- Thaidene Nëné National Park
The best camping in Thaidene Nëné National Park, NT
Only the most self-reliant adventurers visit this barren tundra.
The best camping in Thaidene Nëné National Park, NT guide
Overview
About
Travel from the territorial capital of Yellowknife to Thaidene Nene and you’ll find endlessly dramatic landscapes on the east arm of the Great Slave Lake, plus outstanding fishing for trout, Arctic grayling, and whitefish. From the Canadian Shield to Utsingi Point and the peninsulas of Pethei, Kahochella, and Douglas, you’ll feel totally secluded as you look out across the isolated vistas. Visitors need to stay responsible and keep tabs on weather reports to make the trek to this extremely isolated national park, where there are no reservations and no facilities.
Notable Camping Spots
- Best for fishing: Many visitors arrive by water from the town of Luselk'e on group sportfishing tours. Set up your tent close enough to get to Christie Bay and some of the best fishing in the area. There are also several fishing lodges in the area for those who need a break from the remote backcountry.
- Best for paddling: Take Pike’s Portage to Artillery Lake and explore the glacier ridges of the barrens.
- Best for history buffs: Visit Fort Reliance, an 1800s winter camp where you can see log structure ruins.
When to go
The summer months are the best time to visit, especially for fishing, but you still need to closely monitor the weather, as it can change dramatically at any time of year. Winter is the best time to see the northern lights, but it can be challenging to travel during the colder months.
Know before you go
- At Thaidene Nene, local First Nation people are at the forefront of presenting the park to visitors. The Lutsel K’e Dene run the park alongside the federal and territorial government.
- Whether you arrive by air or boat, you’ll have to start in Yellowknife.
- There’s also no cost associated with visiting the park.
- Travelers need to prepare for delays of up to one to two days due to common severe weather conditions. Plan carefully so that you have enough supplies to last any cancellations or delayed plans for entering and leaving the park.