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Northwest Territories

On a planet containing seven billion people, it's difficult to imagine that there are still places as sparsely populated as the Northwest Territories (NWT). A vast swath of boreal forest and Arctic tundra five times the size of the UK, it has a population of a small provincial town. In the 19th century, gold prospectors passed it over as too remote; modern Canadians, if they head north at all, prefer to romanticize about iconic Nunavut or the grandiose Yukon. More people orbit the earth each year than visit lonely Aulavik, one of the territory's four national parks.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Nahanni National Park Reserve

A place of unparalleled natural beauty in the southwestern NWT near the Yukon border, this 30,000-sq-km, Unesco World Heritage national park is bisected…

Virginia Falls

Yes, there is a higher set of falls in British Columbia, but for the sheer gushing power of two mighty torrents of water, falling from a height of 96m …

Wood Buffalo National Park

Established in 1922 to protect a large, dark and distinctly Northern subspecies of bison, and straddling the Alberta–NWT border, is Wood Buffalo National…

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

Yellowknife

Acting as NWT's historical and cultural archive, this well-laid-out museum overlooks Frame Lake. Expertly assembled displays address natural history,…

Aulavik National Park

This seldom-visited park has the world's largest concentration of musk ox, as well as tundra and archaeological sites. This is true Arctic wilderness,…

Pingo Canadian Landmark

The Tuk Peninsula has the world's highest concentration of pingos. Some 1350 of these huge mounds of earth-covered ice, that form only in a permafrost…

Great Slave Lake

Yellowknife sits on the shores of Great Slave Lake – the 10th largest lake in the world and the deepest in North America. It takes its name from the…

Pelican Rapids

Twelve kilometers south of Fort Smith, an old road leads east towards the river, with a footpath dipping down to a creek and ascending a bluff overlooking…

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Northwest Territories and beyond

Northwest Territories Travel Guide: Rural Canadian Beauty

Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2023

Are you ready to embark on an adventure like no other? Look no further than the Northwest Territories, a vast Canadian territory that will leave you spellbound with its stunning natural beauty. From breathtaking landscapes to diverse wildlife, this northern paradise offers a unique wilderness experience that will leave you in awe.

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Northwest Territories. From British Columbia all the way up north to Yukon and Nunavut, this territory offers endless opportunities for exploration. Get ready to witness astonishing wildlife encounters, marvel at the shimmering Aurora Borealis, and discover hidden gems along NWT highways.

Stay tuned as we guide you through this extraordinary land filled with wonder at every turn. Adventure awaits!

How to Get to the Northwest Territories

Are you ready for an adventure in the stunning wilderness of the Northwest Territories? Getting there is part of the excitement! In this guide, we’ll show you how to reach this remote and captivating region. Whether you prefer air travel or hitting the road, we’ve got all the information you need to make your journey a breeze.

Accessible by Air from Major Canadian Cities

Flying is the most convenient way to reach the Northwest Territories. With direct flights available to Yellowknife, the capital city, you can easily hop on a plane and be on your way. Several major Canadian cities offer flights to Yellowknife, including Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Ottawa. So no matter where you’re coming from in Canada, there’s likely a flight that will get you there.

Limited Road Access through Alberta and British Columbia

While road access to the Northwest Territories is limited, it’s still possible to embark on a road trip adventure. The primary routes into the territory are through Alberta and British Columbia. From Alberta, you can take Highway 35 or Highway 58 which connect with Highway 1 leading into Yellowknife. If you’re coming from British Columbia, Highway 97 will take you northward until it connects with Highway 1 as well.

As you drive through these scenic routes, be prepared for long stretches of wilderness and few amenities along the way. It’s essential to plan ahead by researching gas stations and accommodations since they can be scarce in some areas. Keep in mind that weather conditions can impact road accessibility during certain times of the year.

Ferry Services Operate in Summer Months for Some Communities

In summer months when waterways thaw out, ferry services become available for select communities in the Northwest Territories. These ferries provide an alternative mode of transportation if you want to explore more remote areas or experience a unique journey along one of their beautiful rivers.

For example, the Deh Cho Ferry operates from mid-May to mid-October and connects the Mackenzie Highway with various communities along the Mackenzie River. This scenic route allows you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the NWT while enjoying a leisurely ferry ride.

The Adventure of Reaching the Region

One thing is for sure: reaching the Northwest Territories is an adventure in itself. The remote location adds to the allure and excitement of exploring this vast wilderness. As you make your way through untamed landscapes, you’ll be surrounded by pristine nature, untouched by mass tourism.

While it’s important to embrace this sense of adventure, it’s equally crucial to plan ahead and take necessary precautions. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers any unexpected emergencies or medical treatment. Research local rules and regulations regarding wildlife encounters, hunting, fishing, and camping so that you can fully enjoy your time in this remarkable territory without risking harm to yourself or the environment.

Don’t forget about safety when venturing into such a wild area. Be aware of potential risks associated with encountering wild animals and always follow guidelines provided by local authorities or national parks. Remember that you’re stepping into their natural habitat, so it’s essential to treat them with respect and care.

Best Towns in the Northwest Territories

Yellowknife: capital city with modern amenities and vibrant arts scene..

Yellowknife , the capital city of the Northwest Territories, is a bustling hub that offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. Situated on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, this vibrant town is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. As you explore Yellowknife, you’ll be captivated by its thriving arts scene, showcasing local talent through numerous galleries and exhibitions.

The city is also known as the best place to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. With its location within the Arctic Circle, Yellowknife provides optimal conditions for witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon. Imagine standing under a starry sky as ribbons of green, pink, and purple dance across the horizon – an experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.

For those seeking adventure, Yellowknife offers various outdoor activities such as hiking trails around Frame Lake or exploring nearby Cameron Falls. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife including caribou, moose, and even black bears. Make sure to bring your camera along to capture these unforgettable encounters with nature.

Inuvik: Gateway to the Arctic, offering cultural experiences and Midnight Sun events.

Inuvik serves as a gateway to Canada’s Arctic region and promises visitors an extraordinary cultural experience like no other. Located on the Mackenzie River delta, this unique town boasts a diverse population representing both indigenous communities and settlers from around the world.

One of Inuvik’s most fascinating features is its annual Midnight Sun events which take place during summer solstice when daylight lasts for 24 hours. This phenomenon allows locals and tourists alike to participate in various festivities throughout the night without any concern for darkness. From music festivals to traditional ceremonies conducted by First Nations people, Inuvik truly comes alive during this remarkable time of year.

To delve deeper into the local culture, a visit to the Inuvik Community Greenhouse is a must. This innovative project allows residents to grow fresh produce despite the challenging Arctic climate. You can even take part in gardening workshops and learn about sustainable practices that enable communities to thrive in this harsh environment.

Hay River: Known for fishing, boating, and beautiful waterfalls nearby.

Nestled on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, Hay River is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking fishing, boating, and breathtaking natural wonders. The town’s prime location makes it an ideal destination for those looking to cast their lines and reel in some trophy-sized fish.

The nearby Alexandra Falls and Louise Falls are two stunning waterfalls that should not be missed during your visit to Hay River. These cascades offer picturesque views and provide an excellent backdrop for hiking or simply enjoying a picnic amidst nature’s splendor.

Hay River also hosts several annual events that celebrate its rich history and vibrant community spirit. The Great Hay River Chili Cook-Off brings locals together to showcase their culinary skills while providing visitors with a taste of authentic northern cuisine. The Hay Days Festival features live music performances, arts and crafts exhibitions, and thrilling boat races on the river – ensuring there’s never a dull moment in this lively town.

Fort Smith: Basecamp for exploring Wood Buffalo National Park and Slave River Rapids.

Fort Smith is a hidden gem nestled along the banks of the mighty Slave River. Serving as a basecamp for adventure seekers, this charming town offers easy access to two remarkable natural attractions: Wood Buffalo National Park and Slave River Rapids.

Wood Buffalo National Park spans across both Alberta and the Northwest Territories, making it one of Canada’s largest national parks. Home to herds of free-roaming bison, this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides an opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. Exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, which include wetlands, forests, and grasslands, is a must for nature enthusiasts.

For thrill-seekers, the Slave River Rapids offer an exhilarating white-water rafting experience. As the river rushes through narrow canyons and over powerful rapids, adrenaline junkies are in for an unforgettable adventure.

Best Towns and Destinations in the Northwest Territories

Tuktoyaktuk: where ice roads meet the arctic ocean.

Tuktoyaktuk is a unique community nestled on the shores of the Arctic Ocean in the Northwest Territories. This charming town offers an extraordinary experience, especially during the winter months when ice roads connect it to other parts of Canada. Imagine driving across frozen expanses, witnessing breathtaking landscapes as you make your way to Tuktoyaktuk. It’s an adventure like no other.

During your visit, take a stroll along the coastline and marvel at the icy beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see. Engage with friendly locals who will happily share stories about their way of life in this remote region. Don’t forget to try some traditional Inuvialuit cuisine, such as freshly caught Arctic char or muktuk (whale blubber). And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.

Nahanni National Park Reserve: Nature’s Masterpiece

Prepare to be awe-struck by Nahanni National Park Reserve , a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Northwest Territories. This park is home to majestic canyons, towering peaks, and breathtaking waterfalls that will leave you speechless. The centerpiece of Nahanni is Virginia Falls, which cascades down twice the height of Niagara Falls. Witnessing this natural wonder up close is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Embark on a thrilling adventure through Nahanni’s rugged terrain and pristine wilderness. Hike along scenic trails that wind their way through lush forests and alpine meadows. Feel your adrenaline surge as you navigate exhilarating white-water rapids on a guided rafting trip down the South Nahanni River. Keep your camera ready because encounters with wild animals like black bears, moose, and Dall sheep are not uncommon here.

Great Bear Lake: A Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts

If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories is a must-visit destination. As Canada’s largest lake, it offers endless opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and immersing yourself in pristine wilderness. The crystal-clear waters of this magnificent lake are teeming with fish, including lake trout and Arctic grayling. Cast your line and try your luck at reeling in a trophy-sized catch.

Paddle across the tranquil surface of Great Bear Lake and explore its secluded bays and hidden coves. As you navigate through this untouched paradise, keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring above or beavers busy building their dams along the shore. If you prefer to stay on land, embark on a hiking expedition and witness the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Aulavik National Park: Where Arctic Tundra Unveils Its Secrets

For those seeking solitude amidst remarkable Arctic tundra landscapes, Aulavik National Park is an ideal choice. This remote park showcases the raw beauty of Canada’s northernmost reaches while offering a glimpse into the unique wildlife that thrives in this harsh environment. Explore vast expanses of rolling hills covered in vibrant wildflowers during summer or witness the stark contrast of snow-covered plains during winter.

Embark on guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides who will help you unravel the mysteries of this captivating region. Observe herds of muskoxen roaming freely across the tundra or catch sight of elusive Arctic foxes darting between rocky outcrops. Immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility as you camp under star-filled skies, far away from city lights.

Dempster Highway: The Ultimate Road Trip Adventure

The Dempster Highway is an iconic road trip route that connects Yukon Territory with Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Embarking on this epic journey is like stepping back in time, as you traverse vast stretches of untouched wilderness and immerse yourself in the true essence of the North. The highway winds its way through breathtaking landscapes, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away.

As you drive along this remote route, keep an eye out for wildlife encounters.

Rail Travel to the Northwest Territories

If you’re planning a trip to the Northwest Territories, it’s important to know that there is no direct rail access within the territory itself. However, don’t let that discourage you! There are still options for rail travel that can get you close to your destination.

Via Rail: Your Ticket to Adventure

Via Rail is your go-to option. Hop aboard one of their comfortable trains and enjoy the scenic journey as you make your way towards the breathtaking landscapes of the Northwest Territories.

Connections Required: Bus or Flight?

Once you reach Jasper or Prince George, you’ll need to make further connections in order to reach your final destination within the Northwest Territories. While this may require a bit more planning, it also presents an opportunity for adventure and exploration along the way.

One option is to take a bus from Jasper or Prince George onwards. This allows you to sit back and relax while enjoying stunning views of nature as you travel through picturesque landscapes. Alternatively, if time is of the essence or if you prefer air travel, catching a flight from these locations will ensure a quicker journey.

Navigating by Road, Rivers, and Air

While rail travel may not be directly available within the Northwest Territories itself, there are other modes of transportation that allow for easy exploration of this vast region. The NWT Highway system provides well-maintained roads connecting various communities and attractions throughout the territory. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way.

For those seeking an even more adventurous experience, consider traveling by river. With numerous waterways flowing through the Northwest Territories, embarking on a river journey allows for unique access to remote areas and stunning natural wonders. Whether by kayak or guided tour boat, immersing yourself in these pristine waters is an unforgettable experience.

Of course, air travel remains a popular choice for reaching more remote areas of the Northwest Territories. With several airports scattered throughout the territory, flying allows you to efficiently cover long distances and access isolated communities. It’s worth noting that some areas may require special permits or arrangements due to their remote location, so it’s always a good idea to research and plan ahead.

Planning Your Trip: Visa Requirements and More

Before embarking on your journey to the Northwest Territories, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documents in order. As part of Canada, travelers from most countries will need a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the country. Be sure to check with the Canadian government for up-to-date information on visa requirements and application procedures.

It’s essential to research any specific requirements or regulations related to traveling within the Northwest Territories itself. This includes understanding rules regarding wildlife encounters, such as how to safely interact with wild animals and respecting their natural habitat. It’s also crucial to be aware of any local authorities’ guidelines.

Embracing Nature’s Wonders

The Northwest Territories is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and unique natural phenomena. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy extended daylight hours and explore stunning national parks filled with cascading waterfalls, picturesque lakes, and diverse wildlife. Don’t miss out on hiking opportunities that allow you to immerse yourself in this pristine wilderness while enjoying encounters with majestic creatures along the way.

If you’re fortunate enough to visit during winter, witnessing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky is an absolute must. The Northwest Territories offers prime viewing locations for this awe-inspiring phenomenon that will leave you speechless.

Local Culture and Heritage

Beyond its remarkable natural beauty, the Northwest Territories is also home to vibrant First Nations communities rich in history and culture. Take the time to visit local museums and heritage centers where you can learn about the traditions, art, and stories of the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home for thousands of years.

In Yellowknife, the capital city, you’ll find a bustling hub with a blend of modern amenities and small-town charm. Explore its unique shops, dine on delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere that makes this city so special.

Safety First: Wildlife and Emergency Preparedness

While exploring the Northwest Territories offers incredible adventures, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Keep in mind that this vast wilderness is home to various wild animals such as bison and fur-bearing creatures.

Scenic Routes: Liard Highway, Ingraham Trail, Wood Buffalo

Liard highway: a boreal adventure.

If you’re looking for a scenic drive that takes you through breathtaking landscapes, the Liard Highway is an absolute must-visit in the Northwest Territories. This highway cuts through vast stretches of pristine boreal forests, immersing you in the beauty of nature. As you cruise along this route, keep an eye out for the region’s abundant wildlife. The Liard Highway is known for its diverse range of wild animals, including majestic bison roaming freely.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to soak in natural hot springs. The Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park offers a rejuvenating stop along the way. Take a dip in these soothing thermal waters and let your worries melt away as you admire the surrounding wilderness.

Ingraham Trail: Nature’s Playground

For those seeking picturesque views and outdoor adventures near Yellowknife, look no further than the Ingraham Trail. This scenic route winds its way through stunning landscapes dotted with numerous lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply enjoy leisurely walks amidst nature’s splendor, there are plenty of options to suit every preference.

The trail leads to popular destinations such as Cameron Falls and Prelude Lake Territorial Park. Marvel at cascading waterfalls as they plunge into crystal-clear pools below or spend a peaceful day fishing on one of the many serene lakes along the route. With each turn, be prepared to encounter breathtaking vistas that will leave you awestruck.

Wood Buffalo National Park: A Wildlife Haven

Spanning across both Alberta and Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo National Park is a true gem waiting to be explored. This expansive park boasts incredible biodiversity and is home to one of Canada’s largest bison herds . Witness these magnificent creatures up close as they roam freely in their natural habitat. Keep your camera ready for that perfect shot!

The park’s diverse ecosystems provide a haven for various wildlife species, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers. From elusive wolves to graceful moose, the opportunities to spot fascinating creatures are abundant. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this protected wilderness and let the sights and sounds of nature captivate your senses.

In addition to its natural wonders, Wood Buffalo National Park is also rich in cultural heritage. Take the time to learn about the traditions and history of the indigenous First Nations communities that have called this land home for generations. Their stories and connection to this remarkable territory provide a deeper understanding of its significance.

Whether you choose to explore the Liard Highway, Ingraham Trail, or Wood Buffalo National Park, each scenic route offers a unique experience that showcases the unparalleled beauty of Northwest Territories. Embark on these adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the wonders that await you in this captivating corner of Canada’s north!

Conclusion: Your Guide to the Northwest Territories

In conclusion, the Northwest Territories offers a wealth of natural beauty and unique experiences for adventurous travelers. From stunning landscapes to charming towns, this region has something for everyone.

Getting to the Northwest Territories is relatively easy. You can choose to fly into Yellowknife, the capital city, which has regular flights from major Canadian cities. Alternatively, you can drive up through Alberta or British Columbia, taking in the scenic routes along the way.

The Northwest Territories boasts several incredible towns that are worth exploring. Yellowknife, with its vibrant arts scene and picturesque Great Slave Lake, is a must-visit. Hay River and Inuvik also offer unique cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery.

In addition to the towns mentioned above, there are other destinations in the Northwest Territories that should not be missed. Tuktoyaktuk’s remote location on the Arctic Ocean provides an unforgettable experience, while Nahanni National Park Reserve offers unparalleled wilderness adventures.

While rail travel may not be as common in this region, it is still possible to reach certain parts of the Northwest Territories by train. The Mackenzie Northern Railway connects Hay River with other communities further south and is a scenic way to explore this vast territory.

For those who prefer road trips, there are several scenic routes that showcase the beauty of the Northwest Territories. The Liard Highway takes you through lush forests and hot springs, while the Ingraham Trail leads you past stunning lakes and waterfalls. Wood Buffalo National Park is another highlight with its diverse wildlife and pristine wilderness.

In summary, your guide to the Northwest Territories highlights how accessible it is by air or road travel. The best towns and destinations offer a mix of cultural experiences and natural wonders. Rail travel is limited but still an option, and the scenic routes provide breathtaking views. So pack your bags, immerse yourself in the beauty of this region, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Are there any guided tours available in the Northwest Territories?

Yes, there are various guided tours available that cater to different interests such as wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, or outdoor adventures. These tours can enhance your experience and provide valuable insights into the region.

What is the best time to visit the Northwest Territories?

The summer months from June to August are generally considered the best time to visit due to milder weather conditions and longer daylight hours. However, each season has its own unique charm, so it ultimately depends on your preferences.

Can I see the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories?

Absolutely! The Northwest Territories is one of the prime locations for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. From late August to early April, you have a good chance of experiencing this awe-inspiring phenomenon.

Are there opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing?

Yes, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and more. With vast wilderness areas and pristine lakes and rivers, the Northwest Territories offers endless possibilities for adventure seekers.

Is it possible to spot wildlife in the Northwest Territories?

Definitely! The region is home to diverse wildlife including bears, caribou, muskoxen, wolves, and numerous bird species. Wildlife viewing experiences can be arranged either independently or through organized tours for a chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close.

Note: The FAQs section provides answers to common questions that potential visitors may have about traveling to the Northwest Territories.

Northwest Territories

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Tourist information
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.3 By train
• 6 Get around
• 12 Stay safe

The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a vast wilderness area that is a part of Northern Canada . Summer in the NWT offers open water, camping, hot weather and the midnight sun . Autumn offers vivid colours in the mountains and bountiful berry-picking in the Barrenlands, and excellent opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis. Winter is an even better time to see the Northern Lights when the sky is clear and the nights are long. Springtime is ideal for snowmobiling, dogsledding, ice-fishing, and skiing.

Regions [ edit ]

The Northwest Territories is divided into five regions, which roughly correspond to the territories of the original native inhabitants:

• South Slave (South of Great Slave Lake). The main community in this region is Fort Smith.
• North Slave (North of Great Slave Lake). The main community in this region is the capital, Yellowknife .
• Deh Cho. The main communities in this region are Hay River and Fort Simpson.
• Sahtu. The main community in this region is Norman Wells.
• Beaufort Delta/Arctic Coast, which can be further broken down into the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit settlement areas. The main community in this region is Inuvik.

Cities [ edit ]

• 62.442222 -114.3975 1 Yellowknife — the territory's capital and largest settlement, with several scenic walking trails, and the territorial museum
• 60.8331 -115.778 2 Hay River — a destination for ice fishing and sport fishing
• 68.361667 -133.730556 3 Inuvik — the most populous town in the Canadian Arctic, almost 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, at the inland end of the Mackenzie Delta and the northern end of the Dempster Highway
• 69.4428 -133.031 4 Tuktoyaktuk — an Inuvialuit village, the only village on the Arctic Ocean connected by road to the rest of the country
• 60.554722 -116.147222 5 Enterprise — an important stopover on the road from Alberta to Yellowknife, Hay River, and other NWT settlements
• 60.0053 -111.891 6 Fort Smith — the gateway for visitors to the Wood Buffalo National Park
• 65.1867 -123.422 7 Délı̨nę - Erected in 1825 by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) as Fort Franklin , the staging area and winter quarters for Sir John Franklin's second Arctic expedition of 1825–1827 . Sir John Franklin's diary records that his men played ice sports very similar to what we now call hockey. As such, the modern-day town promotes itself as one of the birthplaces of the sport of ice hockey.

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 73.7003 -119.919 1 Aulavik National Park — on Banks Island, accessible only by chartered plane, it is known for the Thomsen River, one of the most northerly navigable rivers in North America

• 62.25 -128.25 3 Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve — intended to protect the South Nahanni River watershed, it has no services, and is accessible only by chartered float plane
• 62.7075 -108.634444 4 Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve — lakes, rivers and waterfalls, a striking archipelago of islands, peninsulas, landscape formations shaped by ancient ice sheets, dramatic red granite cliffs; it has no services, and is accessible from Łutselk'e which has scheduled flights from Yellowknife
• 68.8187 -121.749 5 Tuktut Nogait National Park — 170 km north of the Arctic Circle in the northeast corner of mainland Northwest Territories; scheduled flights from Inuvik
• 59.999436 -102.007549 6 Four Corners (Canada) — where the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and the territories of Northwest Territories and Nunavut meet, hundreds of kilometres from any road or railway

Understand [ edit ]

Although the name is plural, NWT is a single sub-national jurisdiction within Canada.

About 37% of its 42,000 residents (2016) are First Nations indigenous people, 10% are Inuit (formerly known as Eskimo), and 7% are Métis. See Indigenous cultures of North America .

Its terrain includes boreal forest (taiga) and tundra, and its most northern regions form part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

History [ edit ]

The Northwest Territories was created to encompass all of the Canadian territories to the west and north of Ontario (hence the name ‘Northwest’ Territories).

All of the land which drained into Hudson's Bay once belonged to the Hudson's Bay Company as "Rupert's Land". Parts of that land later became NWT, which covered a vast area. Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, NWT lands were transferred to provinces, or separated to create the Prairie provinces . For instance, all of Lloydminster used to be part of NWT; it was divided on longitude 110°W upon the creation of Alberta and Saskatchewan .

For a century, the name was a bit of a misnomer, as the Northwest Territories contained the Arctic Archipelago, which extended far east. The Yukon Territory was carved out of NWT in 1898. The primarily-Inuit Nunavut Territory seceded in 1999.

To some, the name remains a misnomer as NWT is just one of the three Canadian territories, and it is only "northwest" relative to some other jurisdiction – presumably Ontario. A singular name "Northwest Territory" is avoided due to its historic use for an "Old Northwest" that became U.S. states Ohio , Indiana , Illinois , Michigan , Wisconsin and part of Minnesota . Some advocate native-language names for the territory but there has been no clear consensus.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Spectacular Northwest Territories website

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Flights connect Yellowknife with Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta, and Vancouver , British Columbia. There are seasonal flights from Whitehorse , Yukon, Toronto and Ottawa , Ontario.

By car [ edit ]

From Alberta, Highway 16 leaves from Edmonton to connect to Highway 43. Highway 43 (part of Mackenzie Highway ) heads north towards NWT becoming NWT Highway 1 (part of Mackenzie Highway). Turn on to NWT Highway 3 to take you to Yellowknife . The journey is about 1,450 km (900 mi), and there are long distances between gas (petrol) stations. Do your research, and be prepared.

The Dempster Highway (Yukon Highway 5 and NWT Highway 8) connects Inuvik with the Klondike Highway near Dawson City , Yukon.

By train [ edit ]

There are no passenger railways in NWT.

Get around [ edit ]

One of the best ways to get around the Northwest Territories is by car. This gives you unlimited freedom to choose your own itinerary.

Picture the scene - you're driving down the highway and you look to your left, you see a vast expanse of wilderness, maybe a picturesque sunset and even a herd of caribou (reindeer) going about their business. You look to the right and a black bear is peeping out from behind trees. With uninterrupted views of the wide open space and wildlife, you will be alert to all the new sights and sounds until you come across a sleepy little community that offers a camping ground with a small restaurant of home cooked delights and a welcoming atmosphere.

The territorial government operates free ferries on four unbridged river crossings in summer: at the Liard River near Fort Simpson, the Peel River near Fort McPherson, and the Mackenzie River near Wrigley and at Tsiigehtchic. In winter, the government maintains a number of ice roads at these river crossings and elsewhere.

Car hire is a good resource to make the most of in the Northwest Territories. Reliable and cost effective, car hire companies will be able to advise you of the best routes to spot wildlife and the best routes to take you from waterfall to river to lake.

Another of the best ways to travel around the Northwest Territories is by plane, due to the airports dotting the landscape, as well as the lack of roads and rails throughout many parts of the Northwest Territories. (Indeed, passenger rail service has yet to be extended to the Territories.) Yellowknife essentially began partially through the efforts of bush pilots, and float planes can presumably land on the territories' many lakes (they are known to land in Yellowknife Bay). Airline service can be had to Yellowknife, Fort Good Hope, Fort Liard, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik, Norman Wells, and other communities, and bush pilots presumably reach further.

See [ edit ]

You must see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). They are best seen in wintertime, when the nights are long. They cannot be seen at all during the short "white nights" around the summer solstice. Tour companies in Yellowknife offer snowmobile, sled dog expeditions, photography workshops and tractor rides to see the lights from places outside of town.

Great Slave Lake , on the shore of which sits the town of Hay River, is the deepest lake in North America at 614 m (2,014 ft).

The Igloo Church is Inuvik's best-known building. It was built in 1960 with a distinctive dome and exterior painted to look like an igloo.

The Pingos near Tuktoyaktuk are domes of earth-covered ice found only in the high Arctic.

The Northern Life Museum in Fort Smith exhibits traditional work of the Inuit, Inuvialuit, Dene and Metis. It displays include an authentic northern trading post, a typical northern kitchen from the 1940s, and, a traditional trapper's cabin, a 1965 Polaris Sno-Traveler, and a river bank scene featuring a birch bark canoe. The museum also hosts an outdoor Indigenous cultural centre that showcases Canada's First Peoples' ways of traditional living before European contact occurred in the early 1800s.

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife houses the territorial museum and archives.

Within 40 km of Enterprise, you can hike to three sets of waterfalls . In summer, you can see pelicans and endangered whooping cranes nesting near Fort Smith.

Do [ edit ]

Hike or paddle the NWT sections of the Trans Canada Trail .

Yellowknife hosts many festivals year-round, including the Snowking Festival, Long John Jamboree, and the dog sled races in winter, and in the summer, the Summer Solstice Festival, Raven Mad Daze (and 24-hour golf tournament), and Folk on the Rocks, a popular music festival.

Inuvik hosts a Sunrise Festival in January combining native traditions with modern ones. And its Great Northern Arts Festival in the middle of July draws artists come from across the north, other parts of Canada, and Alaska. The Beluga Jamboree in Tuktoyaktuk in April is a large cultural festival full of games, food, and a Jamboree King and Queen competition

Tours are available from Hay River for summer and ice fishing on Great Slave Lake for whitefish, lake trout, and perch. There are also several fly-in lodges that take you fishing in almost untouched wilderness. From Tuktoyaktuk, local guides will take you hunting for caribou, polar bear, beluga whale, fox, and wolverines. (The polar bear populations are strictly controlled through selective hunting to ensure sustainability.)

In winter, you can take dogsledding trips from Yellowknife and other towns.

You can hike to three waterfalls in the region around Enterprise.

Local operators:

• North Star Adventures , [email protected] .  
• Sundog Adventures , [email protected] .  
• Canoe North Adventures Ltd , [email protected] .  
• Peterson's Point Lake Lodge , [email protected] .  
• Namushka Lodge , [email protected] .  
• Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc. , [email protected] .  
• Jackpine Paddle , [email protected] .  
• Yellowknife Vacations Limited , [email protected] .  
• Yellowknife Tours , [email protected] . Offers English, Cantonese and Mandarin tours.  
• Scott Lake Lodge , [email protected] .  

Buy [ edit ]

Local Inuit handicraft (stone carving, fur mittens). NWT is locally famous for its diamond mining. Purchasing diamonds here will ensure that they are not conflict diamonds mined in conflict regions where the profits are used to finance war activities.

Eat [ edit ]

Northern fish from the Great Bear and Great Slave Lakes includes Northern Pike, Pickerel, Grayling fresh, and Lake Trout. Arctic Char is a specialty of the northern coast.

Muskox are moose steak are specialties, sometimes flavoured with spruce buds, or with locally sourced morels.

If you're brave, look for maktak (beluga whale), reindeer, dry fish or muskrat, which are considered delicacies.

Bannock, a popular tea biscuit, is widely available, often made with delicious local berries and baked over a wood fire.

Bullock's Bistro : Quaint, rustic spot covered with customer's notes serving seafood, chowder, fish & chips plus beer.

Drink [ edit ]

Yellowknife is really the only place you'll find nightlife of the bars-and-pubs variety, although other settlements may have a bar or two.

Some communities have banned all alcohol while a few others have restrictions on importing and possessing alcohol. Check to see if you are allowed to bring alcohol into the community.

Stay safe [ edit ]

There is no 9-1-1 emergency number in most communities in the Canadian high Arctic. Use the seven-digit local numbers for the individual services in each community to summon help in an emergency.

In winter, temperatures can get down to -40 °C/F without the winds. The articles cold weather , winter driving and dangerous animals all have advice which will be relevant to many travellers in the Arctic.

Go next [ edit ]

Alberta ´s Wood Buffalo National Park is accessible by road, but only from the Northwest Territories.

Yukon is to the west, though unless you are in the northwest area of the North West Territories, you will have to drive southwest through British Columbia to get there.

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13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Northwest Territories

Written by Chloë Ernst Updated Sep 13, 2021

Almost six times the size of the United Kingdom, the Northwest Territories cover an immense tract of Canada that lies north of the 60th parallel and almost reaches the North Pole. This is the land of towering mountains, mighty rivers, and treeless tundra. It's a harsh land, but one that will make an everlasting impression on you long after your visit. This vast region extends from the high Mackenzie Mountains in the west to the tundra regions of the east (and the border with Nunavut Territory, established in 1999).

During the short summer, which lasts only a few weeks, the region bursts into a frenetic growth spurt with plants and animals (and humans) making the most of every warm day. Fortunately, this undertaking of doing as much as you can in the shortest period of time is aided by the fact that the sun barely sets. These extra long days have given the region its nickname, the "land of the midnight sun." Conversely, in winter it remains dark virtually around the clock, the so-called "polar night." Winter temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius are recorded in virtually all parts of the territories for days and sometimes weeks on end.

To help you get the most out of your visit to this beautiful part of Canada, refer to our list of the top tourist attractions in the Northwest Territories.

1. Nahanni National Park Reserve

2. wood buffalo national park, 3. yellowknife, 4. great slave lake, 5. hay river, 7. the northwest passage, 8. great bear lake, 9. mackenzie river, 10. victoria island, 11. banks island, 12. church of our lady of good hope, fort good hope, 13. norman wells historical centre, norman wells, map of tourist attractions in the northwest territories.

The remote Nahanni National Park Reserve is one of the treasures of northern Canada and one of the best places to visit in the Northwest Territories for outdoor adventurers. Here, the raging Nahanni River flows through the stunning canyon scenery of the Mackenzie Mountains, challenging experienced canoeists and rafters. The South Nahanni River also tumbles over the 90-meter precipice of spectacular Virginia Falls , creating one of the most impressive waterfalls in Canada.

The Rabbitkettle Hot Springs , which give life to a rich landscape of rare plants, are another sightseeing attraction in this immense national park. As tempting as it would be to take a dip in the hot springs, the fragile nature of this beautiful natural attraction means tourists can only visit as part of a guided tour.

• Read More: Exploring Nahanni National Park Reserve: A Visitor's Guide

Wood Buffalo National Park is the biggest national park in Canada, and the second largest on the planet. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses vast tracts of land in both Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

While the park was originally intended to protect the herds of wood buffalo that inhabit the area, it has also served as a safe haven for other important species, such as the extremely rare whooping cranes that nest in the delta region. Once a fur-trading post, Fort Smith is now the launching point for exploring the park, and bison are often spotted from the highway near town.

• Read More: Exploring Wood Buffalo National Park and Fort Smith

Yellowknife, capital of the Northwest Territories, grew up around a 1930s gold rush. While all of the miners tents of Old Town have long since been replaced, there is now a mix of wooden heritage buildings, arts and cultural institutions like the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre , and a bustling community life fueled by the mining industry.

Popular things to do are the boat tours and houseboating on Great Slave Lake . Other activities and attractions are the impressive falls at Hidden Lake Territorial Park , visiting galleries featuring local artists, and seeing the Bush Pilots Monument.

If you find yourself here in the winter, the stunning Aurora Borealis viewing that can be enjoyed here is second to none. The Snow King Festival and its huge snow castle is also something not to be missed. Don't be afraid to join in the fun, as the town lets loose in March.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Yellowknife

Great Slave Lake is North America's fifth largest lake and reaches depths of more than 600 meters in places. Though it's frozen for eight months of the year, it sees plenty of action. In summer, house boaters and sailors enjoy the freshwater. In fact, the lake is home to the Commissioner's Cup, the world's longest freshwater sailing race .

If you love to fish, don't miss the opportunity to head out onto the water and test your skills against one of the legendary giant trout, (some up to 40 pounds) lurking deep below. Bring your own boat and take your chances or take a charter and ensure success.

Come winter, dog sledders race on the frozen surface. Many of the major communities in the Northwest Territories front the lake, including Yellowknife , Fort Providence , and Hay River .

• Read More: Great Slave Lake: Top Things to Do

On the southern bank of Great Slave Lake, Hay River is the southernmost port on the Mackenzie River System. Here, freight (mainly building materials and fuel) destined for settlements along the Mackenzie River and in the Arctic is transferred to barges. During the four- to five-month summer season, the port is chock-a-block with barges, fishing boats, and coast guard launches.

Long a home to First Nations people, Hay River became the first Hudson's Bay Company trading post in the area in 1868. The little wooden houses of the old town lie at the mouth of the Hay River. This is also where the fishermen live, often returning home with rich catches from Great Slave Lake , or the Hay and Mackenzie rivers.

In the newer area of town, Diamond Jenness School is an outstanding example of northern architecture. Named after an anthropologist who, around 1910, was the first to study northern native culture, the school boasts a purple color that makes it the landmark of Hay River. Southwest of town, Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park features Hay River canyon and the Alexandra and Louise Falls, with trails and a viewing area.

"Place of Man" is the Inuit meaning of Inuvik, a modern settlement in the Arctic Circle and on the Mackenzie River. Built between 1955 and 1961 during the exploration for oil and gas, it replaced Aklavik, which was prone to flooding.

Today, Inuvik is the trading, administrative, and supply center for the western Arctic. It has an airfield, several schools, and a hospital. From here, the many supply planes set off for the exploration bases in the far north to destinations such as the Mackenzie delta and Beaufort Sea. Sightseeing flights over the Arctic also take off from here.

Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church, with its distinctive igloo shape, has become a landmark building of Inuvik. It contains a tabernacle (also igloo-shaped) and a remarkable "Way of the Cross" by Inuit artist Mona Thrasher. Aklavik , Inuit for "home of the polar bears" is west of Inuvik. The Hudson's Bay Company founded it in 1912 in the middle of the Mackenzie delta, an area prone to flooding. It is only accessible by a winter ice road.

Tuktut Nogait National Park, to the east of Inuvik was established in 1996, boasting some truly overwhelming arctic rock scenery with spectacular canyons and cliffs. Finds made at literally dozens of archaeological sites within the conservation area show that this now-inhospitable region was inhabited thousands of years ago. Access to the park is by air only, but well worth it if you can make it happen.

The Northwest Passage provides waterway access from the Atlantic Ocean through the Arctic to the Pacific Ocean. The search for the Northwest Passage began in the 16th century by Dutch and English navigators who hoped to find a favorable sea route for trade with the Far East and thus circumvent the Portuguese monopoly on trade round the Horn of Africa.

Martin Frobisher made the first attempt in 1576. He assumed that since saltwater never froze, this could not be the legendary sea of ice but just a frozen lake. In 1585-87 John Davis penetrated through the strait (later to bear his name) as far as Baffin Bay. Henry Hudson was looking for the Northwest Passage when he discovered Hudson Bay in 1609/1610. In 1616, William Baffin got as far as Lancaster Sound, but since he concluded that the Northwest Passage simply did not exist, there was no more exploration for another 200 years.

It was 1818 before John Ross resumed the search at the head of an English expedition, although the motive this time was scientific rather than commercial. In 1829, he discovered the magnetic north pole on the Boothia-Felix Peninsula.

The doomed expedition of John Franklin followed in 1845. After last being seen in July of that year in the Lancaster Sound, the members of the expedition were finally found dead on King Williams Island. They had succeeded in exploring much of the Arctic coast of North America.

McClure was the first, in 1850 to 1853, to be able to trace the passage on foot, coming over the iced up straits from the west. But the first person to finally manage to navigate the Northwest Passage from east to west was actually Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian polar explorer in 1900-03.

The eighth largest lake in the world, Great Bear Lake is 240 kilometers long and 400 kilometers across. It is covered with ice for eight months of the year, often as late as July. Its Great Bear River flows into the Mackenzie River. The shores of Great Bear Lake are rich in wildlife, with martens being particularly numerous. Grizzly bears roam the shores in summer, and the pinewoods are the haunt of elk in winter.

Great Bear Lake has achieved more angling records than any other lake in North America. It is especially famous for its trout, and some of the world's biggest (weighing up to 65 pounds) have been caught here, as well as top-weight grayling and whitefish. Arctic char can be found in the nearby Tree River. For a fishing tour of Great Bear Lake, hire a guide in Fort Franklin, now known as Deline.

With a length of 4,250 kilometers, the Mackenzie River is the second longest river in North America, and its catchment area covers a fifth of Canada. The river was already an important artery for the canoes of the fur trade in the 18th century, and is navigable today in summer by steamers as far upriver as Fort Smith .

The Mackenzie Highway was built shortly after the Second World War and is an all-weather road covering the 600 kilometers from Peace River in Alberta to Great Slave Lake and the territorial capital Yellowknife .

Fort Simpson is situated where the Liard runs into the Mackenzie River, west of Great Slave Lake. It is the oldest settlement on the Mackenzie River, founded by the North West Company in 1804 for the trans-shipment of skins and furs at this strategic junction. In the 19th century, trade came from the few trappers and fishermen who lived here from time to time, but in the first half of the 20th century the forests in the Mackenzie Valley attracted the attention of the paper industry.

This was followed by the discovery of oil at Norman Wells in the 1920s, pitchblende at Port Radium, and gold at Yellowknife in the 1930s, with mining becoming a thriving industry after the Second World War. It is possible to catch planes from Fort Simpson to Nahanni National Park Reserve .

The vegetation of this delta landscape is mostly low bushes and shrubs, juniper, lichens, and mosses, with magnificent displays of color from flowers and mosses during the brief but intensive summer (from June to late July this is the land of the midnight sun). To complete the picture, this very special environment also has a great variety of wildlife on water as well as on land.

Situated directly off the northern coast of mainland Canada, Victoria Island is the third largest island in the Canadian Archipelago. It lies well north of the Arctic Circle, where Ice-Age glaciers flattened everything into a rather monotonous terrain of moraines, drumlins, and glacial lakes. The creation of the new Territory of Nunavut in 1999 divided the island administratively into two.

Canada's central Arctic region is administered and supplied from Iqaluktuutiak (Cambridge Bay) on the island's southeast coast. Sir John Franklin (1786-1847) "discovered" Victoria Island in 1826, and European seafarers searching for the Northwest Passage, missionaries, and fur traders were among the earliest to call in at this remote spot. Until the 1950s, the Copper Inuit used the area mainly as a summer camp; "Iqaluktuutiak," as it was called in Inuktitut, meaning "good place to fish."

Iqaluktuutiak's main modern features are its stone-built Catholic church and modern wind-generation plant. The second place of any significance on Victoria Island is Ulukhaktok (formerly Holman) on the west coast. Located at the tip of the Diamond Jenness Peninsula , this small community is already quite well prepared for the burgeoning numbers of tourists attracted to the North. There is even a golf course with views of the Beaufort Sea.

Banks Island possesses rich tundra vegetation and is home to many animals, especially the more than 65,000 musk-oxen (Ovibus moschatus), the largest population anywhere in the world. The southwestern part of Banks Island, equal to about one-third of the whole land mass, is a bird sanctuary.

Although it had been used for hunting for perhaps 3,500 years, it was not until 1929 that Banks Island had a permanent settlement, when three Inuit families put down roots in Ikaahuk (Sachs Harbor) on the northwestern tip of the island. Its "European" name derives from the Canadian Arctic expedition of 1913-15 led by Vilhjalmur Stefansson, whose ship was called Mary Sachs .

Situated in the north of Banks Island, Aulavik National Park is home to numerous musk-oxen. During the summer months, it is also home to a large proportion of Canada's snow geese. A completely intact tundra flora is still to be found here. This extremely remote park attracts adventurers looking to hike, backpack, or paddle the Thomsen River.

There are no services in Aulavik National Park, so visitors are expected to be experienced in the outdoors and self-sufficient. Visitors get to the park by chartering aircraft, usually from Inuvik.

The Church of Our Lady of Good Hope in Fort Hope is a national historic site that was built in the mid 1880s. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings of this type with much of the spectacular interior decoration designed and carried out by Father Émile Petitot. The mission church was built in the Gothic Revival Style.

Around the left side of the church is a historical graveyard with interesting headstones, some dating from the turn of the century.

The Norman Wells Historical Centre is within twenty minutes drive of McKinnon Territorial Park. The center offers detailed information about the history of the area and the current condition of the CANOL Trail , including shipping and transportation on the Mackenzie River. Artifacts and photographs depict Dene history. Two highlights include a replica log cabin decorated in traditional Dene style and a salvaged WWII Quonset hut, which is now used for movie screenings.

The historical center also has extensive displays related to the industries of the region, including mining, oilfields, and aviation among others.

Official site: http://www.normanwellsmuseum.com/

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Exploring Canada's North : Canada's north is a vast region and encompasses many excellent things to do. Topping our list is visiting Nunavut , a vast region encompassing 1.9 million square kilometers (a fifth of the country) and home to vast stretches of treeless tundra and dramatic fiords. Begin your adventures in the gold rush city of Whitehorse , a great base from which to experience attractions such as the sternwheeler, the SS Klondike , and magnificent Miles Canyon. Farther to the east is Hudson Bay , an area famed for its stunning scenery and wildlife, including polar bears.

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Northwest Territories

Discover The Best Things To Do In Northwest Territories

Discover Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories might be best known for their immense mining infrastructure, but this sparsely populated wonder north of Saskatchewan and Alberta offers dramatic travel experiences that will change your perspective of adventure.

From gazing at the Northern Lights over the vast waters of Great Slave Lake to driving the only road to the Arctic Ocean, travel in Northwest Territories offers unprecedented access to Canada’s north. But it’s not all dramatic landscapes and adventure travel.

Yellowknife, the capital and largest city within Northwest Territories is a foodie wonderland. Within the understated buildings you’ll find a huge selection of global chefs who have set up shop here, knowing that they can craft unique dishes without the pressures of huge urban centres. There are also fantastic museum, cultural immersion, and Indigenous tourism experiences that rival anywhere else in the nation.

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Travel Northwest Territories

Discover the beauty and rich history of northwest territories, canada.

Northwest Territories is a vast and stunningly beautiful region in Canada that is rich in history and culture. From the rugged landscapes of the Canadian Shield to the pristine waters of the Arctic Ocean, this region offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Here are some of the top attractions and activities to explore in Northwest Territories.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Northwest Territories is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 1.2 million square kilometers of pristine wilderness, visitors can explore the region's rugged landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning waterfalls. Some of the top outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The region is also home to several national parks, including Nahanni National Park Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experience Indigenous Culture

Northwest Territories is home to several Indigenous communities, including the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in, and Tłı̨chǫ peoples. Visitors can experience their rich culture and traditions through art, music, dance, and storytelling. The region is also home to several Indigenous-owned businesses that offer unique cultural experiences, such as traditional drumming and dancing, and guided tours of historic sites.

Witness the Northern Lights

Northwest Territories is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. From late August to early April, visitors can witness the stunning aurora borealis dance across the night sky. The region is also home to several lodges and resorts that offer Northern Lights viewing packages, including guided tours and accommodations.

Learn about the Region's History

Northwest Territories has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Visitors can learn about the region's Indigenous history and culture at several museums and cultural centers, including the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife. The region is also home to several historic sites, including the Hudson's Bay Company trading post at Fort Simpson and the historic town of Fort Smith.

Plan Your Visit

Northwest Territories is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers visitors a chance to explore Canada's rugged wilderness and rich history. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, Indigenous culture, or Northern Lights viewing, this region has something for everyone. Start planning your trip today and discover the beauty and history of Northwest Territories.

• Northwest Territories Tourism: https://spectacularnwt.com/
• Parks Canada: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nt/nahanni
• Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: https://indigenoustourism.ca/
• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre: https://www.pwnhc.ca/

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In the Remote Northwest Territories of Canada, Indigenous Tourism Paves the Path Forward

By Sophy Roberts

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

In the autumn of 1897, after gold was discovered in the Klondike, my English great-grandfather rode out from a cattle ranch near Edmonton, Alberta , to make his fortune. It was late in the season. He traveled with three Americans, eight pack ponies, a Winchester rifle, a tin billycan for tea, a Dutch oven for making bread, a goatskin coat, and a few light mining implements. But the snowfall was heavier than expected, which made the ground treacherous for the horses. When his companions decided to sit out the winter with some fur trapping, my great-grandfather sold his share of the ponies for sled dogs and hired an Indigenous tracker instead. His pace picked up, but the weather deteriorated. When supplies got dangerously low, he suggested to his tracker that they eat the dogs. Eventually, he was forced to return to England empty-handed. His diary, however, survived.

A Northwest Territories water system as seen on the flight from Yellowknife

Guide and travel entrepreneur Kylik Kisoun Taylor

My great-grandfather's account of his journey is one of the reasons the geography of northern Canada interests me: not just his descriptions of yelping huskies and crusted snow, but also the stories of Indigenous people who possessed the knowledge my great-grandfather lacked to survive. This idea jibes with Stories of Canada , a new national initiative that seeks to draw more attention to the country's Indigenous cultural traditions and tour operators, as well as to some of its lesser-known areas, including Manitoba and Nunavut . The project was spearheaded by Marc Telio, founder of the Canadian travel outfitter Entrée Destinations , in partnership with regional tourist boards, the federal government, and Indigenous community leaders. Among the 20 tours offered was a winter journey into the Northwest Territories. I wondered if I might see the boreal wilderness my great-grandfather had recounted.

Telio sent instructions to pack light. Winter weather gear would be supplied upon arrival in Yellowknife , the starting point for the trip and one of the world's best locations to see the northern lights. But this would be more than a bucket list experience of a winter wonderland under a celestial spill. The trip was born of the moral necessity to understand the injustices of colonial abuse. My great-grandfather may have acknowledged the Indigenous guide who saved his life, but left unsaid was the question of whose gold he was coming to get. As a modern Canadian with sway in the tourism industry, Telio saw an opportunity to confront such injustices. “I want to put the conversation into the room, which creates healing as well as a way to share the Indigenous culture,” he told me.

Telio was alluding to the enduring consequences of the Indian Act of 1876, the legal framework Canada used to systematize racism and facilitate the “assimilation” of its First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The act encouraged policies that the official Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada acknowledged, in 2015, amounted to “cultural genocide”—a history contemporary Canadians are only just beginning to reckon with: the destruction of Indigenous forms of government, the expropriation of traditional lands, the creation of contained “reserves,” the erosion of Indigenous hunting rights, and the invention of residential schools for children forcibly taken from their families. The effects endure in the loss of languages and the residual trauma of generations of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Between the 1870s and the 1990s, an estimated 6,000 Indigenous children died or disappeared. For Canadians, the question of what really happened—and who gets to tell these stories—is acutely sensitive.

A boat waits out the winter, riverside

“It's going to be hard for you,” said Winfred Gatsi, the Zimbabwe -born tour operator and driver who picked me up at Yellowknife airport: “The Indigenous people say it's easy to talk to me, because they see similarities with the African story of colonization. There's an intergenerational distrust. It's been a history of exploitation.” But that mentality is changing, according to Keith Henry, president and chief executive officer of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada . “Tourism can be an incredibly powerful industry to help our communities reclaim their culture. It allows our people to tell the true history and story of this country, on our terms, rather than some museum curators who have decided to reposition history as some sort of glorious adventure.” Henry prefers the term “revitalization” to “reconciliation” because the latter implies that Indigenous people share responsibility for their own history of oppression. He spoke of how tourists need to know enough to be able to discern between cultural truth and superficial pastiche. “You'll never see a mass tourism effort by us,” he said, “because it's not what our communities want.”

My first night in Yellowknife I barely slept—a combination of jet lag and restless hope for a glimpse of the aurora borealis from my bedroom window at the city's Explorer Hotel . The next morning, our 20-minute ski-plane flight to Namushka Lodge swooped over forest dotted with inkblot pools and scrawled with tightly folded S bends of river. I wondered what lay within the expanding wilderness: the sacred sites, oral histories, and seams of gold that early prospectors like my great-grandfather came to excavate.

We landed in front of the lodge. Owned by Joseph and Elise Chorostkowski, it felt more like a homestay than a hotel. The lodge was on Harding Lake, pricked with islands dressed in showy hats of spruce, birch, and poplar, their leaves wrapped in folds of icy lace. The shoreline was littered with toppled trunks blackened from wildfire, each a scratch against the whiteness. (The summer after I visited, Yellowknife was evacuated when wildfires burned a swath across the territories the size of Denmark.) We went ice fishing , peering into a hole Joseph had cored through three feet of lake ice. Among the family's photo albums, I found a 1985 newspaper clipping about a houseguest who'd ventured out alone wearing two cameras and a blue jacket, never to be seen again.

Traditional teepees at Okpik Arctic Village

A scene en route to the airport in the village of Norman Wells

Yet as isolating as this place can be, life can blossom along the lakefronts, even in the cold of winter. We returned to Yellowknife on Sunday, and folks were out on the water barbecuing hotdogs with their kids, their cheeks glowing apple-red from inside fur-trimmed parkas. Others were ice fishing, taking cover from the biting wind in candy-colored shacks that can be rented for the day. In nearby Dettah, a four-mile ride from Yellowknife, we encountered a gathering of young people from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. According to Donna Lee Demarcke, chief executive officer of Northwest Territories Tourism, members of the Dene First Nation live among the 33 Indigenous communities across the area. “When you use the word European, there are many different cultures within that collective noun,” she said. “It's the same here with the Indigenous people.”

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

I entered a roomful of teenagers competing in Hand Games, an Indigenous form of gambling traditionally played for furs, dogs, and toboggans. Among the thick buzz of drums, flirting teenagers, and talkative parents, I chatted with councillor Bobby Drygeese, a descendant of multiple Dene First Nation chiefs, who is responsible for the governance and administration of Yellowknives Dene First Nation affairs. He is also the owner of B. Dene Adventures , a tourism and cultural awareness camp that teaches visitors about his people. “Tourism is a positive thing for the Northwest Territories, but we have to set limits,” he told me. “I have to seek permission to impart Indigenous knowledge from my parents. The sacred places remain very private. We don't want to bring people into our spiritual sites for them to pinpoint them on Instagram.”

That evening, we took a late-night trip to see the northern lights at Aurora Village , a slickly organized Indigenous-owned tourism operation at a lakeside location 20 minutes from Yellowknife. On a busy winter night, as many as 450 visitors are bussed in, warming up with hot chocolate and cookies in the camp's luxury teepees. The showing was undeniably magnificent, the midnight dome transformed by billowing smudges of light. But I wished I could connect more deeply with the mystery of the aurora . The Dene First Nation people traditionally believe the dance of light represents the spirits of their departed loved ones. The Inuit describe the aurora as a pathway to the heavens. But I was tired and wanted to escape the chatter of other visitors, their phones held up to the sky.

Gerry Kisoun wears traditional handmade gloves

A Swedish military vehicle from Hägglunds, used at Namushka Lodge

The next day, we flew for two hours to Inuvik, the largest town in the Northwest Territories above the Arctic Circle. I was reminded of the three years I spent in remote Siberia researching a book. The landscape and its issues felt similar: the effects of forest fires, the melting permafrost revealing itself in cracks that splice through forlorn buildings, and giant plugs of tundra that collapse like soufflés. Our guide was an Inuvialuit-Gwich'in hunter-gatherer and tourism entrepreneur named Kylik Kisoun Taylor. He told stories about his grandfather, who trapped all along the coast of the Arctic Ocean. Scientists used to tag the beluga whales by shooting pins through their fins. “My grandfather said, ‘Why do you do that?’” he recalled. “The scientists said, ‘To find out where the beluga go.’ My grandfather said, ‘Why not just ask me?’”

We spent an afternoon with Taylor at his cabin near the Mackenzie River in Okpik Arctic Village, a wooded camp of log cabins, teepees, and husky puppies. He told us he'd created it to teach tourists and schoolchildren the traditional bush arts of the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in. As Taylor talked, his cousin cut snow blocks for an igloo while Taylor's 14-year-old daughter showed us how to skin a beaver. Taylor's uncle, Gerry, couldn't speak Inuvialuktun, which the residential school had taken from him. But he acknowledged a shift: Although the government still put English and French first, the Canadian education system was now teaching his grandchildren Indigenous languages.

Taylor drove us from Inuvik along the blue vein of the Mackenzie River, which from December until early April becomes a 75-mile-long ice highway. Our destination was Aklavik, which Taylor loosely translated as “home of the barren-ground grizzly bear.” He showed us wooden cabins that had belonged to early fur trappers and the grave of the so-called Mad Trapper, who, after murdering a policeman in 1932, survived the bush in winter for weeks until he was finally shot. In town, local kids thundered around on snowmobiles, except for one: a quiet 16-year-old named Destiny. She sang me a song she'd composed; I could hear the soulful activism in her lyrics, sung in a beautiful birdlike voice. She'd written it as a warning to her peers about the dangers of using drugs.

Inuvialuit dog musher Bruce Noksana

In all these encounters I found extreme beauty as well as seriousness, which reached its crescendo in a helicopter under the pale orb of the arctic sun. This is the only easy way to reach the Richardson Mountains in winter. We hovered above the blue irises of glacial lakes before landing on a ridge blushed pink by the strange northern light, from which we could glimpse scattering moose. Then we arced up over the tree line and entered a flat white land. Below us, the settlement of Tuktoyaktuk looked like a pointed star, as if it had fallen from the sky and lodged at the edge of the frozen Arctic Ocean.

Our host was Bruce Noksana, an Inuvialuit competitive dog musher, and his friend Michele Tomasino. Noksana offered us boiled beluga whale, which we ate in blubbery, creamy chunks at his kitchen table. We talked about the Inuvialuit-Gwich'in traditional diet, and how Indigenous people kill animals such as caribou with purpose and butcher without waste.

Noksana took us out with his dog team and snowmobiles to see Tuktoyaktuk's pingos—strange geological peaks that reach as high as 160 feet, which scientists from Cornell were busy studying. “You find them on other planets,” Britney Schmidt, a climatologist, explained. “Inside, there's fresh ice water, which might be good for future astronauts to drink.” At some point, we traveled out onto the ocean itself, though I couldn't be sure when I passed the threshold between land and sea.

“Look at the snowdrift,” said Noksana. “The wind blows from west to east. Cross the drifts, and you can work out if you're going north or south.” I gripped his waist tightly, feeling, in all this vastness, a confusing mix of bewilderment and privilege. I was in awe of this place and Noksana's ease and resilience in the landscape.

Destiny, a teenager in the village of Aklavik

A view from a helicopter ride over the Richardson Mountains, which border the Yukon

On my last night in here, I experienced the northern lights again, in absolute, grateful peace, the greens leaping above my head. A scene like this shouldn't be the only reason you visit. It's a serious place, culturally, politically, climatically, logistically. You will do good by coming here; your journey will inject dollars into the Indigenous economy. Most importantly, you will have a chance to listen to people from whom we all have so much to learn.

How to do it

As part of its Stories of Canada set of trips, Entrée Destinations offers eight-night Winter in the Northwest Territories tours, starting and ending in Yellowknife, from February through April. Travelers will meet with local communities and engage in activities including snowmobiling, skiing, and northern lights excursions. Trip costs include internal flights, accommodations, guides, and most meals.

Ethical travel

Keith Henry , president and CEO of Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and president of the BC Métis Federation , share how to respectfully interact with Indigenous communities.

Do: Ask about a community's true history and the impact of colonization and be prepared to listen. However, be sensitive if individuals choose not to engage.

Don't: Arrive with preconceived notions. Indigenous people aren't homogeneous and their lifestyles are often misrepresented in TV and film.

Do: Inform communities of any previous interactions with other Indigenous people. This will show that you're invested and engaged.

Don't: Be afraid to ask if it's okay to participate in ceremonies, meals, and other rituals the community may share with you.

Do: Support the communities by purchasing food, crafts, and other items from local entrepreneurs.

Don't: Take photos without spending some time among the community beforehand. Demonstrate a desire to be meaningfully engaged and then ask if photos are okay.

This article appeared in the March 2024 issue of  Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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Hidden Gems in the Northwest Territories That Are Worth Exploring

Catch a magic show.

T he Indigenous-owned Aurora Village is an essential tourist attraction in the Northwest Territories, particularly if you're obsessed with the northern lights. Located 25 minutes from Yellowknife, it comprises 21 lantern-lit teepees surrounding a glassy frozen lake, plus heated benches, a wood fire and hot drinks for optimal skygazing. An upgraded package includes a meal of smoked buffalo prime rib, bannock pudding and local N.W.T. beers and maple whisky. The best time to see the lights is between December and March, but they can show up as early as late August. Yellowknife. 

Discover more great places to see the northern lights across Canada.

Praise the Painter Priest

Bern Will Brown, an Oblate priest in the Catholic church, came to Canada’s Arctic in 1948 and never left, spending the next six decades travelling by dogsled and working, alternately, as a fire warden, dog catcher, midwife, postmaster and artist. He eventually settled in the hamlet of Colville Lake, where he built a log cabin and a church, known as Our Lady of the Snows. The Bern Will Brown Museum , housed in Brown’s tiny cabin, features his paintings, fur pelts and other artifacts of an extraordinary life. Colville Lake, Northwest Territories.

Here are more historical landmarks every Canadian needs to visit.

Worship in an Igloo

In the 1950s, the missionary carpenter Maurice Lerocque chose to model Inuvik’s Our Lady of Victory church after an igloo—both to honour the local Inuit population and because the domed shape would help balance the weight of the building on the constantly shifting permafrost. His original designs—sketched on a pair of plywood planks—are still on display in the church, as are ebullient paintings by the Inuk artist Mona Thrasher. Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

Slurp Then Burp

There isn’t a lot of beef in the Northwest Territories—or pork or chicken or lamb. If you’re hungry, why not try one of the local proteins? At Bullock’s Bistro , N.W.T.’s flagship restaurant, you’re practically obligated to order the slurp ‘n’ burp: your choice of a buffalo or reindeer steak accompanied by fresh-caught pickerel (above) , cod, trout or whitefish from Great Slave Lake. Yellowknife.

Explore the country's most unique restaurants .

Behold the Bison

Sixty years ago, scientists believed the north’s bison population was all but extinct—until a new herd was discovered deep in the bush of the Northwest Territories. To preserve and protect them, 18 bison were captured and relocated to the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary . These aren’t just any bison—they’re the last genetically pure herd on the planet. They regularly appear grazing, in all their enormous glory, along Highway 3 near Fort Providence. Fort Providence, Northwest Territories .

Now that you've got these tourist attractions in the Northwest Territories on your radar, check out the national parks every Canadian needs to visit .

The post Hidden Gems in the Northwest Territories That Are Worth Exploring appeared first on Reader's Digest Canada .

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Vacations to Canada's Northwest Territories

Nahanni National Park

Stretching from the 60th parallel in the south to the Beaufort Sea in the north, the Northwest Territories is an area of Canada that’s often overlooked. But, once visited, the region is difficult to put to the back of your mind. Our specialists can use their first-hand experiences to help you conquer this remote wilderness and plan a trip tailored to your interests.

Strewn with boreal forest and lakes, the region is so enormous that light aircraft flights are the usual way of getting around. To the west, the sharp, snowy peaks of the Mackenzie Mountains form a definitive border with the Yukon. Nahanni National Park Reserve spreads itself across these mountains. Its deep gorges, powerful waterfalls and rushing rivers provide an outdoor playground for the adventurous. One of the best places in the world for seeing the northern lights, in the evening we can arrange for you to head out with a guide for a chance to see them shimmer across the sky.

With the majority of the population still made up of First Nations people, we can pepper your trip with experiences that give you an opportunity to learn about the region’s culture. In Yellowknife , the territorial capital, you can tour the igloo-shaped Legislative Assembly for an insight into the aboriginal-style government. Or, in the north of Nahanni National Park, take a boat trip around Cli Lake or a guided hike to find the plants adopted for various medicinal uses by First Nations tribes.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Canada’s Northwest Territories by contacting one of our Canada specialists

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Places to visit in Canada’s Northwest Territories

Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Canada’s Northwest Territories, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.

Ennadai Lake

Fort Simpson

Yellowknife

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Minister Blair to visit the Northwest Territories to discuss Budget 2024 and Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence

From: National Defence

Media advisory

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will visit the Northwest Territories from April 23-25, 2024 to discuss Budget 2024 and Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence

April 22, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will visit the Northwest Territories from April 23-25, 2024 to discuss Budget 2024 and Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence .

During his trip, Minister Blair will meet with the Honourable R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories; Northern and Indigenous communities; and Canadian Armed Forces members deployed with Joint Task Force (North), including Canadian Rangers.

On April 24, 2024, Minister Blair will hold a media availability to break ground on National Defence’s new multipurpose facility in Yellowknife. Minister Blair will also discuss measures in Budget 2024 to unlock more public lands for housing, and highlight investments in Our North, Strong and Free to bolster the defence of the Arctic and the North. Minister Blair will be joined by the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories.

• Event: Minister Blair, Minister Vandal, and Mr. McLeod will hold a media availability in Yellowknife.
• Date: April 24, 2024
• Time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
• Location: 80 Falcon Road, Yellowknife, NT X0E 0Y0. GPS coordinates are: 62.44163 -114.46271. Link to Google Maps for  80 Falcon Rd  (This link is outside of Canada.ca)

Notes for media:

• Open coverage
• Media are asked to arrive no later than 1:45 p.m. (MDT) at 80 Falcon Road, Yellowknife, NT X0E 0Y0. GPS coordinates are: 62.44163 -114.46271. Link to Google Maps for  80 Falcon Rd  (This link is outside of Canada.ca)
• Media interested in participating can contact [email protected] to confirm their attendance.

Diana Ebadi Press Secretary and Communications Advisor Office of the Minister of National Defence Email: [email protected]

Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: 613-996-2353 Email: [email protected]

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The top 10 attractions in the Northwest Territories

Things to do

The best the Northwest Territories has to offer takes you into the wild, out of your comfort zone and around the local community.

Northern lights

We don't need to introduce you to the Northern lights External Link Title . Most people are already very familiar with this natural phenomenon, which sees the bright reds, blues, greens and yellows dance and shift across the night sky. I mean, this is like a top 10 bucket list item we're talking about. What you might not know is that the Northwest Territories provides some of the best (if not THE best) aurora borealis viewing in the world. In both fall and winter, when the sky is clear, you can sit back, look up and enjoy one of the greatest shows on earth. Rent out a lodge, cabin or teepee in the wilderness so you can enjoy the lights in style. Ski, dog sled or snowmobile to a particularly clear spot and make an activity out of it. Or look through your hotel window and marvel at Mother Nature. This isn't an attraction in the traditional sense, but you can't really talk about the Northwest Territories without talking about the Northern Lights. 

Great Slave Lake

Great Slave Lake, which borders the provincial capital Yellowknife, is the deepest lake in North America (2,014 feet), the tenth biggest lake in the world, and is actually larger than Lake Eerie and Lake Ontario. So how do you experience something so huge? How about by plane? Floatplanes fly in and out of the lake, and offer breathtaking views of the region. Or maybe by boat? Rent a kayak and skirt the shore line, or opt for a larger boat and go fishing for lake trout and pike. Maybe you'd prefer to snowmobile? There's ice on Great Slave Lake for eight months of the year, and during much of that time you can cross the water via snowmobile. Pick a spot, park out, and look up for a chance at seeing the Northern Lights.

Nahanni National Park Reserve

If you want to really experience the northern wilderness, the Nahanni National Park Reserve External Link Title is a welcoming sight--especially for paddlers. The rushing whitewater Nahanni River flows through the reserve, passing through four large canyons which can reach close to 4,000 feet in depth. At one point, the river plunges 295 feet off a cliff forming the Virginia Falls, which are twice the height of their Niagara counterpart. Sulfur hot springs, mountain ranges, tundra and forests can all be found within the boundaries of Nahanni. The reserve is remote, but visitors can camp throughout the summer months. Join a guide and ride the rapids for incomparable views and a serious adrenaline rush. Hiking and mountain climbing provides another perspective on the park, and may bring you in sight of Dall's sheep, woodland caribou, wolves and black bears. It's no wonder National Geographic named the park one of the best trips of 2014.

You might have seen the History Channel show "Ice Road Truckers." The show was originally filmed on the ice roads of the Northwest Territories, home to the world's longest ice road. The kicker? You yourself can drive and experience these roads during the winter months, with the help of local tours. The ice roads, built on top of packed snow and three feet of ice, add 870 miles to the territory's highways in the winter, connecting them to mines and more remote communities. The conditions can be dangerous, but a number of tour operators will take visitors out onto the ice roads for a drive they'll remember. Heck, you can even ride the ice in a limousine. That's a story you can tell the grandkids.

Wood Buffalo National Park

Have you ever visited a national park that's bigger than the entire nation of Switzerland? Wood Buffalo National Park External Link Title is actually Canada's largest national park, at over 17,300 square miles. It's also home to the world's largest beaver dam, one of the world's largest herds of free roaming bison, and is the last remaining natural nesting area for the endangered whooping crane. Beyond the incomparable wildlife watching, the massive park is great for exploring on foot or via canoe. You can literally spend a few weeks camping in the park and not even scratch the surface. Make sure you stop by the strange Salt Plains, the dried remains of a 380 million-year-old seabed where salt-like minerals are pushed to the surface from below--almost like stalagmites above ground.

Canol Trail

Do you like to push yourself to the limit? Test your gumption out in the wild? The Canol Trail is probably your kind of attraction. A remnant of the Second World War, the trail was initially created as a road and pipeline route between Norman Wells in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. After being used for a year, they became too difficult to maintain, and rusting trucks, overground stations and other 'signs of man' still dot the route. The Canol Trail is no joke. It's 222 miles of unkempt paths, river beds, mountain tracks, glacier-carved canyons and other surprises, and is known as one of the most difficult trails in Canada. It will take the average hiker over three weeks, in remote wilderness void of civilization, to do the entire Canol Trail, though most only do part of it. Some have tackled the trail a little faster on mountain bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles and dogsleds. For the rest of us, many tour companies offer aerial tours of the interesting, historical route.

Dempster Highway

The 450-mile  Dempster Highway External Link Title  was built for people who really love to drive. Hop in your ride and roll from Dawson City, through the rugged mountain peaks of the Tombstone Range, across the Arctic Circle and into the Mackenzie River Delta, before parking it in Inuvik. Along the way you can camp, fish, canoe and generally enjoy the scenery of remote wilderness. The road, named for an RCMP inspector who would traverse the route in a dogsled, is now most often driven in summer, where nearly 24 hours of sun can make for long, enjoyable driving days. Take on the top of the world from behind your steering wheel.

Great Northern Arts Festival

During 56 summer days, the Northwest Territories experience 24 hours of daylight. Rather than worry about how it might affect their sleep, locals jumped at the opportunity to celebrate this unique setting. For more than a quarter of a century,  the Great Northern Arts Festival External Link Title  has showcased the works of 120 Northern painters, sculptors, musicians and First Nations artists from across the country, all under the Midnight Sun. Watch a Gwich'in woman create handmade Aboriginal dolls and see a polar bear emerge from a soapstone in the hands of a native carver. Dance to Inuit hip-hop. Then dine surf-and-turf Arctic-style-- char and caribou-- before kicking up your heels to northern rock, throat singing and traditional drumming in your brand new mukluks.

Keele River

Paddlers from across the world regularly turn to the Keele River for their next adventure. The 215-mile long river passes through alpine tundra, alpine plateaus and the Mackenzie Mountains, offering incredible surroundings for the canoers and rafters who move along the waterway. Of course, they also have to keep their eyes on the water, as swift currents, swirling eddies, and fast-moving rapids make for challenging but exciting travel. Grab a floatplane, fly into the headwaters, stretch your shoulders, and grab a seat in the boat. For those who like a calmer experience, the Keele also provides great fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The moose and beavers you might encounter were hunted by the Dene Peoples along the Keele for 12,000 years. 

Acho Dene Native crafts

The Deh Gah Gotie Dene (people who live by the river) have always inhabited the Northwest Territories. The history and culture of these First Peoples are carried on with the help of crafts, and it is from this tradition that Acho Dene Native crafts External Link Title was born. More than 40 cottage producers living in the community use ancestral techniques to make fur clothing, birch bark baskets, jewelry, moccasins, mukluks and more. The store is a must-stop for those looking for a souvenir that tells a real story about the Northwest Territories.

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N.W.T. facing another summer of drought and another bad wildfire season

Little rain predicted for spring and summer.

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N.W.T. fire officials are predicting a hot, dry summer with a high risk of wildfires in southern parts of the territory.

At a wildfire briefing Thursday — the first of the season — officials said much of the territory has seen below-average precipitation levels this year, meaning the territory is going into its third year of drought.

On top of that, rainfall is expected to be below average for the spring and summer.

"In general, we're looking at three or four months of relatively good burning conditions, before we're expecting to see any kind of significant rain," said Richard Olsen, manager of fire operations for the territory's forest management division.

• Here's what happened at last night's wildfire information meeting in Yellowknife

That rain could come from August through October, when the warm and dry El Niño global weather pattern is predicted to shift to the cooler El Niña pattern, bringing with it the potential for a "normal precipitation pattern" for the N.W.T. in the late summer and early fall, Olsen said. 

But even then, rainfall in August through October would need to be extreme in order to bring rivers and lakes back up to normal levels, he added.

Watch out in June and July

In the meantime, the territory is gearing up for the dry conditions immediately ahead.

"The drought conditions are really going to drive a lot of what we see here in the spring and in the summer," Olsen said.

June and July could be particularly severe, he said.

• As wildfire season looms, N.W.T. businesses brace for another bad year

The Beaufort Delta and Sahtu regions are outliers, having seen above-average snow and rainfall this year.

Information on what to expect in 2024 comes after the territory experienced its worst wildfire season on record. In 2023, there were more than 300 wildfires and large swaths of the territory burned. As expected, some of those fires continued to burn underground through the winter.

• N.W.T. plans for early start to wildfire season, as holdover fires smoulder underground

"Conditions continued to burn throughout the winter season in some areas, largely a reflection of the droughts occurring," Olsen said. Specifically, the Great Slave Lake area, the southern Sahtu and the Dehcho are experiencing extreme drought, he said.

Preparing ahead

Olsen said the department has made plans to begin staff and firefighter training earlier this year in the southern parts of the territory, such as the Dehcho and South Slave.

"Within southern areas, the snow is almost gone, [so] the communities and surrounding areas around the communities — [the] conditions are getting quickly [to be] in the fire season."

Reflecting on last year's fire season, Olsen made mention of the fact that a firefighter died during last year's operations. Adam Yeadon  died in July after being injured while fighting a fire near Fort Liard. 

This, Olsen said, has made safety a high priority both in training and in the field. Such measures include promoting a culture of caution, and making sure that mental health, rest and nutrition are properly supported. 

Furthermore, firefighters are being trained for enhanced first aid, and in contrast to previous years, when only a few people per team were trained on chainsaw safety, this year the department is trying to train every crew member on it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Vikander is a CBC News reporter covering local and national news. Previously she reported for Toronto Star, Reuters, IndigiNews and CTV News. You can contact her at [email protected].

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Fort Smith NWT Travel Guide

Fort Smith is the gateway to Wood Buffalo National Park. It lies in the middle of Canada’s subarctic wilderness in the Northwest Territories, just north of the Alberta border. It will take you a while to get there. Once you do, you will be glad that you made the journey.

Fort Smith with a population of 2,700 was once the political capital of the Northwest Territories. The Chipewyan name for the region is Thebacha, which means “beside the rapids”.

Situated on the banks of the Slave River, surrounded by the Boreal forest it is the southernmost community in the Northwest Territories. The four rapids on the Slave River were the reasons for the town to come alive. Those rapids were the gateway for early travellers on the river system going north.

If you are a bird and an animal lover, this will be the place for you. In summer the area is abandoned with birds, fish, and northern wildlife. The trails around town are endless to enjoy the sights.

In winter, the place turns into a peaceful haven and a winter wonderland with clear skies and the chance to watch the dancing Northern Lights.

Table of Contents

• 24-hour daylight in summer
• More than 5,000 free-roaming wood bison in the area
• American White Pelicans at the whitewater rapids near the town
• Gateway to Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest national park, the size of Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Home to the endangered whooping crane
• 370 square kilometres of Salt planes, 25 km west of Fort Smith
• Limestones and sinkholes of Wood Buffalo National Park
• Lonely Roads
• Friendly locals

I’m left with fond memories of Fort Smith. I was invited to local people’s homes, had Cariboo meat for lunch and learned about the old tradition of preserving bear fat.

Getting there and around

There are many ways to travel to Fort Smith. The community is connected year-round to the NWT highway system. In winter an ice road connects Fort Smith to Fort Chipewyan and Fort McMurray, both in Alberta .

Travelling to Fort Smith by car is the top choice if you want to see the North and appreciate the vastness of the land. This also gives you the opportunity to see plenty of northern wildlife on the way.

Driving distances from other communities, via NWT Highways 1, 2, and 5:

• Hay River , NWT to Fort Smith: 272 km
• ​High Level, AB to Fort Smith: 583 km
• Yellowknife , NWT to Fort Smith: 740 km
• ​Edmonton, AB to Fort Smith: 1,365 km

Road Conditions – NWT highways are all two lanes and well-maintained. Highway 5 will lead you into Wood Buffalo National Park and on to Fort Smith. It is fully paved and suitable for cars, vans, trucks, and camper trailers.

Winter Road

For safety and information about the winter road between Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, and Fort Smith, NWT, check the regional government website .

Driving distances from other communities, via the winter road through Wood Buffalo National Park:

• Fort Chipewyan to Fort Smith: 228 km
• Fort McMurray to Fort Smith: 499 km
• Edmonton to Fort Smith: 955 km

Air service to Fort Smith is provided by Northwestern Airlease, a local airline, offering scheduled flights to and from Yellowknife and Edmonton.

• Double “A” Ventures offers express bus lines from Hay River, NWT to High Level, Alberta. Phone: (867) 874-1117
• Northern Express  provides service between High Level, AB and Edmonton, AB, Grande Prairie, AB

Trapping has been a traditional way of life for many people in the region for hundreds of years and still is to this day. For centuries, the Dene and Metis lived here from the land.

The town began as a Hudson Bay fur trading post in 1874. Built around the Slave River, it was an essential link for water transportation between southern Canada and the western Arctic.

Early fur traders found an established portage route from Fort Fitzgerald to Fort Smith. First Nations had used this portage trailhead for centuries. This route allowed its users to navigate the four sets of impassable rapids (Cassette Rapids, Pelican Rapids, Mountain Rapids, and Rapids of the Drowned).

Top things to see and do

Northern life museum and cultural centre.

The Northern Life Museum provides a great insight into the history and wildlife of the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. It features interesting cultural and natural collections from the region known as Thebacha. You learn about the traditional lifestyle of the First Nations and Metis people of the area and their traditional arts and crafts.

The welcoming and dedicated staff make it a perfect stop in this friendly northern town. It is well worth a visit and a great addition to the nearby Wood Buffalo National Park.

Rapids of the Drowned

Hiking trail to Papids of Drowned

Many of the hiking trails in town run along the river bank overlooking the rapids. Watching from above is not the same as watching “The Rocks”. A hike down to the rapids is a must. Good shoes are also a must. Pack water and lots of bug spray.

My hike down to the Rapids of the Drowned was an experience that I will remember forever. Actually, I will remember Fort Smith forever.

A short but steep trail took me down to the riverbank. Walking through the forest and trying to navigate around large paddles and stepping over rocks the spectacular sight of the rapids suddenly opened up in front of me.

And here I was at the highest northern nesting grounds for the white pelicans. It was an overwhelming experience to watch them swim in the rapids that have taken so many human lives.

I visited in June when all the pelicans were there and I got to enjoy an expressive sight. The rocks in the river are polished pink granite and it is possible to walk out and get close to the roaring flow.

I have seen many pelicans in my life, but watching the northern white pelicans swim in the rapids was a special sight. No one should miss venturing on this short hike to this fabulous spot.

The Rapids of the Drowned are the most visible rapids in Fort Smith.

The Slave River’s four major rapids, Cassette, Pelican, Mountain, and Rapids of the Drowned produce some of the biggest and best whitewater in the world.

The rapids at Mountain Portage are some of the most accessible on the river for paddlers of all levels. You will find the access road driving 8 km toward Fort Fitzgerald. Ask the Visitor Centre for a map.

Before venturing out on the river for a great adventure, please contact the  Fort Smith Paddling Club or the Visitor Information Centre.

Mountain Portage is also a nesting site for white pelicans. In the summer, you can see these magnificent birds fishing in the turbulent whitewater and soaring high above the river.

Fort Smith Mission Territorial Park Day use area

This Heritage Park is all that remains of the original 151 acres of Oblate Catholic Mission church. you can do a self-guided tour of the historic mission sites, with signboards describing various aspects of the history and activities of the mission.

Rusty Raven Coffee Shop

This was the best little coffee shop I came across during my northern road trip. What a treat to find this little gem in an off-the-beaten-path northern town.

It’s easy to make a coffee stop at the Rusty Raven as a daily routine during your time in town (might be closed). The beautiful cottage offers fantastic lattes and tempting baked goods and doubles as a gallery and craft store. The decorations and crafts are beautiful.

Visit Wood Buffalo National Park

You can’t venture all the way to Fort Smith without spending time exploring Wood Buffalo National Park. Wood Buffalo is Canada’s largest National Park and is the size of Switzerland.

Stay a night at Pine Lake campground surrounded by boreal forest, about 60 km (a 45-minute drive) from Fort Smith.

Explore Canada’s only salt plains. Hike down to the saline springs while you follow animal tracks. And all the time you’re in the park you will see plenty of wildlife .

Wood Buffalo National Park’s interpretive centre is located in the federal building at Fort Smith and features videos about the park, exhibits, maps, backcountry registration, and other information.

CONTACT Wood Buffalo National Park and The Town of Fort Smith Visitor Centre at 867-872-7960. The Road, Trails, and Events Hotline is 867-872-7962.

• Wood Buffalo National Park Route

Only a 25 km drive south of Fort Smith you arrive at the tiny hamlet along the Slave River. Fort Fitz, as it is known by the locals, originally Smith Landing is off the beaten path, but you won’t regret making the trip.

Here you’re in the middle of the northern wilderness with locals that live a traditional way of life.

The rapids between Fort Smith and Fitzgerald are a paradise for whitewater adventures.

The road continues from Fitzgerald to Hay Camp. At Hay Camp along the Slave River, there used to be a meatpacking plant for Buffalo. All that remains of it is the foundations now.

Northern Lights

The latitude makes this the perfect place to view the Aurora Borealis. August through the end of March is the best time for aurora viewing in Fort Smith.

Royal visit in 1970

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second and her husband Prince Philip with their children visited Fort Smith in 1970 during a tour of the Northwest Territories to participate in centennial celebrations. Today, this event is still well remembered in Fort Smith.

For an idea of what to expect: The coldest day ever recorded in Fort Smith was -54 C in February 1947. The hottest day in Fort Smith was 35 C in August 1981.

Best time to travel

• Summer (June through August) is when you will have the warmest temperatures, but this is also the dreaded mosquito and horsefly season.
• Autumn (September through October) and spring (April and May) is a good time to visit if you don’t mind much cooler temperatures.
• Winter (October through April) temperatures can be very cold (as low as -40 Celsius). It is important to be well-prepared to be on the road this time of year.

Where to stay in Fort Smith

Queen elizabeth territorial park.

The park is located just outside of town and has 24 big powered campsites with tent platforms. Each site is sheltered by trees and is very private. The park has picnic sites, toilets, water, a kitchen shelter, showers, a dump station, firewood, fire pits, and a playground.

The park contractors looking after the campground are extremely friendly and helpful. Reserve at  nwtparks.ca .

Other accommodation

• Accommodation in Canada
• How to find the perfect accommodation on sites like Airbnb
• Wilderness Camping
• How to Find Free Camping in Canada

Fort Smith Visitor Information Centre

Stop in at the friendly Visitor Information Centre and pick up maps and information about the town and Wood Buffalo National Park. View interesting exhibits and watch videos about the area. Purchase local souvenirs. Talk with friendly staff to help with trip planning.

Guided tours of the town and areas in Wood Buffalo National Park are available. Ask at the Visitor Information Centre for details.

The Visitor Centre for both the town of Fort Smith and Wood Buffalo National Park is located at 149 McDougal Road, Fort Smith, phone (867) 872-7960,

Opening Hours : June 1 – August 30: Seven days a week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sept 1- May 31: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Gasoline and Groceries

Fort Smith has a gas station and a Northern Store and the Kaeser’s store to stock up on supplies. It also has a Field store, which is a small department store chain typically located in small towns.

For eating out you have a couple of restaurants to choose from as well as Berro’s Pizza place.

Read more about the North

• Northwest Territories Travel Guide
• 17 Best Towns in Northwest Territories to Visit
• Top 5 Epic Gravel Travel Highways in Canada’s North
• Alberta Trip Planner and Travel Guide
• Yukon Travel Guide

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Yellowknife

Fort Resolution

Tuktoyaktuk

Ingrahm Trail

Liard Trail

Heritage Route

Waterfalls Route

Frontier Trail

Wood Buffalo Route

Dempster Highway

Road trip planner

10 best wildlife viewing sites

Things to do in the north

How to keep safe on a solo road trip