Northwest Territories

Plan your trip to Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories offer a raw Arctic experience where vast wilderness, vibrant Indigenous cultures, and natural phenomena like the Northern Lights define the landscape. From the bustling capital of Yellowknife to remote northern communities and pristine waterways, this region delivers unforgettable adventures for those seeking authentic northern Canada. Whether chasing the aurora borealis in winter or experiencing the midnight sun in summer, the NWT rewards travellers with solitude and spectacle in equal measure.

Getting there & around

Fly into Yellowknife's airport, the primary gateway, with connections from major Canadian cities like Edmonton and Vancouver. Within the territory, travel between communities relies on small regional airlines, boats in summer, or winter ice roads—there are no highways connecting the main centres. Driving is possible to Hay River and Tuktoyaktuk from southern Canada, but distances are vast and services sparse. Most visitors fly and then book regional flights or tours to reach remote destinations.

How long to stay

Plan 5-7 days minimum to experience Yellowknife and one other region meaningfully; 10-14 days allows for a proper Arctic immersion with visits to multiple communities. Shorter trips risk spending more time travelling than exploring, given the remoteness and flight-dependent logistics.

When to go

Winter (December-March) is peak season for Northern Lights viewing, with December-January offering the longest dark nights and most reliable aurora displays. Summer (June-August) brings the midnight sun and optimal conditions for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and visiting remote communities, though aurora hunting is impossible. Shoulder seasons (September-November, April-May) are cheaper but weather is unpredictable and daylight hours are extreme.

Suggested itinerary

  1. Arrive in Yellowknife — Fly in and explore Old Town Yellowknife's historic log cabins, colourful houses, and waterfront views of Yellowknife Bay. Visit the Northern Lights Centre (open year-round) to learn about aurora science and Indigenous perspectives on the lights.
  2. Yellowknife Northern Lights & City — Spend the day at local sites like the Dettah ice road (winter) or Great Slave Lake activities. Position yourself for evening Northern Lights viewing—book a tour operator or find a dark-sky location outside the city to maximize aurora chances.
  3. Day trip or second destination — Take a regional flight to Tuktoyaktuk to see the Arctic Ocean and ice-pushed pingos, or visit Hay River for Great Slave Lake exploration. Alternatively, extend your Yellowknife stay with helicopter tours, dog sledding (winter), or boat trips on the Mackenzie River (summer).

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Northwest Territories?

December through February offers the longest nights and statistically highest aurora activity, with January typically considered peak season. Clear skies are essential, so checking weather forecasts and staying multiple nights increases your chances of viewing.

How many days do you need in Northwest Territories?

A minimum of 5-7 days is realistic to justify flight costs and allow exploration of Yellowknife plus one other destination. Most visitors spend 7-10 days to experience multiple communities and increase odds of seeing the Northern Lights or midnight sun.

Is Yellowknife worth visiting?

Yes—it's the territory's hub with the best infrastructure, guaranteed accommodation, and reliable access to Northern Lights viewing in winter. The Old Town's character, Northern Lights Centre, and proximity to outdoor activities make it the essential NWT destination.

Can you drive in Northwest Territories?

You can drive to Hay River and Tuktoyaktuk from southern Canada, but most other communities are only accessible by air or boat. Roads are limited and seasonal; winter ice roads open temporary routes but are weather-dependent and require specialized vehicles.

What is there to do in Northwest Territories in summer?

Summer offers the midnight sun, wildlife viewing, boating on the Mackenzie River and Great Slave Lake, fishing, hiking, and visiting remote Arctic communities. This season is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring without aurora-hunting pressure, though expect higher prices and busier attractions.

History

The Northwest Territories have been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Dene, Inuit, and Métis nations who developed sophisticated hunting and trading practices across the vast northern landscape. European exploration intensified in the 17th and 18th centuries as fur traders sought valuable pelts, establishing posts like Fort Resolution and Yellowknife. The discovery of gold near Yellowknife in the 1930s sparked a significant boom that transformed the region's economy and settlement patterns. The territory was formally established as a political entity in 1870 when Canada purchased Rupert's Land, and it has since developed from a frontier outpost into a modern jurisdiction with growing resource industries.

Culture

The Northwest Territories is defined by its stunning Arctic and sub-Arctic wilderness, Indigenous heritage, and a unique frontier spirit shaped by harsh climates and vast distances. Traditional practices such as dog sledding, hunting, and fishing remain integral to northern life, while communities celebrate this heritage through events like the Yellowknife Winter Festival and traditional arts. The region's character is deeply influenced by its Indigenous populations, whose languages, art forms, and deep connection to the land continue to define its cultural identity and shape contemporary society.

Language

English is the primary language spoken throughout the Northwest Territories, though Indigenous languages such as Dene, Inuit (Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut), Gwich'in, and Slavey remain important to many communities and are actively promoted for cultural preservation. Useful local phrases include "How are you?" and greetings in Indigenous languages, and visitors will find that understanding the significance of land-based terminology and place names enriches their appreciation of the territory's unique character.

Best time to visit

Visit in winter (December-March) for Northern Lights, or summer (June-August) for midnight sun.

Places to visit

Where to eat