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Tlįchǫ Ramsar Site adventures

Tlįchǫ Ramsar Site Adventures

The Tlįchǫ Ramsar Site is a vast and ecologically significant wetland area in the Northwest Territories, renowned for its pristine tundra, vital waterbird habitats, and cultural importance to the Tlįchǫ people.

9,886,000
Acres Protected
Limited formal trails
Miles of Trails
Fewer than 1,000 (estimated)
Annual Visitors
2021
Year Established

About Tlįchǫ Ramsar Site

 

The Tlįchǫ Ramsar Site, designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2021, encompasses over 4 million hectares of diverse wetland ecosystems within the Northwest Territories of Canada. Situated primarily within the traditional territory of the Tlįchǫ Nation, this expansive site features a mosaic of peatlands, bogs, fens, lakes, rivers, and tundra landscapes. The region plays a critical role as breeding and staging habitat for numerous migratory waterbirds, including species like the Lesser Snow Goose, Tundra Swan, and various species of ducks and shorebirds. Its wetlands provide important carbon storage, supporting global climate regulation, and sustain a wide range of flora and fauna, including iconic northern mammals such as caribou and muskoxen. The area is largely undisturbed and culturally significant; it supports subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering for the local Indigenous communities, who maintain strong stewardship practices rooted in their deep relationship to the land. Recreational access is limited and mostly oriented toward wildlife viewing and ecological research. The Tlįchǫ Ramsar Site exemplifies pristine northern wilderness, offering a remote and contemplative experience for visitors interested in birdwatching, nature photography, and understanding Indigenous land management. Due to its remoteness and fragile environment, high-impact tourism is minimized, making it a special destination for conservation-minded travelers and scientists.

Highlights

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Extensive peatland complexes vital for carbon storage and global climate regulation

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Important breeding grounds for migratory waterbirds such as Lesser Snow Goose and Tundra Swan

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Cultural landscape sustained by the Tlįchǫ Indigenous people and their traditional stewardship

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Remote tundra vistas and pristine wetland ecosystems rarely disturbed by development

Notable Natural Features

Tundra Wetlands

A vast network of peatlands and wetlands that act as crucial breeding habitat for migratory birds and play an important role in carbon sequestration.

Traditional Tlįchǫ Landscape

The territory embodies the traditional land and resource use of the Tlįchǫ people, preserving both natural and cultural heritage.

Migratory Bird Habitat

Recognized internationally for supporting large populations of waterfowl and shorebirds during breeding and migration seasons.