Church of Our Lady of Good Hope
One of the most historically significant buildings in the Northwest Territories, the Church of Our Lady of Good Hope is a stunningly well-preserved example of 19th-century mission architecture. Constructed over two decades from the 1860s to the 1880s, the church is recognized for both its painstaking Carpenter Gothic design and its arresting interior murals, painted by the Oblate missionary Father Émile Petitot, who spent much of his life recording the cultures and geography of the region. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, this modest church speaks to a complex, multi-layered history-one of early contact, missionary influence, cultural exchange, and resilience. To step inside the small wooden building is-for visitors-to glimpse a rare perspective on northern history through art and architecture.
Arctic Circle Drum
Just 37 kilometres outside Fort Good Hope, along the winter road to Colville Lake, stands one of the Northwest Territories’ most striking roadside landmarks: the Arctic Circle Drum. Rising nearly 20 feet high and about 20 feet across, this enormous steel drum marks the only place in the NWT where travellers can reach the Arctic Circle by road. Completed in 2021, it replaced an older Arctic Circle sign and now serves as both a geographical marker and a powerful symbol of the land and people you’re entering.
For the K’asho Got’ı̨nę Dene, the drum is more than a monument—it’s a sacred cultural emblem, used in ceremonies, prayers, and celebrations, often described as the heartbeat of the community. The structure’s weathered steel finish was designed to endure the Arctic environment, while the drumstick bears the words “K’asho Got’ı̨nę Néné,” acknowledging both the people of Fort Good Hope and their traditional territory. The monument’s unveiling included traditional drum songs and prayers, reinforcing its role as a cultural beacon welcoming travellers into Dene land.
Trails, Nature & Land-based Activities
Fort Good Hope offers a variety of land-based experiences, and the Old Baldy Trail is a favorite. This accessible hike follows a long glacial esker that makes for a gradual climb that almost anyone can enjoy. Along the way, travelers move through classic northern scenery—spruce forest, summer wildflowers, and berry patches—before reaching a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Mackenzie River valley and surrounding boreal wilderness. For those seeking a more in-depth excursion, the longer Rapids Trail follows the riverbank toward the Tsintu River (Bluefish Creek), passing through quiet forests and open shoreline areas rich in traditional harvesting activity. This rough 20-kilometre route allows for a deeper engagement with the land that sustains the K’asho Got’ine people and is best undertaken with preparation or local guidance because of its length and remoteness.
Winter changes the landscape to a quiet, snow-covered world suitable for exploration during the cold season. The Fred Kelly Express Ski Trail named after a respected local athlete provides a well-used route for cross-country skiing and reflects community interest in outdoor recreation even during the coldest months. Gliding along the trail offers a serene way to experience the frozen forests, edges of the river, and the beautiful change that only appears in the northern winter, giving the visitor a sense of the rhythm of life on the land throughout the year.
The Ramparts
One of the most dramatic natural features along the entire Mackenzie River, the Ramparts are a defining landmark for the community of Fort Good Hope. Here, the river abruptly narrows, flowing between towering 40-meter-high limestone cliffs that result in powerful rapids and create a canyon-like passage that has held importance for generations to the K’asho Got’ine people. The area has long served as a traditional fishing site, a cultural reference point, and a place of spiritual meaning within the community. For visitors, the Ramparts offer unforgettable views from the water or riverbanks, especially in summer when the river is open for boating. The contrast of sheer cliffs, fast-moving water, and vast skies makes this one of the most visually striking places in the Sahtu region.
Community, Culture & Local Life
Perhaps most salient about a visit to Fort Good Hope is the opportunity to observe the strength and continuity of K’asho Got’ine culture. Daily life in the community frequently focuses on traditional land-based activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and harvesting, which remain vital to local identity and economy. Visitors may encounter community events, cultural gatherings, or crafts made by local artists, each offering insight into the stories, rhythms, and relationships that define life along the Mackenzie River. While Fort Good Hope is not a conventional tourist destination, its hospitality, authenticity, and deep connections to the land provide a particular type of cultural experience-one that roots itself in respect, quiet observation, and meaningful human connection.