Fort Simpson is the oldest established settlement in the Northwest Territories, and is located on the Mackenzie River. Although mostly a government center, there is also a substantial mining and logging industry here.

Fishing and hunting outfitters can be found here, as well as the North Nahanni River Tours Company, which offers boat tours. Fort Simpson is one of the main gateways to Nahanni National Park Reserve, and the Mackenzie Highway, which passes through, is the only paved highway in the territory!