At the Norman Wells Historical Centre, we are proud to be a hub for the ongoing preservation of the Sahtu’s rich history and a destination for cultural appreciation.
The Norman Wells Museum opened the doors in October of 1989 and has been growing an impressive artifact collection ever since. Conveniently located just a short walk from the Town Square, the museum property is the resting place to a large collection of vehicles and other equipment used by Bechtel-Price-Callahan during construction of the Canol Pipeline and even a retired steam barge!
Inside, you will find a number of exhibits about oil and gas exploration, the CANOL Project, aviation and transport in the North, incredible fossils, impressive taxidermy, traditional art beautifully hand-crafted by locals and so much more - including The Great Bear Gift Shop!
The museum and gift shop are open year round for visitors and locals to explore (stay up to date on hours, workshops, and events by following us on social media).
1942-1945
The CANOL Project
Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War 2, the United States military became concerned about attacks on their the exposed Alaskan bases. Japanese forces moved to threaten the American fuel and supply lines, thus launching two massive inland projects: The Alaska Highway and the CANOL Pipeline.
Construction of the CANOL (‘Canadian Oil’) Pipeline from the Norman Wells oilfield across the virtually untouched Mackenzie Mountain range to a refinery in Whitehorse. A total of 2512 kilometers of 4-inch pipeline, 3985 kms of winter and summer roads, tank farms, 10 airfields between Edmonton and Norman Wells, with an accompanying 1600 kms of telephone lines were constructed between 1942 and 1944.
The massive project employed some 30,000 people and cost a whopping $133 million USD (an equivalent to $3,228,741,162.23 CAD in 2025). In April of 1945, after less than one year of operation, the entire project was abandoned along with much of the equipment including trucks, buildings, barrels, and pump stations.
The route was designated The Canol Heritage Trail and given National Historic Site status in 1996. It is now a bucket-list hike (or bike!) for those willing to brave Canada’s remote north.
