Large detailed map of Northwest Territories with cities and towns

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, rivers, lakes, highways, major highways, secondary roads, winter roads, railways, and national parks in the Northwest Territories.

Cities and Towns of Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories has a sparse population distribution with only 33 municipalities. Yellowknife serves as the territorial capital and largest city with a population of approximately 20,000 residents. The city was established in 1934 following gold discoveries and became the capital in 1967.

Hay River functions as the territory's second-largest town with around 3,500 inhabitants. Located on the shore of Great Slave Lake, it serves as a major transportation hub and shipping port for the Mackenzie River system.

Inuvik, situated above the Arctic Circle, represents the largest community in the northern region with approximately 3,200 people. Founded in 1955 as an administrative centre, it remains accessible year-round via the Dempster Highway. Fort Smith, positioned near the Alberta border, hosts around 2,500 residents and serves as a gateway to Wood Buffalo National Park.

Smaller communities include Behchokǫ̀, the largest Tłı̨chǫ community with 2,000 residents, and Norman Wells, an oil-producing town of 800 people. Many settlements originated as fur trading posts or mission sites during the 18th and 19th centuries.