Norman Wells - Le Gohline - "Where the Oil Is"

The transportation hub and largest community in the Mackenzie Heartland overlooks the Mackenzie River near where the Dene used oil seeps to waterproof their canoes. Alexander Mackenzie made note of the seeps in the 18th century, but it was 1919 before petroleum interests first drilled exploratory wells. By the 1930s, Norman Wells oil was feeding the mining industry at Great Bear Lake, and in WWII the U.S. military built a pipeline to carry Mackenzie Valley crude to Whitehorse. The Canol pipeline was abandoned soon after the war, but the route remains. Norman Wells also holds a place in northern aviation history. This was the destination of the first bush plane flights into the northern winter, in 1921, a story in itself.

Don't miss the Norman Wells Historical Centre, which tells the fascinating story of the Canol. Norman Wells has four hotels, a B&B, and four restaurants. North-Wright Airways and helicopter companies based here offer air tours in the Mackenzie Mountains, featuring parts of the Canol Trail, the hoodoos of Dodo Canyon and magical Carcajou Falls. Air tours include views of enormous man-made islands in the Mackenzie River, built in the 1980s to expand oil production. River outfitters in Norman Wells will arrange the logistics for a mountain river trip, or food drops for hikers.

Tell me more about Norman Wells

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Norman Wells

Fossils Visit the quarry for a trip back in time.	Canol Project The Heritage Centre at Norman Wells holds a treasure trove of northern history.
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North-Wright Airways Ltd.

Fixed wing operation, air charter and scheduled service, oilfield support, aerial surveys, expediting. Mountain specialists, wilderness outfitting. Partnered with Deline Land Financial Corp., Yamoga Land Financial Corp., Mackay Range Tulita, Aklavik Indian Band, Canadian North Airlines.

Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated

The Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated is working with government to ensure Chapter 12 of the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement on Economic Measures is being implemented efficiently. On April 1, 2007 effective until March 31, 2012, the Memorandum of Understanding for contracting within the Sahtu Settlement Area with...

Ram Head Outfitters Ltd.

Commercial air charter service. Air support for hikers on Canol Road. Food drops. Sightseeing in Mackenzie Mountains. June through September. Fly-in horseback adventures on the Canol Road, from Norman Wells.

Canoe North Adventures

Since 1987, offering guided canoeing and hiking expeditions accessed through Norman Wells in the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories including the Redstone, Natla, Keele, Mountain, Bonnet Plume, Snake, Wind, Horton & Great Bear Rivers, & the Canol Heritage Trail & Mackenzie Mountain Hiking. Let the adventure begin....

Mountain River Outdoor Adventures Inc.

Licensed wilderness outfitter serving the western Arctic watershed. Full logistical support and gear rental for canoeists on the Natla-Keele, Mountain and Horton Rivers, and for hikers on the Canol Trail. River taxi service available.

Red Door Executive House

Short and Long Term Executive Property Rental in Norman Wells.

Drum Lake Lodge

Located on the shores of Wrigley Lake. Cultural camps. Mid June - Sept. 30th.

Norman Wells Historical Society

Visitor information for Norman Wells and the Canol Trail. Museum: History of the Canol Heritage Trail and area. Gifts and clothing, unique fossils and Dene crafts from the Sahtu area. Monday to Friday 10-5:30, Saturday 10-4pm. Open year round. From June-September open Sundays 12-4pm.

Yamouri Inn

Capacity: 63 in 47 rooms. Private bath, air conditioning, fridge, phone, satellite TV . Licensed dining, lounge, cabaret, coffee shop. Airport transportation. From $209.00. Group rates available. VISA, MC, Amex, EnRoute, Interac.

Arctic Red River Outfitters Ltd.

Heritage Hotel

On the Mackenzie River with views of the Mackenzie and Franklin Mountain ranges. New hotel with 29 rooms, accommodates 58. Private bath, TV, high speed Internet, wheelchair accessible. Restaurant, licenced bar. Non-smoking. Meeting rooms for up to 40 persons. Fitness and golf passes available for guest use.

Mackenzie Valley Hotel Dining Room

The Mackenzie Valley Hotel serves the finest in Canadian and Chinese cuisines as well as a fine selection of Canadian and foreign wines and beer. We also serve pizza. Full banquet, catering and delivery services are available year round.

The Cabin Lounge

Located in the Yamouri Inn, the Cabin Lounge offers family-friendly dining in a cozy setting with a warm fireplace.

Sahtu Helicopters

Helicopter charter service supporting all your tourism needs including logistical support for rafting expeditions and hiking the Canol Heritage Trail. Local aerial transportation into the Mackenzie Mountains and surrounding areas. Wildlife capture/surveys. Mining/oil/gas support. Aerial construction. Certified Aircraft: Bell 204 - 206.

Norman Wells Transportation Ltd.

Truck rentals - 4x4 light truck rentals for Norman Wells area. Service station, gas, diesel, oil.

Mackenzie Valley Hotel

55 rooms and suites. Phones, satellite TV, high speed Internet access, fridge, microwave, coffee machine. Licensed restaurant, lounge, coffee shop, conference rooms. $150 and up. Group rates available. All major credit cards accepted.

Rayuka Inn

Capacity: 15 in 10 rooms. Private bath, satellite TV, radio, phone, high speed wireless Internet access, air conditioning, fax and paging service, laundry. Restaurant and licensed dining lounge. Airport transportation. $140/day single, $160/day double/family. VISA, MC, Amex, Enroute, Interac.

Maps

Norman Wells - Le Gohline - "Where the Oil Is"