Norman Wells Historical Centre

The centre was opened in October 1989 by the Norman Wells Historical Society to preserve the history of the Canol Trail.  The Centre’s collection has expanded to include a wide range of history, from traditional Dene lifestyles, to early aviation, to mining, as well as the development of the Norman Wells oilfield.

There’s a unique log cabin on site built by Rick Muyers and furnished by Dene elder, Edward Oudzi. A tiny tugboat and barge lies in drydock on the lawn, a relic, like the wartime trucks of the Canol project.  There’s a stern wheel paddle from a small riverboat that once plied the Mackenzie.

Next door is the notable Norman Wells church, still in use – a small building with two separate entrances and two separate centres of worship – one for Anglicans and one for Roman Catholics.

Inside the Visitor Centre, a combination of large shed and wartime hut, the story of the Norman Wells Oilfield and the Canol Project are told. Essential parts of these stories are the history of aviation in the Northwest Territories, the story of the discovery and mining of uranium on Great Bear Lake, the development of the oilfield during the war, and more recently in the 1980s, major construction to supply southern Canada with Norman Wells “sweet” crude.

There’s also an engaging lesson in geology to be found at the Visitor Centre, with an explanation of the formation of the oilfield, and samples of the unique fossils found right under foot in the Norman Wells area.

It is easy to pass half a day here, absorbing history and Dene culture, and learning about the north’s most enduring industrial project.  There are films to watch, and a fine selection of northern books for purchase.

The centre also includes a craft and gift shop, featuring the work of artists from the Sahtu communities – beautiful handmade and embroidered moccasins and mitts, as well as miniature replicas of Dene toboggans and  tools, and original paintings by Dene artists and Bern Will Brown of Colville Lake.

The Centre is open year round Monday to Friday 10 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm. From June – September the Centre is also open Sundays 12-4 pm.

For more information, contact us:

Norman Wells Historical Society
Peggy Pouw
(867) 587-2415
(867) 587-2469
canol.trail@theedgenw.ca