Visiting Parks

Rules and Regulations

Key Rules for Visiting Territorial Parks

Territorial parks have rules and regulations established under the Territorial Parks Act and related legislation to preserve their natural environment and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors. We encourage you to review this information before your visit. Being informed about the park rules will enhance your camping experience, assist in planning your trip, and help protect the parks for future generations.

The below information is a general guide to some of the rules and regulations that are intended to keep the parks safe and enjoyable spaces for everyone. Contravention of the below rules or any NWT Parks regulations may result in eviction, a court-imposed fine or charge.

Camping

Guests must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a campsite permit. All permits are non-transferable.

The campsite is reserved for the permit holder and their guests, with a maximum of six people allowed to stay overnight at a single site. Exemptions may be granted for large families (one set of parents and their children). To request an exception, please email parks [at] gov.nt.ca prior to your stay or speak with a park officer upon arrival.

Only one recreational vehicle is permitted per campsite.

Sites are not to be altered in any fashion (e.g. by extending site pads, moving fire rings or other fixture, building of fire pits or any construction activity).

Quiet hours

Quiet hours are from 10:30 pm to 7:30 am. Guests are not permitted during quite hours. The use of ATVs and noisy generators are also not permitted between these hours.

Campfires and firewood

Fires are restricted to areas provided or designated for that purpose. Fires must not be more than 0.5 m in diameter and 0.5 m in height and must not be left unattended unless extinguished.

Due to extremely dry conditions and the risk that fires could spread easily, there are often restrictions in place banning all open fires at designated Territorial Parks. These restrictions prohibit campfires, which includes approved fire pits and all wood fires including those contained within a device. Always consult our Advisories page and check at the park gate upon arrival to see current fire restrictions

Firewood collection is not permitted within the park. This includes removing or cutting branches, felling trees or shrubs, and gathering deadwood.

Firewood is available for purchase at the park office.

Day use

Day use of parks is from 7 am - 10:30 pm daily.

Day use vehicle permits may be purchased at the park gatehouse and are non-transferrable. They expire at 10:30 pm on the date of issue. Day users of parks are expected to follow the same park rules and regulations as overnight guests.

Parking

Parking on roadways is not permitted. All equipment (e.g. tents, campers), trailers (including boat and ATV trailers), and vehicles must be on the site pad and not on the roadside or in the trees. Additional parking may be available, please inquire at the park office for information on public parking areas and purchasing vehicle entrance permits.

Events in parks

If you are planning an event in a public area of a park, you may need a permit. Special event permits are required for an event or organized activity that is likely to affect the public’s normal use and enjoyment of the park due to the nature of the event, number of people attending, or the location in the park.

For more information about planning events in parks please visit our Special Events page.

Pets in parks

All parks are pet friendly. Pets must always be leashed and are not permitted in designated areas. Read all about pets in parks.

Picnic shelters

Anyone over 18 years of age can book a picnic shelter. Reservations and permits are non-transferable and not for resale. Get more information on picnic shelter rentals and rules.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

Not all NWT Parks allow ATV use. In parks that do, you must obtain a permit to operate an ATV. Permits are available at the park office at no cost. The ATV must be covered by a motor vehicle liability policy that complies with the Insurance Act.

You must be at least 14 years old to drive an ATV and either hold a valid driver's licence or be under the immediate supervision of someone with a valid driver’s licence. Immediate supervision means the driver and licence holder/supervisor can see each other and the supervisor is able to provide immediate verbal or visual direction to the driver.

You must wear a helmet while operating an ATV. You may only drive on park roads (no off-roading), obey posted speed limits, and drive with due care and attention. Reckless driving is not permitted.

Operating a business

A commercial use permit is required to conduct or engage in any business, commercial enterprise, industrial activity, scientific activity, guiding or outfitting services in a territorial park. Please visit our Commercial Use page for information on how to apply for a permit.

Cleaning up after yourself

The campsite must be left in a satisfactory state at the end of your stay. All garbage, sewage, bottles, cans, paper, plastic containers, other litter, waste or obnoxious materials must be properly disposed of in a receptacle provided for that purpose or removed from the park. Campsites are not to be altered in any fashion (e.g. by extending site pads, moving fire rings or other fixture, building of fire pits or any construction activity).