Northwest Territories Travel Guide
Region Northern Canadian territory of tundra, lakes, and Indigenous communities
Yellowknife’s aurora viewing, Great Slave and Great Bear lakes, and Nahanni National Park’s canyons attract travelers to the Northwest Territories; fishing, cultural encounters with Indigenous communities and remote wilderness trips are common activities.
Why Visit Northwest Territories #
Yellowknife is one of the world’s best places to see the Northern Lights; small-group tours run away from light pollution and guide you to perfect viewing spots. Winter also offers heated viewing domes and ice-road photography chances. If you only have one arctic night, prioritize the aurora - the rest of the territory feels like a bonus.
Nahanni National Park Reserve (a UNESCO site) is wild river country with multi-day whitewater trips and helicopter access to Virginia Falls. The canyon walls and meandering South Nahanni River make for dramatic paddling and backcountry camping. Permit planning is necessary; commercial outfitters in Fort Simpson handle logistics and safety.
Drive or fly up the Dempster to the Beaufort Sea and explore Tuktoyaktuk’s pingos and Arctic beaches - a rare chance to stand on the northern tundra. Local Inuvialuit guides explain traditional life and show seasonal wildlife. Summer days are long; winter travel needs specialist operators and sturdy gear.
This enormous lake near Yellowknife is prime for trophy fishing, summer boating and winter ice-fishing lodges on the frozen surface. The nearby town of Yellowknife has lively craft breweries and a good base for arranging guides. For photographers, the combination of lake ice and northern light is especially rewarding.
Bastar? No - in the NWT, visit Dene and Inuvialuit communities for hand-made beadwork, skin sewing and storytelling at cultural centres like the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Markets and festivals showcase music and hunting traditions. Be respectful when photographing people and ask about cultural protocols in advance.
Who's Northwest Territories For?
Yellowknife’s aurora shows and lakeside log cabins offer cozy, unforgettable nights under the Northern Lights. Floatplane lodges add a remote, romantic edge.
Educational winter festivals and wildlife tours exist, but limited services and long distances make family travel logistically demanding.
Canoe routes in Nahanni and river trips attract adventurous, prepared backpackers; expect little infrastructure and demand for wilderness skills.
Sparse connectivity, high living costs and remote towns make long-term remote work impractical across most of the territory.
Fresh Arctic char, smoked fish and game feature on local menus; Indigenous-run eateries offer authentic regional flavors in Yellowknife.
Nahanni National Park, whitewater canoeing, dog-sled tours and winter ice-travel are world-class for seasoned outdoor adventurers.
Yellowknife’s pub scene is friendly and lively at times, but there’s no major club circuit - nightlife is low-key and local.
From tundra and boreal forest to dramatic canyon country in Nahanni, this is a top destination for pristine northern ecosystems and wildlife.
Top Cities in Northwest Territories
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Regions of Northwest Territories #
Yellowknife & Slave
Yellowknife anchors much of travel to the territory: aurora viewing, vibrant Indigenous arts and frontier nightlife. The adjacent Great Slave Lake provides easy wilderness access for fishing, kayaking and summer camping. You’ll find short, well-served trips here alongside serious backcountry options, making this the easiest place to taste the North’s stark beauty and long nights.
Top Spots
- Yellowknife - The capital for aurora chasers, northern culture and lively winter festivals.
- Great Slave Lake - Massive waters for ice-fishing, boating and remote lakeside camps.
- Behchoko - A Dene community offering cultural tours and lakeside trails.
South Nahanni
The South Nahanni area is pure river canyon country: towering limestone walls, hidden hot springs and the thunderous Virginia Falls. Most visitors arrive by guided raft or floatplane from Fort Simpson to tackle multi-day river trips and scenic hikes. Expect true wilderness, long river runs and spectacular geology that rewards time and a sense of adventure.
Top Spots
- Nahanni National Park - Virginia Falls and the dramatic river canyons that define the park.
- Fort Simpson - Gateway town for rafting trips into the Nahanni.
- Rabbitkettle Hotsprings - Remote travertine terraces reached by guided tours.
Western Arctic Coast
This windswept coastal strip runs from Inuvik out to the Beaufort Sea and offers tundra vistas, migrating wildlife and authentic northern communities. Travel here for small‑town culture - from Inuvik’s markets to Tuktoyaktuk’s iconic pingos - and for long summer daylight and winter ice-road experiences. It’s remote but rewarding for wildlife and Indigenous cultural encounters.
Top Spots
- Inuvik - The regional hub with markets, the Igloo Church and cultural events.
- Tuktoyaktuk - Permafrost pingos and coastal tundra at the Arctic Ocean.
- Mackenzie Delta - Wide wetlands rich in birds and traditional communities.
Great Bear & Sahtu
The Great Bear Lake and Sahtu zone is about extreme remoteness, freshwater wilderness and Dene culture. Expect fly‑in lodges, solitary camping and world-class angling amid landscapes of clear water and boreal forest. Visits are logistically involved but unmatched for quiet, open skies and intimate encounters with northern life beyond the main tourist corridors.
Top Spots
- Great Bear Lake - A remote freshwater giant prized for fishing and solitude.
- Deline - A community on the lake with deep Indigenous heritage.
- Norman Wells - Historic river port and oil‑field gateway.
Top Things to Do in Northwest Territories
All Attractions ›
- Nahanni National Park Reserve - Remote UNESCO park with the South Nahanni River, Virginia Falls, deep canyons, and whitewater rafting opportunities.
- Yellowknife and aurora viewing - Territorial capital with aurora viewing, Dene culture centres, and lakeside trails around Great Slave Lake.
- Wood Buffalo National Park - Massive national park protecting bison herds, salt plains, and the only known nesting site of whooping cranes.
- Tuktoyaktuk and Pingo National Landmark - Coastal community on Arctic Ocean with unique pingos and direct access to sea ice and Inuvialuit culture.
- Inuvik - Inuvik town: cultural hub and starting point for Arctic journeys, home to the famous Midnight Sun Mosque.
- Great Slave Lake recreation - Great Slave Lake for fishing, boating, ice roads, and remote lakeside communities around Yellowknife.
- Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre - Territorial museum in Yellowknife interpreting NWT history, Indigenous cultures, and Arctic exploration exhibits.
- Blachford Lake area - Blachford Lake area reached by floatplane offers wilderness cabins, hiking, and aurora viewing away from city lights.
- Hay River waterfront and cruises - Hay River waterfront and boat tours to Great Slave Lake islands, important local fishing and transport hub.
- Fort Smith and Slave River Rapids - Fort Smith gateway with boat tours of the dramatic Slave River Rapids and interpretive visitor centres.
- Deline on Great Bear Lake - Deline on Great Bear Lake where Sahtu culture and traditional fishing offer community-based experiences.
- Seasonal ice-road travel experiences - Short seasonal routes over frozen lakes and rivers providing rare winter landscapes and practical local travel access.
- Dempster Highway - Dempster Highway, roughly seven hundred forty kilometers from Dawson City to Inuvik, a long gravel Arctic route.
- Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway - Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, about one hundred thirty-seven kilometers, linking Inuvik with the Arctic Ocean and pingos.
- Yellowknife to Nahanni access route - Yellowknife to Nahanni access via Fort Simpson, a multi-day combination of driving and river or floatplane segments.
- Great Slave Lake winter ice-road experience - Seasonal ice-road journeys across sections of Great Slave Lake connect communities and offer unique winter travel experiences.
Planning Your Trip to Northwest Territories #
Weekend Northwest Territories Itinerary
Chase northern lights from Yellowknife, explore Old Town, drive lakefront roads, and try ice-fishing or summer canoeing on Great Slave Lake with local guides.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Yellowknife; Old Town, local restaurants, aurora briefing in winter.
- Day 2 - Great Slave Lake drive, lakeside trails, beach and canoe options.
- Day 3 - Museum visits and short charter fishing or cultural tour before departure.
1 Week Northwest Territories Itinerary
Use Yellowknife as a base for Great Slave Lake activities, cultural museums, and an excursion to Nahanni via Fort Simpson for remote rivers, waterfalls, and flying-based access.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Yellowknife; Old Town and waterfront walk.
- Day 2 - Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and local cultural tours.
- Day 3 - Drive or charter to Great Slave Lake shoreline; fishing or canoeing.
- Day 4 - Fly to Fort Simpson; short walks and settlement visit.
- Day 5 - Day trip floatplane to Nahanni National Park gateway; scenic flights possible.
- Day 6 - Return to Yellowknife; aurora viewing or evening cruise.
- Day 7 - Depart Yellowknife after markets and final museum visit.
2 Weeks Northwest Territories Itinerary
Combine Yellowknife culture and Great Slave Lake with remote Nahanni river expeditions, then fly north to Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk for Arctic coastline, pingos and isolated communities.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Yellowknife; settle in and Old Town walk.
- Day 2 - Fly-out charter to Great Slave Lake lodges for fishing or canoeing.
- Day 3 - Return Yellowknife; local cultural tour and museums.
- Day 4 - Flight to Fort Simpson; explore Fort Simpson community.
- Day 5 - Multi-day Nahanni National Park floatplane/rafting excursion (booked via operator).
- Day 6 - On-river Nahanni activities and scenic falls viewing.
- Day 7 - Finish Nahanni trip; return to Fort Simpson.
- Day 8 - Fly to Inuvik; visit community and cultural centres.
- Day 9 - Drive or tour the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway toward Tuktoyaktuk.
- Day 10 - Explore Tuktoyaktuk, pingos and Arctic coast views.
- Day 11 - Return to Inuvik; evening community events or museums.
- Day 12-13 - Fly back to Yellowknife for last activities and departure preparations.
- Day 14 - Depart Yellowknife after final museum visit.
Best Time to Visit Northwest Territories #
The Northwest Territories has an Arctic to subarctic climate with long, very cold winters and a short, mild summer. Travel is most straightforward in June-August when daylight and services peak; spring/fall are transitional and winter demands serious cold‑weather planning.
January
Deep winter with very low temperatures across much of the territory; nights can reach extreme cold especially inland. Clear, stable conditions make this a good time for aurora viewing where accessible.
Events
- Winter activities - Snowmobiling, ice fishing and Aurora-viewing opportunities in settled communities such as Yellowknife.
February
Still in the coldest stretch of the year; daylight is increasing but temperatures remain well below freezing in many areas. Travel can be possible to main centres but expect winter road and flight disruptions at times.
Events
- Winter activities - Continued winter sports and aurora tours; some local winter festivals in community centres.
March
Temperatures start to moderate compared with mid-winter, but freezing conditions persist across much of the territory. Snow cover remains widespread; some spring breakup begins in southern areas late in the month.
Events
- Spring transition events - Community events mark the lengthening days; spring break travel begins later in the month.
April
A transitional month with freeze-thaw cycles; some roads remain icy and river ice break-up can affect travel. Expect muddy conditions in places and rapidly changing weather.
Events
- Ice breakup season - Rivers and lakes begin thawing; communities monitor ice conditions closely.
May
Late spring brings milder days, especially in southern parts like the Mackenzie Valley and around Yellowknife. Mosquitoes begin to appear later in the month in lowland areas; some services start to expand for summer visitors.
Events
- Spring festivals (local) - Local communities hold spring markets and outdoor events as temperatures rise.
June
Start of the short, warm summer season; long daylight hours are a major draw. Most northern parks and tourist services operate on full schedules by mid-June.
Events
- Midnight Sun season - Extended daylight - excellent for hiking, fishing and long-day excursions.
July
Warmest month with comfortable daytime temperatures in many settled areas and pleasant nights in the south. Peak season for outdoor activities and access to many backcountry routes.
Events
- Peak summer activities - Fishing, boating and guided wilderness trips are in full swing.
August
Late summer remains favorable for travel with generally warm days and good access to parks and cultural sites. Being late in the season, some insects can still be present in lowland areas.
Events
- Late summer festivals - Community fairs and cultural events occur as summer winds down.
September
Rapid cooling as daylight shortens; crisp mornings and fewer mosquitoes make this a pleasant shoulder season. Some services start to reduce schedules toward month end.
Events
- Fall colours begin - Boreal areas and some lowland zones show autumn colours; good time for photography.
October
Onset of consistent freezing conditions in many parts of the territory, with early snow at higher latitudes. Travel can become more difficult as winter road maintenance increases and days shorten.
Events
- Ice formation begins - Lakes and rivers refreeze in many areas as winter returns.
November
Temperatures drop significantly and snow cover becomes more persistent. Outdoor access shifts to winter modes (snowmobiles, ski trails) as summer infrastructure closes.
Events
- Northern winter preparations - Communities prepare for deep winter; reduced daylight and colder temperatures.
December
Long nights and very cold temperatures dominate; aurora season and winter activities are available but require proper winter gear. Travel is possible to main centres, but remote travel requires winter experience.
Events
- Winter festivals - Community holiday events and winter cultural programming in towns.
Getting to & Around Northwest Territories #
Most travellers reach the Northwest Territories by flying into Yellowknife (YZF), the territorial capital and main air hub; scheduled connections also serve Inuvik and Hay River. Overland access comes via the Mackenzie Highway from Alberta and the Dempster Highway from the Yukon (to Inuvik); travel from Edmonton to Yellowknife is roughly a 1.5-2 hour flight or a long multi-day drive. Many smaller communities are accessible only by air, seasonal ice roads or river barge.
Getting around the Northwest Territories is governed by remoteness and climate: long distances between settlements, limited paved roads, and the use of seasonal ice roads and river/barge transport are common. Expect sparse services outside Yellowknife and plan fuels/overnights carefully; weather can close air or ice-road links for extended periods.
- Domestic Flights - Most long-distance travel to the Northwest Territories is by air: Yellowknife (Yellowknife Airport, YZF) is the primary gateway with scheduled services from Edmonton and other northern hubs. Smaller regional airports at Inuvik and Hay River serve remote communities and are linked by regional carriers such as Air North.
- Rental Car - Road access is limited: the Yellowknife-Edmonton corridor via the Mackenzie Highway (Highway 3/1 southbound) is the main paved approach. Rental cars are useful around Yellowknife and Hay River, but expect long distances, limited services and gravel roads once you leave the main corridors.
- Ice Roads & Seasonal Roads - Many communities rely on seasonal winter ice roads and summer river barges rather than year-round highways - for example the Tibbitt-to-Contwoyto ice road (mining access) and the Dempster Highway (NWT 8) north to Inuvik. Check seasonal opening dates and local advisories before planning travel.
- Local Transit - Public transit is minimal outside larger centres: Yellowknife has local buses and taxi services, while community shuttle flights and scheduled regional buses connect other towns on a limited timetable.
Where to Stay in Northwest Territories #
Accommodation is sparse and focused in Yellowknife and a handful of fly-in lodges for fishing or aurora viewing. Travel is seasonal: summer fishing and winter aurora lodges are the busiest; expect higher costs and remote-access fees outside the main towns.
Yellowknife offers the regione2019s main hotels and motels concentrated near the downtown waterfront and Frame Lake. These are the most practical bases for aurora tours, city services and charter flights to nearby lodges.
Fly-in lodges on Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie Delta and remote river systems run seasonal fishing and hunting programs. These lodges include meals and guides, with strong summer demand and premium nightly rates.
Smaller B&Bs and guesthouses in Yellowknife and Inuvik provide personable stays and local tips for northern travel. Good options for travellers wanting a quieter base with hosts knowledgeable about aurora forecasts and local logistics.
Cabins reachable by floatplane are common for anglers and photographers, particularly around Great Bear and Great Slave lakes. These vary from basic self-catered cabins to full-service lodges with guided excursions.
Public campgrounds and backcountry sites exist but services can be limited; popular spots like Yellowknife area campgrounds fill in summer. Prepare for wilderness conditions and limited facilities when camping outside established sites.