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Home » Where To Explore » Wood Buffalo » Communities » Fort Smith

Fort Smith

Fort SmithTthebacha ("Beside the Rapids") is located on the banks of the Slave River, once the main transportation route north. It lies below the rapids that forced river travelers to make a long portage. Today, these rapids are home to some of the most challenging and accessible whitewater in the Americas. Fort Smith was established in 1874 by the Hudson's Bay Company and grew rapidly. The town served as a major transportation centre until a highway was built in the 1960s connecting Grimshaw, Alberta, to Hay River. Fort Smith is now the headquarters for the Northwest Territories community college, Aurora College. The Roman Catholic Church played a key role in the development of Fort Smith, and the territorial Cathedral is located here. The church story is celebrated in a Mission Historic Park. The Bishop's residence and parts of the old mission farm have been restored. Signage guides visitors through the park near the centre of town. The Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre in Fort Smith displays an impressive pair of stuffed bison, handy for size comparisons with visitors large and small. There is also a good collection of local birds and wildlife. The granddad of today's flock of endangered whooping cranes is on display to tell the recovery story. And the early history of Fort Smith and the way of life of its people is shown in attractive permanent exhibits. This is prime hiking and skiing country, and there are several trails along the Slave River and within Wood Buffalo National Park. Park roads lead visitors to the Salt Plains, and to the banks of the Peace River in northern Alberta. There's a hotel, bed and breakfast accommodation and a campground, groceries and vehicle services. Fort Smith hosts a lively northern art and music festival in late summer.
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Slave River Rapids

For nearly two centuries, the Slave River was the main route to the Northwest Territories.

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Hiking the Slave Rapids Portage

Hikers can follow the shoreline with spectacular views of the four sets of rapids.

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Northern Life Museum & Cultural Centre

Our mission is to share with local, national and international audiences the distinctive stories, history and cultural heritage of the region of Thebacha; the region influenced by the Slave River and its tributaries. The Northern Life Museum & Cultural Centre brings together an amazing array of cultural and natural collections from...

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Wood Buffalo National Park

Explore the wild splendor of the northern boreal plains, where whooping cranes call and bison roam free. Visitor reception centres in Fort Smith and Fort Chipewyan. Open year round.

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Reliance Airways Ltd.

Visiting Fort Smith? Stay at one of our partner lodges or bed & breakfasts. Nightly, weekly and meal service packages available. Great rates starting at $49 per person + GST.

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Whooping Crane Guest House

Beautiful octagonal shaped log home within walking distance of downtown. Accommodation includes a self-contained suite with bedroom, lounge, kitchen and bathroom as well as two other bedrooms with their own bathrooms. Flat screen TV in each bedroom and WiFi throughout. Smoke free, full breakfast, open year round. Friendly and...

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Canoe Arctic Inc.

Paddle the Thelon River and other pristine wild tundra rivers with Alex Hall, wildlife biologist and the Canadian Arctic's first and most experienced canoeing guide. All of our canoe trips are located deep in the Barren Lands east of Great Slave Lake and hundreds of miles from the nearest...

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Wilderness Edge Guest House

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Whispering Pines Cottages

Newly Renovated. Self-contained. One, two and three bedroom units available. Northern lights viewing. Great for business, tourist and gov't personnel. Two blocks from centre of Fort Smith.

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R HOUSE bed and breakfast

A historic home, restored with comfort, class and all the conveniences. Clean – Private - Centrally located - Close to all amenities

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Town of Fort Smith

Fort Smith offers an incredible variety of indoor and outdoor recreation and sport facilities including two scenic 9-hole golf courses, the Trans Canada Trail and Slave River Kayaking. The winter is active with cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, an energetic hockey league, a figure skating club and numerous service clubs...

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Fort Smith Tourism

Below the majestic Aurora Borealis and under the midnight sun, between a roaring river and a serene boreal forest sits a little town. Fort Smith is a jewel at the end of the road. We welcome you to enjoy pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife as people here have done for...

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Alcantara Outfitting Ltd.

Fly in fishing - trout, northern pike and whitefish, June 10 -Sept. 30. Cabins and tent frames on Sparks Lake, NE of Fort Smith. Accommodate 16. You bring tackle, food, personal gear; we supply cabins, boats, camp attendant/guide, satellite phone. Enjoy canoeing, hiking, birdwatching. $135 per day. Reservations requested.

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Trans Canada Trail

The Trans Canada Trail is used by millions to experience our country’s legendary wilderness. Now 73% complete, the Trail is over 16,800 kilometres long connecting the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts. Comprised of locally-managed segments, the Trail is within 30 minutes of more than 80% of Canadians...

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NWT Kayak Association

Visit the NWT Kayak Association website to take a virtual tour of some of our rivers, including the mighty Slave River, and learn about the paddling clubs and events around the NWT.

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Taiga Tour Company

We will plan your adventure into Wood Buffalo National Park. Adventure tour packages, 3-10 days, personalized to suit your needs. Aurora tours, snowmobile tours. Fish for lake trout, Northern pike, walleye, whitefish, freshwater cod, and inconnu. Conventional eco-fishing and fly-fishing in lakes and streams at Largepike Lake...

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D & V Suites

Accommodation in Fort Smith

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Axehandle Guest House

Accommodation in Fort Smith.

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Log Home Rentals

Accommodation in Fort Smith. Nightly / Weekly.

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Thebacha Camp Services

Accommodation in Fort Smith.

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North of 60 Books

Books, arts, crafts and gift ware made by local residents. Specialty coffee cafe as well! Book store open 10am-5:30pm, Mon-Sat.

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Target North (Services 2004)

Light duty pickup truck rentals. Associated with VISA truck rentals.

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North Star Resort

Located on Thekulthili Lake, 95 miles north east of Fort Smith. Capacity of 12 guests in 2 light housekeeping cabins. Fish for trophy Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Whitefish. Boats, motors, gas, and accessories provided, guests supply their own food, tackle, and personal effects. Operated out of Fort Smith from...

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Salt River Elders Village

Visiting Wood Buffalo National Park? We offer four log cabins out by the Salt River, for rent by the night or the week. These each accommodate 2-3 people. They are insulated and complete with woodstove and firewood, 2 beds each, plus table/chairs. Accessible by road. Available year round,...

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Pelican Rapids Inn

31-room hotel built in 1997. Cocktail lounge, dining room, restaurant, meeting rooms, air conditioning, satellite TV, jacuzzis and more. Wheelchair accessible. Standard, deluxe or business suites, from $140. VISA, MC, Amex, EnRoute.

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Box 610, Yellowknife NT X1A 2N5 Canada Toll-free number: 1-800-661-0788
International: +1-867-873-7200 Email: info@spectacularnwt.com