The Northwest Territories (NWT), located in the northern part of Canada, is a region rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Known for its pristine wilderness, vibrant Indigenous cultures, and stunning displays of the Northern Lights, the NWT offers an unforgettable travel experience for those seeking adventure and tranquility in equal measure. Here’s your complete guide to the Northwest Territories’ tourist places, accommodations, and transportation options.
Top Tourist Attractions
1. Nahanni National Park Reserve Nahanni National Park Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning wilderness areas in Canada. Highlights include:
- Virginia Falls: Twice the height of Niagara Falls, Virginia Falls is a majestic natural wonder nestled within the park.
- South Nahanni River: Renowned for white-water rafting and canoeing, the river winds through deep canyons and vast wilderness.
- Hiking and Wildlife: The park offers extensive hiking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife such as Dall sheep, mountain goats, and black bears.
2. Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) The Northwest Territories is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, with clear skies and little light pollution. Highlights include:
- Aurora Viewing Lodges: Numerous lodges in places like Yellowknife and Inuvik offer comfortable stays and guided tours to see the aurora.
- Aurora Village: Near Yellowknife, Aurora Village provides heated viewing cabins, traditional teepees, and cultural experiences as part of your aurora adventure.
3. Great Slave Lake Great Slave Lake is the deepest lake in North America and a hub for outdoor activities. Highlights include:
- Fishing and Boating: The lake is famous for its world-class fishing, with opportunities to catch lake trout, pike, and other species.
- Houseboats and Ice Fishing: In winter, visitors can rent houseboats or try their hand at ice fishing on the frozen lake.
- Town of Hay River: Located on the southern shore of the lake, Hay River is a great base for exploring the area, with camping, hiking, and boating options.
4. Wood Buffalo National Park Wood Buffalo National Park, straddling the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, is Canada’s largest national park. Highlights include:
- Whooping Cranes and Bison: The park is home to the largest free-roaming herd of bison and the endangered whooping crane.
- Salt Plains: Hike the park’s unique salt plains, which are naturally occurring deposits formed from ancient seabeds.
- Hiking and Canoeing: Explore the vast wilderness through extensive hiking and canoeing routes, or visit the Pine Lake Recreation Area for swimming and camping.
5. Inuvik and the Dempster Highway Inuvik, located in the Arctic Circle, is the terminus of the Dempster Highway, a spectacular 740-kilometer road that runs from Dawson City in the Yukon. Highlights include:
- Midnight Sun: In summer, Inuvik experiences 24 hours of daylight, providing endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway: Drive the scenic road to the Arctic Ocean, a unique and unforgettable journey through tundra and permafrost.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit the Igloo Church and explore Inuvik’s vibrant Indigenous culture, including the annual Great Northern Arts Festival.
6. Yellowknife Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, is a gateway to the North and offers a blend of history, culture, and nature. Highlights include:
- Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre: A museum showcasing the history and culture of the NWT’s Indigenous peoples.
- Old Town: Explore the colorful houseboats and heritage buildings in Yellowknife’s historic district.
- Winter Activities: In the winter months, Yellowknife transforms into a hub for dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and the Snowking Winter Festival.
Accommodations
1. Northern Lites Motel (Yellowknife) A cozy motel located in the heart of Yellowknife, the Northern Lites Motel offers budget-friendly accommodations with easy access to local attractions.
- Comfortable Rooms: Simple yet comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities.
- Central Location: Walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants, and Northern Lights tour operators.
2. Aurora Village (Near Yellowknife) Aurora Village is a unique accommodation that offers a mix of comfort and traditional northern experiences.
- Aurora-Viewing Teepees: Stay in heated teepees or cozy cabins, perfect for watching the Northern Lights.
- Cultural Activities: Guests can enjoy cultural experiences, snowshoeing, and traditional Indigenous food while staying here.
3. Blachford Lake Lodge (Remote Wilderness) Blachford Lake Lodge offers a remote wilderness experience, ideal for adventurers looking to disconnect from the modern world.
- Secluded Location: Accessible by bush plane, this eco-lodge offers breathtaking views of the Aurora Borealis and the surrounding wilderness.
- Outdoor Activities: Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are available year-round.
4. Capital Suites (Inuvik) A comfortable hotel in Inuvik, Capital Suites provides convenient accommodations for exploring the Arctic and experiencing Indigenous culture.
- Modern Comfort: Fully furnished suites with kitchens, ideal for extended stays.
- Proximity to Attractions: Located near Inuvik’s main attractions, including the Igloo Church and the Arctic Circle Visitor Centre.
5. MacKay Lake Lodge (Great Slave Lake) MacKay Lake Lodge offers an all-inclusive wilderness experience in the heart of the Great Slave Lake region.
- Fishing Lodge: Famous for its incredible fishing opportunities, the lodge also offers wildlife viewing, kayaking, and hiking.
- Rustic Charm: Rustic cabins with modern amenities provide the perfect base for exploring the wilderness.
Transportation
1. By Air The easiest way to reach the Northwest Territories is by flying into Yellowknife, the capital. Yellowknife has regular flights from major cities such as Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver.
- Airlines: Air Canada, Canadian North, and WestJet all offer flights to Yellowknife.
- Regional Flights: Regional flights are available to more remote communities, including Inuvik, Hay River, and Fort Simpson.
2. By Car Driving in the NWT can be an incredible adventure, especially along the famous Dempster Highway and the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway. However, roads can be remote and require preparation.
- Highway Access: The Mackenzie Highway connects Alberta to the southern part of the Northwest Territories, leading to towns like Hay River.
- Rental Cars: Car rentals are available in Yellowknife, Hay River, and Inuvik, but ensure your vehicle is suitable for rougher terrains.
3. Ferries and Ice Roads During the summer months, ferries operate on some rivers, such as the Mackenzie River. In winter, ice roads are used for travel in remote areas.
- Ice Road Season: Ice roads are typically open from December to March, offering access to areas that are otherwise inaccessible by car.
- Ferry Crossings: Ferries operate across rivers in the summer, but schedules can vary based on weather conditions.
4. Public Transit Public transportation options are limited in the Northwest Territories, especially in remote areas. Most travelers rely on private transport, including rental cars or guided tours.
- Yellowknife Transit: Yellowknife has a small bus network, which serves the city and surrounding areas.
- Shuttle Services: Some lodges and hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport or other key attractions.
5. Guided Tours Many visitors opt for guided tours, especially for more remote areas like Nahanni National Park or Blachford Lake. These tours often include transportation, accommodation, and expert guides who can provide cultural and natural insights.
Conclusion
The Northwest Territories is a land of untamed wilderness, vibrant Indigenous cultures, and unforgettable natural wonders like the Northern Lights and Nahanni National Park. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful escape, the NWT offers a variety of experiences to suit all types of travelers. With numerous accommodations ranging from remote lodges to cozy inns, and transportation options that include flights, car rentals, and guided tours, exploring this northern gem is both rewarding and accessible.