The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories sits at 4570 48th Street, a short walk from the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. It is the seat of a territorial government that works by consensus, without political parties, which is unusual in Canada and is the reason many visitors want a look inside. Public tours are free and begin in the Great Hall, just off the main entrance; tell the security guard you are there for a tour. English tours run Monday to Friday at 10:30 a.m., with a second tour at 2 p.m. from June 1 to August 31, and French tours run Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Groups of ten or more should arrange a private tour. A self-guided audio tour is available through the Smartify app. The building is fully wheelchair accessible with public washrooms, and free public parking is available on site.
Hours
The building is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and it is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Tours are scheduled rather than on demand, so aim for the 10:30 a.m. English tour on a weekday, and note that the extra afternoon tour only runs in summer.
What you see
The Great Hall and the building's public spaces, with a guide explaining how the Assembly works and how decisions are made without political parties, which gives useful context for the rest of your trip.
Planning
It takes about an hour, it is free and indoors, and it pairs well with the Northern Heritage Centre and Old Town for a free half-day. Arrive a few minutes before the tour starts. The audio tour is a good alternative if the live tour times do not fit your schedule.
What to expect
The experience
A free guided tour starting in the Great Hall, or a self-guided audio tour through the Smartify app.
Best time
Weekday mornings for the English tour; building open weekends too but tours are scheduled on weekdays.
How long
About one hour.
Tips
Tell the security guard you are there for a tour, arrive a few minutes early and check the closure days around Christmas and New Year.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious visitors who want to understand how the territory is governed.
- Families
- Fine for older children who enjoy civics, and short enough to keep attention.
- Couples
- A short, free, warm indoor stop between outdoor activities.
- Pair with
- The Northern Heritage Centre and Old Town.
- Time needed
- An hour including arrival.
Good questions
Are tours free?+
Yes, all tours are free and free public parking is available on site.
When do tours run?+
English tours run Monday to Friday at 10:30 a.m., with an extra 2 p.m. tour from June 1 to August 31. French tours run Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Where do tours start?+
They begin in the Great Hall, just off the main entrance. Let the security guard know you are there for a tour.
Do I need to reserve?+
Not for small groups. Groups of ten or more should arrange a private tour.
When is the building closed?+
It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Otherwise it is open daily, with shorter hours on weekends.
