Equal parts Métis, First Nations and non-indigenous, this friendly, historic town was once the NWT’s front door: All northbound river travellers passed through here while portaging the Slave River Rapids. These days, visitors arrive by scenic Hwy 5, to tour sprawling Wood Buffalo National Park, paddle (or peer at white pelicans) in the Slave’s foaming whitewater, walk or cycle the riverfront Thebacha Trail, and check out museums, gift shops and historic sites.