The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is the Northwest Territories' main museum, and for visitors it is the clearest introduction to the north before you head out to see it. It stands on the shores of Frame Lake near downtown, City Hall and the Legislative Assembly. Exhibits cover Indigenous cultures including the Dene, Metis and Inuvialuit, as well as northern history from exploration and the fur trade to mining and the growth of communities, with traditional clothing, tools, art and stories. The territorial archives are housed here, and there is a Mezzanine Art Gallery. Admission is free and donations are welcome, parking is free on site, and the building is accessible with ramps, seating and two wheelchairs available in the lobby. It is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and open longer on Thursdays.
Opening hours (check before you go)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the last Saturday of each month until 8:30 p.m. The museum is open on most statutory holidays other than Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Exhibits change, so check the current exhibits page for what is on during your visit.
What to look for
Dene and Inuvialuit traditional clothing and tools, northern art, and displays that explain how people have lived on this land. Allow at least ninety minutes to see the main galleries, and more if you like archives or art.
Planning
It is a perfect half-day pairing with the Legislative Assembly, which is a short walk away, and with Old Town. Because it is indoors and free, it works as a backup when the weather is bitter or cloud ruins an aurora forecast. Bring a warm coat for the walk from the car, since Frame Lake winds are sharp in winter.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided museum visit with galleries on Indigenous cultures and northern history, plus archives and an art gallery.
Best time
Any day it is open, especially in bitter weather; Thursday and the last Saturday of the month are open into the evening.
How long
Ninety minutes to two hours.
Tips
Check the exhibits page before you go, use the free parking, and remember the centre is closed on Mondays.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want context on Dene, Metis, Inuit and Inuvialuit cultures and northern history.
- Families
- Free admission, interactive exhibits and accessible galleries make it an easy family stop.
- Couples
- A calm indoor hour paired with a walk along Frame Lake.
- Pair with
- The Legislative Assembly next door and Old Town.
- Time needed
- Allow an hour and a half to two hours.
Good questions
Is the Northern Heritage Centre free?+
Yes, admission is free and donations are welcome. Parking on site is also free.
What are the opening hours?+
It is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
Where is it?+
It is at 4750 48th Street on the shore of Frame Lake, near downtown, City Hall and the Legislative Assembly.
What will I see?+
The centre covers Indigenous cultures and northern history, with clothing, tools, art and archives, plus a Mezzanine Art Gallery.
Is it accessible?+
Yes, it has a ramp, handrails, automatic doors, seating and accessible washrooms, and two wheelchairs are available in the lobby.
