept of ECC) of travel plans. Contact information for ECC can be found in the safety section below.
There is no road access into the park from the NWT, camping can be accessed by hiking, paddling, river boating, or by air.
Activities
Special Notes
Accessibility
Unfortunately, this park is not accessible.
Nearby attractions
The Yukon side of the CANOL Trail is accessible by road.
Safety information
This is an incredibly challenging trail with no services that should only be undertaken by experienced backcountry hikers. Inform the Department of Environment and Climate Change (Dept of ECC) prior to your trip and provide them with an anticipated return date; they can be reached at 867-587-2422 or 867-587-7200.
- There is no cell service on the Canol Heritage Trail. Bring a satellite phone or SPOT GPS in case of emergency.
- Do not drink surface water or consume wild berries. This is especially important in areas with abandoned buildings and equipment. Please consult the Dept of ECC for the most up-to-date information on contaminated sites.
- Pack light by arranging for food drops to specific locations ahead of time.
- You must bring a pack raft for river crossings at Miles 25, 50, 129/131, and 173.
- Due to overgrowth and washouts, some sections of the trail require you to go "off-trail" and navigate your way back to the main path.
- Do not enter historic buildings as many are unstable and may collapse and/or contain asbestos; use caution around abandoned equipment to avoid injury.
- Bear protection is necessary as grizzly bears are in the park. Pack bear bangers and bear spray (minimum 2 cans) and consider bringing a licensed firearm.
- Mosquitoes/black flies/gnats are incredibly common, particularly in swampy or washed out areas of the trail. Pack bug spray and other protective gear.
For general information about safety resources while in the Northwest Territories, check our Safety resources page.