Fort Simpson Travel Guide

Fort Simpson is a village in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada, located on an island at the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers. Both rivers were traditionally trade routes for the Hudson's Bay Company and the native Dene people of the area.

As the regional centre of the Dehcho, Fort Simpson is also the gateway to the scenic South Nahanni River and the Nahanni National Park Reserve. Fort Simpson can be reached by air, water and road and has full secondary and elementary school service.

Fort Simpson's origins as a community began in 1803 as Fort of the Forks, which existed solely as a fur trading site and was situated near what is now known as Fort Simpson. In 1822, the village became a permanent settlement when the Hudson's Bay Company began construction of a trading post, naming it for George Simpson, then Governor of Rupert's Land. Until 1910 this was "a company town", with some participation by the Anglican and Roman Catholic Missions.

The central section of the community is on an island near the south bank of the Mackenzie River, but industrial areas and rural residential areas are located along the highway as far as the Fort Simpson Airport, just beyond which is the Liard River ferry crossing.

There are two main annual festivals which occur in Fort Simpson. The first which is held in March is known as the "Beavertail Jamboree". This is a winter carnival which includes traditional games, snowmobile races, & talent shows.