Overview
Snare River is a small, sparsely populated community in the Northwest Territories of Canada, situated along the Snare River northwest of Yellowknife. It is not a conventional tourist destination in any urban sense — there are no hotels, restaurants, or visitor centres in the way travelers might expect. Its significance lies in the Snare River hydroelectric facilities, which supply a meaningful portion of Yellowknife's electrical power, and in the surrounding boreal wilderness that draws anglers, paddlers, and backcountry travellers.
The Snare River itself drains a chain of lakes — including Rae Lakes — before flowing into Great Slave Lake. The river corridor sits within the traditional territory of the Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib) people, whose culture and land-use practices are deeply tied to these waterways and forests. Travelers visiting this area should approach with respect for both the environment and the Indigenous communities associated with the land.
Because of its remote setting and minimal infrastructure, Snare River appeals primarily to self-sufficient wilderness travellers — canoeists running river routes, anglers targeting northern pike and lake trout, and those interested in off-grid subarctic landscapes. If you are expecting a town with amenities, plan carefully; virtually all supplies and services should be arranged in Yellowknife before departure.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Canada requires most international visitors to hold a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depending on their nationality. Do not rely on this guide for specific visa rules — visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and Canada's official immigration authority (IRCC) to confirm current requirements for your passport.
What to Prepare
This is a remote destination with no guaranteed resupply points. Travelers should carry:
- All food, fuel, and camping supplies for the full duration of their trip, plus emergency reserves
- A satellite communicator (e.g., SPOT or Garmin inReach) — cell coverage is absent or extremely limited
- Topographic maps and a compass; do not rely solely on GPS devices
- Bear spray and knowledge of how to use it; black bears and occasionally grizzlies are present
- Insect repellent rated for blackflies and mosquitoes, which are intense from late May through July
Permits and Permissions
If your route crosses land under Tłı̨chǫ jurisdiction or protected areas, you may need to seek permission or pay attention to land-use agreements. Verify current requirements with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Tłı̨chǫ Government before travel.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are in Yellowknife; evacuation from the Snare River area by air can be costly without coverage.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport with scheduled commercial service is Yellowknife Airport (YZF), served by flights from Edmonton, Calgary, and other Canadian hubs. From Yellowknife, charter floatplane or helicopter services can access the Snare River area for those beginning wilderness journeys. Operators and availability should be verified locally in Yellowknife.
By Road
The Snare River area is not directly accessible by a public paved road open year-round to the general public in the same way a town would be. The hydroelectric facilities have service roads, but these are not public tourist routes. Winter ice roads may provide seasonal access to parts of the broader region — check current conditions with the NT Department of Infrastructure before any attempt, as these roads open and close based on ice thickness and are not guaranteed.
By Water
Experienced paddlers access the Snare River via canoe or kayak, often putting in at lakes along established wilderness routes. Route planning should begin well in advance using NWT-specific paddling guides and topographic resources.
Getting Around
There is no public transportation in the Snare River area. Movement within the region is by canoe or kayak on the waterways, on foot, by snowmobile in winter, or by chartered aircraft. Self-navigation skills are essential.
For anyone based out of Yellowknife and taking day or multi-day excursions toward the Snare River system, a reliable four-wheel-drive vehicle and thorough knowledge of road conditions are advisable for any overland component of a trip. Always inform someone of your itinerary and expected return before heading into the backcountry.
Things to See & Do
Paddling
The Snare River and its associated lake chain offer a wilderness canoe route suitable for experienced paddlers comfortable with remote travel, portaging, and whitewater reading. The route connects several lakes and river segments with varying difficulty. Consult up-to-date route reports and NWT government resources before launching.
Fishing
The Snare River system supports populations of northern pike, lake trout, and arctic grayling. Fishing is a primary draw for those who make the effort to reach this area. A valid NWT fishing licence is required — verify current licensing rules and any area-specific restrictions through the Government of the Northwest Territories before fishing.
Wildlife Observation
The boreal forest and riparian corridors support moose, black bear, bald eagle, osprey, common loon, and a variety of migratory waterfowl. Patient, quiet travel by canoe offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Aurora Borealis
The Northwest Territories sits beneath one of the world's most productive aurora zones. Clear winter nights from approximately late August through April can produce vivid aurora displays. The Snare River area, like most of the NT away from Yellowknife's light pollution, offers dark skies well suited to aurora observation.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
There are no local emergency services at Snare River. In a genuine emergency, contact the RCMP, whose nearest detachment is in Yellowknife, via satellite communicator or emergency beacon (PLB). Canada's general emergency number is 911, but cell coverage does not exist in this area — a satellite device is your lifeline.
Medical
The nearest hospital is in Yellowknife. Carry a comprehensive wilderness first-aid kit and, ideally, have at least one member of your party trained in wilderness first aid.
Supplies
Stock up fully in Yellowknife. There are no stores, fuel stations, or food services at Snare River.
Weather
Weather in the subarctic can change rapidly. Summer temperatures can range from comfortable to cold and wet within hours. Winter temperatures routinely fall below −30°C. Pack for conditions at least one full season colder than you expect.
Safety
Remote wilderness travel in the Northwest Territories carries inherent risks that require honest preparation. Water levels and currents on the Snare River vary significantly by season and annual precipitation; never assume conditions match what a route description from a previous year recorded.
Bear awareness is essential. Store food in bear canisters or hung caches well away from sleeping areas. Make noise while traveling to avoid surprise encounters. Carry and know how to use bear spray.
Hypothermia is a year-round risk in subarctic environments, not only in winter. Cold rain in July can be as dangerous as cold temperatures if travelers are unprepared. Carry wool or synthetic insulating layers and reliable rain gear regardless of the season forecast.
Always file a detailed trip plan with a trusted contact and with the RCMP Yellowknife detachment if undertaking a multi-day wilderness journey. Specify your launch point, intended route, and the date and method by which you should be reported overdue if no contact is made.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Snare River area sits within the traditional homeland of the Tłı̨chǫ (also spelled Tlicho), one of the Dene nations of the Northwest Territories. The Tłı̨chǫ have lived in and traveled through this landscape for thousands of years, and their relationship with the land — including the rivers, lakes, and wildlife — remains active and legally recognized under the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement, a land claim and self-government agreement with the Government of Canada.
Visitors should approach this territory with genuine respect. This means not disturbing cultural sites, fish camps, or cabins you may encounter along river routes, even if they appear unoccupied. It means following any land-use protocols the Tłı̨chǫ Government has established, and it means being willing to listen and learn if you have the opportunity to interact with community members. If you wish to learn more about Tłı̨chǫ history and culture, the community of Behchokǫ̀ (Rae-Edzo), reachable from Yellowknife, is the largest Tłı̨chǫ community and a more appropriate place to seek cultural engagement than a remote river corridor.
