Fred Henne Territorial Park is a scenic camping park located three kilometers from downtown Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Set on the shores of Long Lake, it’s one of the busiest campgrounds in the region, home to more than 100 campsites, both electric and non-electric, as well as a pretty sandy beach surrounded by relatively untouched wilderness.
Named after a former mayor of Yellowknife, the park is listed as a Protected Area for good reason. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound with a beach, grassy lawn and playground for kids, picnic areas, hiking trails, and an abundance of wildlife to be spotted. The park is located at the end of the Frontier Trail and the Cameron Falls Trail so pack your hiking boots and your binoculars!
Centered around the lake, it’s an epic spot for water-based activities, such as swimming and fishing. With temperatures climbing above 20⁰ C (68⁰ F) and a boat launch facility at the day-use area, you can enjoy tubing, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and a whole lot more during the summer months.
Fred Henne Territorial Park is located off the Frontier Highway (Highway 3) in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The park entrance can be found three kilometers from downtown Yellowknife.
You will need to buy a vehicle permit or camping pass to enter the park. There are no driving restrictions within the park, but please drive slowly to watch out for low-hanging branches and wildlife.
There are two parking lots available for day visitors while those staying overnight can park in the campground.
Fred Henne Territorial Park is a scenic camping park with 62 electric sites, 39 non-electric sites, and 12 tent pads. It caters for both tent campers and big rigs with a choice of pull-through, back-in, and walk-in campsites.
The website shows sites large enough for RVs and trailers up to 73 feet, but larger sites may be available so call ahead and check. Campers have access to restrooms with showers and toilets, drinking taps, an RV water filling station, and a dump station.
Other facilities include an information center, changing rooms, a beach, picnic facilities, a swimming area, and a boat launch area.
Campers can stay at Fred Henne Territorial Park for a maximum of 14 days. The campground peak season is from May to September. The park is pet-friendly.
Set on the edge of Long Lake, the Fred Henne Territorial Day Use Park is usually very busy in the summer months. A boat launch facility makes for easy launching of your own watercraft and both visitors and campers enjoy power boating, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing, and more. As there is a beach on the edge of the lake, it’s also a popular spot to enjoy a lazy picnic and a swim - just don't forget the sun cream!
Fred Henne Territorial Park is a hiker’s paradise as several trails can be easily reached from the park. Don’t miss strolling along the two-mile (4 km) looped Prospectors Trail that starts and ends in the park - a lovely interpretive trail that explores the park’s geological history. A trailhead that connects to the Frame Lake Trail can also be found on the other side of the highway which leads through stunning wilderness areas. For more information on self-guided hiking routes, pick up a brochure from the park office.
Home to its own white sandy beach, Fred Henne Territorial Park is a great spot for sunbathing and swimming in the warmer summer months between June and August. Temperatures rise well above 20⁰ C (68⁰ F) which means you can enjoy a pleasant time outdoors. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach and enjoy the use of the designated swimming area near the campground.
While boating is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities at Fred Henne Territorial Park in the summer months, you can still enjoy it in the off-season. Kayaking and canoeing is a peaceful way to explore the surface of Long Lake when there are fewer crowds in the campground. You may even spot some interesting wildlife and birds, so bring your binoculars!
The day-use area at Fred Henne Territorial Park is home to both a picnic area as well as picnic shelters with kitchen facilities that are great to use during the off-season. There is everything you need nearby – restrooms, showers, changing rooms, drinking water, and a boat launch area. Whether you’re staying overnight or just visiting for the day, a picnic is a great way to experience the beauty of Fred Henne Territorial Park.
Fred Henne Territorial Park is a great place for hiking no matter the season. With a two-mile (4 km) hike beginning and ending in the park, it’s a great place for a winter stroll. The Prospective Trail is certainly fascinating and is a great way to learn about the geology and history of the area, dating back to the ice age. You may even spot some winter birds and wildlife when the park is quieter!
