CANOL Trail is recognized as a heritage hiking trail, but is not presently designated as a Northwest Territories’ Territorial Park. The Government of the Northwest Territories is not responsible for the safety or well-being of persons who use or hike on the Trail. Those persons use the Trail at their own risk. The CANOL Trail is long and remote, and there are no services provided, emergency or otherwise.

See the new Management Plan for the proposed Doi T’oh Territorial Park and CANOL Heritage Trail.

There are no developed campsites or other facilities within the CANOL Trail.

CANOL Trail is considered one of the most challenging hikes in Canada. All arrangements for provisioning of food caches, or drop-off & pickup of hikers must be made in advance. Once on the Trail, you are on your own.

The area is potentially hazardous to the inexperienced hiker or trail biker. Only strong, experienced hikers should attempt it.

River crossings can be especially hazardous. Original bridges have long been washed out, and the waters are frigid, deep and fast flowing, subject to unpredictable flash flooding.

Trails are unmarked and washed out, & disorienting box canyons can be difficult to navigate.

There are derelict construction and fuel-oil pumping sites at various points along the Trail, relics of emergency conditions during World War Two. Sites remain with discarded petro-chemicals, asbestos in various states of decomposition, loose telephone wire, and various other hazards requiring remediation before the area can safely be designated as a Territorial park. Visitors to the area are strongly discouraged from approaching these sites, for their own safety & welfare.

Nearest visitor information centre:
The Norman Wells Historical Centre offers detailed information about both the history and current condition of the CANOL Trail.

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