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+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Canada

Northwest Territories

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Why visit the Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories are defined by vast, largely untouched wilderness and a rare sense of space and stillness. Visitors can explore boreal forest, open tundra and the rugged Mackenzie Mountains. Nahanni National Park Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for dramatic canyons and powerful waterfalls. In summer, communities above the Arctic Circle experience the midnight sun, while winter’s long, dark nights create ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights.

The territory is also rich in Indigenous culture. Dene, Inuvialuit and Métis communities share crafts, storytelling and traditional knowledge shaped by generations on the land. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter musk ox, wood bison and migratory birds, while more active travellers can enjoy canoeing, dog-sledding, fishing and winter pursuits. The Northwest Territories reward those drawn to wide horizons and experiences shaped by the seasons.

Highlights of the Northwest Territories

Northern Lights: The Northwest Territories is one of the best places to see the aurora borealis. From late August to April, dark skies reveal green, purple and red lights on around 200 nights a year.
Midnight sun: In summer, areas above the Arctic Circle enjoy continuous daylight for weeks, perfect for extended outdoor adventures.
Nahanni National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for the South Nahanni River, dramatic canyons, hot springs and Virginia Falls.
Great Slave Lake: North America’s deepest lake at 614 metres, ideal for fishing, boating and winter activities such as ice-fishing, skating and snowmobiling.
Mackenzie Mountains: Rugged and remote, the range is perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting, home to caribou, bears and Dall sheep.
Indigenous culture: The Dene, Inuvialuit and Métis share drum dancing, storytelling and handicrafts, along with traditional sustainable practices.
Wildlife: Musk ox, wood bison, caribou, wolves and migratory birds can be seen on guided tours or while exploring trails and rivers.
Ice roads: Seasonal frozen roads connect remote communities, offering a unique driving experience under expert guidance.

Midnight sun

In communities above the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t set for several weeks during summer, creating long, bright days perfect for exploring the wilderness or enjoying outdoor activities at any hour.

Wood bison haven

The Northwest Territories are home to the largest population of wood bison in North America. These massive animals can weigh more than 900kg and are often spotted grazing in remote national parks and conservation areas.

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Good to know

Getting to the Northwest Territories

Yellowknife Airport (YZF) is the main airport in the Northwest Territories, with daily flights from Edmonton and multiple weekly connections from Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa.

It serves as the central hub for the region, linking travellers to smaller airports across the territory, including Inuvik, Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Simpson, providing access to remote communities and northern wilderness areas.

When to go

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The Northwest Territories are a destination for every season. In summer, travellers can enjoy the midnight sun, canoeing, hiking, and abundant wildlife. Autumn brings crisp air, colourful foliage, and early Northern Lights, while winter offers snow-covered landscapes, dog sledding, ice fishing and spectacular aurora displays. Spring reveals a thawing wilderness with migratory birds returning and ice breaking on the rivers, making it perfect for photography and quiet exploration. Each season provides a unique way to experience the territory’s vast wilderness, Indigenous culture and northern adventures.