Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories Travel Guide
Behchokǫ̀ stands near the North Arm of Great Slave Lake, where lake water, highway travel, and Tłı̨chǫ government life meet in the North Slave region. The community includes the historic Rae and Edzo areas, joined by road, and it is one of the most important Tłı̨chǫ places in the Northwest Territories. Travellers usually encounter Behchokǫ̀ by road on Highway 3, with lake views, community art, and North Arm Territorial Park nearby.
How Behchokǫ̀ Started
Tłı̨chǫ people have lived in this area for centuries. The NWT Bureau of Statistics notes that a trading post was established in the area around 1790, and that John Rae later opened a Hudson’s Bay Company post at Old Fort Rae in 1852. Treaty No. 11 was signed in 1921, and permanent housing and road access developed much later, especially after the Second World War.
Behchokǫ̀ was formerly known as Rae-Edzo. The modern community name reflects Tłı̨chǫ identity, and territorial sources list Tłı̨chǫ as the Indigenous language connected with the community. Today it is the largest Tłı̨chǫ community and the headquarters of the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
What Behchokǫ̀ Is Like Today
Behchokǫ̀ is a community of about 2,000 people, based on the 2025 territorial population estimate. It is large by NWT community standards but still works at a human scale: local government, school life, stores, recreation, family travel, and events are central to daily life.
The setting is one of the main things travellers notice. Great Slave Lake’s North Arm gives the area a broad-water horizon, while Marian Lake and nearby creeks shape local travel, fishing, and paddling. Arts and handmade work are also part of the visitor experience, especially beading, sewing, and other Tłı̨chǫ-made pieces sold through local and regional channels.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
North Arm Territorial Park is the easiest structured stop for many travellers. The park sits west of Behchokǫ̀ on Highway 3, with campsites, day-use space, swimming access, a picnic shelter, and views across Great Slave Lake. It opened as a campground in 2024, making it one of the newer NWT Parks facilities.
In the community, focus on the lake setting, local art, and Tłı̨chǫ context. Behchokǫ̀ is not a place to rush through only because it sits on the road to Yellowknife. The stronger visit is quieter: pause for the landscape, learn the community name and pronunciation, and treat local cultural spaces as active community places, not displays.
Quick Facts
- Community: Tłı̨chǫ Community Government of Behchokǫ̀
- Territory: Northwest Territories
- Region: North Slave
- Population: 2,017, based on the July 1, 2025 NWT Bureau of Statistics estimate
- Former name: Rae-Edzo
- Language context: Tłı̨chǫ is listed by the Government of the Northwest Territories for Behchokǫ̀
- Nearby park: North Arm Territorial Park
Travel Notes
Behchokǫ̀ is road accessible on Highway 3, but travellers should still prepare for northern distances, wildlife on the highway, and variable service hours. Summer is the easiest season for lake stops and campground use. In winter, plan for cold, darkness, and highway conditions, and check official travel information before setting out.