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Canol Heritage Trail

The Canol Heritage Trail stretches 230 miles from the Yukon Border to Norman Wells, NWT and traverses the spectacular Mackenzie Mountain wilderness. The trail has not been maintained since the end of World War II and much of the trail in the low-lying areas has been eroded.  During World War II, the US Army built the Canol Trail and pipeline in partnership with the Canadian Government. There was concern from the United States about oil supplies being perhaps cut off from Alaska to the US mainland and so the idea of pumping oil from Norman Wells to Whitehorse to support construction of the Alaska Highway grew into reality. The Canol pipeline project became the largest construction project in North America during the war years and the route followed ancient aboriginal foot-trails through mountain valleys and across rivers and streams. For a brief period, the pipeline, road and telegraph line were completed and operational including the refinery in Whitehorse, Yukon. When the war ended suddenly, the project was no longer viable and the entire project completely abandoned. Most of the original pipeline was salvaged along with some of the army vehicles – but much of the original infrastructure was simply abandoned in the wilderness and is slowly being reclaimed by nature.

The flight into the Mackenzie Mountains is breathtaking – you instantly experience the privilege of entering into a pristine wilderness region on a grand scale. We land on a gravel airstrip after a one hour flight. The hike begins in a unique alpine tundra region, the Mackenzie Barrens Plateau, where there are no trees because of the high altitude. Caribou roam freely here across the trail and the area is prime moose country. We will be travelling with ultra-light gear and primarily dehydrated food although we are planning a fresh food drop at Caribou Pass on Day 4. The trail is in excellent condition except at creek crossings where we change into wet- shoes or booties and wade through the shallows. The trail begins to descend on the second day to the Intga River Pump Station where we can explore the abandoned wooden structures. The grayling fishing on the Intga River is excellent. At Caribou Pass, the trail is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. We will set up a base camp and spend two days hiking the ranges with day packs. The terrain is very accessible but to reach the peaks and ridges will take determination! We will receive a food-drop here from Ram Head Outfitters to re-charge our supplies and bring in some fresh foods.  From Caribou Pass we cross into the Ekwi River Valley – and drop several hundred feet through a gorgeous canyon area. River crossings are knee to thigh-deep and require patience and good teamwork. Our gravel bar camp on the river bank affords great fishing and a stunning view. Our final leg down to Godlin Lakes involves crossing several creeks and gravel flats and a glorious campsite overlooking the Ekwi River. The trout fishing is superb and so we hope for a fresh fish appetizer. The hike to Godlin Lakes and the camp at RamHead Outfitters is an excellent power walk. We are well taken care of at RamHead by the Simpson Family who prepare a hearty home-cooked meal on our last night. A morning hike on the last day is available to any hikers who are just hitting their stride! We will charter back to our Canoe North Outfitting Centre in Norman Wells with North-Wright Air for a final night barbecue and wrap-up.

Adventure Facts:

  • NWT/Yukon (mile 222) to Godlin Lakes (mile 165)
  • Distance: 57 miles, 92 kms, 9 days
  • Difficulty: intermediate

Arrive in Norman Wells

We recommend that travellers arrive in Norman Wells the day before they embark on their expedition.

Day 1 to 3 Mackenzie Plateau

Depart North-Wright Hangar at 8am for mile 222 and start of Canol Trail Hike across Mackenzie Barrens Plateau.

Day 4 and 5 Caribou Pass

Enter the mountain corridor that takes us through the Canol Trail valley down to Godlin Lakes.

Day 6 and 7 Ekwi River

The trail crosses over the Ekwi River as it winds its way down through this spectacular landscape.

Day 8 Arrive Godlin Lakes

Arrive at Godlin Lakes. Day hike or horse ride from Godlin Lake Base Camp. Dinner at Ramhead Outfitters.

Day 9 Return to Norman Wells

North-Wright charter flight back to Norman Wells. Final night dinner.

Depart Norman Wells