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Sailing in the NWT

The wind in your sails

 

Complete this sentence: Some of the world’s best sailing is in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and . . .

That’s right, Great Slave Lake.

Great Slave is one of the best cruising grounds in the world – pristine, and almost empty of boaters. According to members of Yellowknife’s Great Slave Sailing Club, sailors can go for weeks in the East Arm and never see another boat close up. On top of that, there’s great fishing and a variety of landscapes (from dunes to 180-metre cliffs) that make it a sailor’s delight.

Of course, the world’s 10th-largest lake can also be dangerous. Beneath its surface are rocks and reefs; above water, 30-knot squalls can capsize a vessel in a heartbeat. If that happens, the situation is dire. Even during the four-month window when Great Slave’s ice turns to liquid, its depths are deathly cold.

If that doesn’t daunt you, the best way to experience the lake’s sailing culture is to join one of the dozen or so summer races that start in Yellowknife Bay. Some are merely evening-long affairs, while others are overnight expeditions. Don’t have a boat? Skippers are often seeking crew to help out. For more information, see the Great Slave Sailing Club.  

A person photograph a muskox in the Northwest territories

Guided Canoe Trip in Thaidene Nene National Park (12 days)

Jackpine Paddle

Activities

Birding Canoeing and Kayaking Experienced Paddling Lake Trout Nature Photography Nature Tours Novice Paddling On the Land White Water

This is our top trip for spectacular campsites and world-class hiking opportunities in a very remote tundra wilderness. Our guided Eileen River/Sled Creek canoe adventure offers exclusive access to one of the best wilderness wildlife trips in the Northwest Territories!...

$12,275

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Ice Fishing Adventures _ Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventure_2

Trophy Ice Fishing Adventure- Great Slave Lake

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures

Activities

Fishing Fishing Day Trips Ice Fishing Inconnu Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities

The Big Lake is safe to travel January 1 and with the darkness of mid winter the Burbot are always on the menu. The sun is back end of February, March and April are prime time for big fish. We get to play outside all day and travel further out on the lake. Come explore […]...

$1,500

CAD + 5% GST + 1/2 Anglers
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Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventure_Ice Fishing_2025_2

Half Day & Full Day - Ice Fishing Experience

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures

Activities

Burbot Fishing Fishing Day Trips Ice Fishing Lake Trout Northern Pike Tours Whitefish Winter Activities

Join us on 1/2 Day and Full Day Ice Fishing Adventures for Northern Pike, Walleye and Whitefish on one of our local lakes, or match wits with a Trophy Lake Trout, Northern Pike or Inconnu on Great Slave Lake. Catch the morning bite or sleep in and join us at lunch or wait until dark […]...

Starting at

$750

CAD + 5% GST + Per 1-4 People
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3 Night Aurora Viewing

Brabant Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arctic Grayling Aurora Aurora Lodges Birding Boat Tours Fall Aurora Fishing Fly Fishing Housekeeping Lodges Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Northern Pike Tours

Brabant Lodge operates from August to September for Aurora Viewing Trips Included in Aurora Packages All excursions, events, activities and Aurora tours Professional guides Fishing equipment (rods, reels, lures, etc.) All meals All alcoholic beverages & soft drinks inside the main lodge Accommodations and housekeeping services Float plane flight to and from Brabant Lodge from […]...

$4,200

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
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paddling the Nahanni River canyons in NWT with Black Feather

Nahanni River 14 Day "Classic"

Black Feather – The Wilderness Adventure Company

Activities

Canoeing and Kayaking Experienced Paddling Hiking Tours Nature Photography Nature Tours On the Land White Water

The two week Nahanni River (Nahʔą Dehé) trip is the most popular canoe expedition on the Nahanni River. It offers the perfect opportunity to paddle the highlights of the Nahanni (Nahʔą Dehé). You may get to hike to the rare Tufa Mounds - the largest "warm-spring" tufa formation in the north, and will definitely reach the awe-inspiring Virginia Falls (Náįlįcho), and paddle through four canyons that are, in places, deeper than the Grand Canyon!...

$9,695

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + National Park Fee
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Casting North Fly Fishing_Yellowknife_2025_Package 4

Boat Excursion Guided Fly Fishing, Full-Day or Half-Day

Casting North Fly Fishing Company

Activities

Fishing Fishing Day Trips Fly Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Whitefish

We are just a short drive to many of the lakes or rivers along the Ingraham Trail, making our half day trips the perfect fit if you’re just looking for a shorter trip or an evening outing. For folks who prefer a longer day on the water, our full day trips include a shore lunch […]...

Starting at

$400

CAD + 5% GST + 1-2 guests per boat
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Summer Okpik Arctic Village Wall Tent

Okpik Arctic Village Summer Package

Tundra North Travel

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours On the Land

DAY 1 Arrive at the Okpik Arctic Village. Start off by settling into your home away from home. We’ll show you around our Village where you will learn about our local manufacturing and food production programs and why they are so important for Northern food security, economic leakage, as well as providing culturally relevant jobs […]...

Starting at

$2,850

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Red Cliff Island Boat Tour

Red Cliff Adventures Island Boat Tour

Red Cliff Adventures

Activities

Arctic Grayling Boat Tours Cultural Demonstrations Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours Whitefish

See the grandeur of Red Cliff Island on this 4-hour scenic boat tour. Ron will share his deep knowledge of the land’s history and significance while you enjoy fishing in the area or learning more about the culture of the Łutsël K’é Dene through traditional Indigenous storytelling. The East Arm is world-renowned for its amazing […]...

$300

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Thaidene Nëné Authentic Wilderness Camp

Wilderness Camping Adventures

Red Cliff Adventures

Activities

Camping Cultural Demonstrations Fishing Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours On the Land

Thaidene Nëné Authentic Wilderness Camp Spend two days and two nights getting a completely authentic experience of the area around Thiadene Nëné and Łutsël K’é. Tour the community itself and enjoy a scenic boat trip out to Red Cliff Island, learning the history and hearing Indigenous storytelling from Ron himself. Hearty meals and an authentic […]...

$1,445

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Petersons Point Lodge_Amanda_Photography Package_2024_1

Arctic Photography Workshop

Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arts and Culture Aurora Aurora Lodges Barrenlands Birding Fall Aurora Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Nature Tours Wilderness Lodges Workshops

From floor to sky, our Arctic Photography Workshop is the perfect blend of ground-level photo opportunities and night sky photography. Wildlife, Landscape, Northern Lights. Small groups. Designed for all skills levels and people who love nature....

$7,495

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Premium Indigenous Aurora & Culture Package (Winter & Summer) with Hotel

North Star Adventures

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Aurora Day Trips City Tours Fall Aurora Ice Road Tours Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours Tours Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Experience the Aurora Borealis like never before with North Star Adventures. Our Premium Indigenous Aurora Packages in Yellowknife offer exclusive Aurora hunting tours, free professional photos, and local Indigenous knowledge. Book your unforgettable adventure today!...

Starting at

$1,589

CAD+ 5% GST + Per Person
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Nahanni, NWT, Canoe, Nahanni Park_2024_Nahanni River Adventures

Nahanni Canyons from Virginia Falls - 12 Day Rafting Trip

Nahanni River Adventures

Activities

Arctic Char Arctic Grayling Aurora Birding Boat Tours Camping Canoeing and Kayaking Experienced Paddling Fall Aurora Fishing Fly Fishing Hiking Tours Inconnu Lake Trout Nahanni to Dehcho Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Nature Tours Northern Pike Novice Paddling Paddling Rafting Road Trips Tours White Water

This trip takes you through some of the iconic features for which this historic river is renowned, including Canada's deepest canyons and Nailicho / Virginia Falls - twice the height of Niagara! Our Nahanni River 12-day trip covers the same distance as our seven day trip but allows more time for additional hiking and exploring, as well as savouring the beauty of the Nahanni Valley area because… why rush if you don’t have to?...

$10,595

CAD + 5% GST + $220.48 CAD National Park fees.
View this Package
A group of eight people standing in front of a plane with the backdrop the lake.

Canada North Experiences - Mackenzie Nahanni Expedition

North Star Adventures

Activities

Arts and Crafts Tours Aurora City Tours Cultural Demonstrations Flight Tours Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours On the Land Tours

Embark on the Mackenzie Nahanni Expedition, an unforgettable adventure through Canada’s Northwest Territories. Explore Yellowknife, the majestic Mackenzie River, and the stunning Nahanni National Park, all while immersing yourself in authentic Indigenous cultures. With comfortable accommodations and all-inclusive meals, this Indigenous-led tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and history. Book your Arctic Circle Adventure today—spaces are limited!...

Starting at

$10,995

CAD + 5% GST + Based on Double Occupancy
View this Package
Hiking Yellowknife_2025_Yellowknife_Logo

Frame lake to Bristol Monument Hike Return

Hiking Yellowknife

Activities

Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Nature Tours Tours

A scenic hike through Yellowknife’s beautiful trails, leading to an iconic piece of aviation history! This 2.5–3 hour guided hike follows the Frame Lake Trail to the Bristol Monument, where a Bristol Type 170 Freighter stands as a tribute to the North’s pioneering aviation past. This historic aircraft, once flown by Max Ward’s Wardair, made […]...

Starting at

$125

CAD

View this Package
Casting North Fly Fishing_Yellowknife_2025_Package 1

Guided Float Tube Excursion with Fly Fishing

Casting North Fly Fishing Company

Activities

Fishing Fishing Day Trips Fly Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours Whitefish

Imagine floating along on a peaceful lake and casting a fly from the comfort of an inflatable float tube.  You and your guides will head out on the water in our fleet of Outcast Float Tubes for an experience you won’t soon forget. Half-day: $450 for up to 4 guests What we provide: Outcast Fish […]...

Starting at

$450

CAD + 5% GST + up to 4 guest
View this Package
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Arctic Tours Canada

Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......

Trophy lake trout & northern pike fishing at Nonacho Lake NWT

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Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures

Fishing Multi-day Trips Summer

Creating Memories for a Lifetime Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures offers trophy lake trout and northern pike fishing. Wildlife abounds at......

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Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures

For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......

Destination NWT

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Destination NWT Ltd.

Day Trips Northern Lights Winter

Destination NWT Limited is a tourism operator located in Yellowknife, Canada. DNWT specializes in outdoors adventures, aurora photography, and cultural experiences: Best rated Snowmobile Tour, winter gears included, exciting trail riding Aurora Tour in a Luxurious lakeside Lodge Unique Aurora tour while Ice Fishing indoors Full panoramic moonroof vehicle for Aurora Viewing DNWT’s tours allow […]...

Aurora Hunting Tour - North Star Adventures

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North Star Adventures

Day Trips Indigenous Multi-day Trips Northern Lights Summer Winter

100% Indigenous owned!  Experience the spirit of the untamed Canadian north with a 100% Indigenous owned tour company. Journey with an Indigenous tour company that still lives by the traditions of our ancestors. Feel the heartbeat of the land as we share the stories, wisdom, and spiritual connections that have been passed down from generation to […]...

Kicksledding on the frozen Great Slave Lake in winter with two huskies in Yellowknife, NWT.

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Sundog Adventures

Day Trips Winter

Sundog Adventures is a year-round experiential tour company based in Yellowknife’s Old Town. During the winter we offer kicksled tours......

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Aurora Village

Indigenous

Aurora Village – A Class of Its Own Aurora Village is a unique Aurora-viewing facility situated 25 minutes from downtown......

Arctic Outfitting Adventures_Logo_2026

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Arctic Outfitting Adventures

Summer Winter

We offer a Northern Arctic experience. Locally owned and operated outfitter for several years and counting. Based in a small, remote community of approximately 480 residents on Victoria Island in the High Arctic Our hunts are conducted with experienced local guides who know the land, the weather, and the wildlife We also offer: Snowmobile Tours […]...

Yellow Dog Lodge aerial view among trees on a bright sunny day along the Duncan and Graham lakes in the Northwest Territories.

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Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc.

Multi-day Trips Northern Lights Summer

Yellow Dog Lodge is a comfortable lodge with 3 private cabins for our guests. The lodge is a short (15 minute) floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Located on Duncan and Graham Lakes, the lodge is your hub for adventure. Choose from an additional 5 lakes for guided day trip excursions. Each lake is unique and offers unspoiled first class fishing. We are the only lodge that operates guided trips on each of these remote lakes located in the NWT taiga wilderness. Packaged trips feature superb sport fishing and safe outdoor adventure. The lakes and streams offer the finest Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye and Arctic Grayling in the region. As an added bonus, our guests will enjoy the midnight sun and may even catch the northern lights later in the fall or early spring....

South Nahanni Outfitters hunt with many moose in the green field in the Dehcho region in the Northwest Territories.

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South Nahanni Outfitters Ltd.

Outfitting to all of us is a way of life, one that we cherish because we love to hunt, love the......

Aurora Viewing Cabins

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Trail Blazer Tours

Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......

Trout Rock lodge aerial view in the summer time.

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Enodah Wilderness Travel/ Trout Rock Lodge/Enodah Kennel

Enodah Wilderness Travel / Trout Rock Lodge/ Enodah Kennel offer high-quality Aurora viewing experiences by night and dogsled tours by......

Aerial view over Peterson's Point Lake Lodge in the Northwest Territories.

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Peterson's Point Lake Lodge

Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge provides you access to known waters teeming with monster lake trout. Their current record is a......

Multi-layered Waterfall in Hay River with three people on a grey speed boat passing by in Northwest Territories.

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2 Seasons Adventures

2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......

Northern Lights Tour_Yellowknife_Pic 4

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Northern Lights Tour

Day Trips Fishing Northern Lights Summer Winter

Northern Lights Tours is an adventure-focused tour company dedicated to providing authentic experiences just like the locals do! Our expert guides will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis. We also offer thrilling snowmobiling and ice fishing trips, immersing you in the beauty of the Northwest […]...

Ever Good Medicine_Yellowknife_2025_3

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Ever Good Medicine

Day Trips Indigenous Summer Wellness Winter

Ever Good Medicine is owned and operated by Carl Jr. Kodakin-Yakeleya, a Shúhtagot’ine man (Mountain People) originally from Délı̨nę and Tulita First Nations in the Sahtú region of NWT. Now based in Yellowknife, he offers a variety of programs and services such as Medicine Walks, Retreats, Apprenticeships and Group Workshops about Traditional Dene Medicines in […]...

Tukto Lodge red and yellow float plane flying at sunset to Mosquito Lake in the North Slave in the NWT.

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Tukto Lodge

Tukto Lodge has been exceeding anglers’ expectations for more than fifty years. As the only fishing and eco-tourism lodge in......

Yellowknife Tours Spectacular Aurora green and purple in the sky in the NWT.

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Yellowknife Tours

Northern Lights Summer Winter

Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......

Beautiful sunset over the waterfall at Watta Lake Lodge in the NWT

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Watta Lake Lodge

Comfortable lodge a 20 minute by floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Guided fishing for Lake Trout (to 34 lb), Arctic Grayling (to......

View of Little Doctor Lake and Nahanni Mountain Lodge in Nahanni National Park in the NWT.

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Nahanni Mountain Lodge

Remote private wilderness paradise on Little Doctor Lake, 100 km west of Fort Simpson. Accommodates 20 in cabins. Fishing, swimming,......

Ena Lake Lodge and lake aerial view on a sunny day at the 60th Parallel with boats parked along shore.

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Ena Lake Lodge

Ena Lake Lodge is a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive luxury fishing and outdoors experience in Northern Canada. Come and experience authentic fly-in......

Bluefish Outfitting beautiful sunny day three boats docked on the Great Slave Lake in Yellowknife Northwest Territories.

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Bluefish Outfitting

Fishing Summer Winter

With Bluefish Outfitting you’ll get an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Bluefish Outfitting offers personalized, guided fishing trips and boat tours on......

Narwal Northern Adventures voyageur canoe on Great Slave Lake

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NARWAL Northern Adventures

Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......

Jeep Gladiator under the blazing green northern lights in Yellowknife with Lonely Traveler.

Lonely Traveler

Our goal is to provide unique customized services for high-end customers. We excel at making personalized tours. You can see......

Overhead view of Ten Stone Mountain Lodge brightly lit living room in the Sahtu region, NWT

Ten Stone Mountain Lodge

Summer

Book this entire cabin in the remote wilderness of the stunningly breath-taking, Mackenzie Mountains. This cabin is hands down the......

Sandy Point Wilderness Lodge by Gordon Lake on a sunny day in the Northwest Territories.

Sandy Point Wilderness Lodge

Exceptional fishing on Gordon Lake, 100 km northeast of Yellowknife. Fish for Lake Trout, up to to 56 lbs! Fly in by......

Pehdzeh Ki First Nations picture of picnic benches on a cloudy day in Wrigley with the Mackenzie mountain range in the background in the NWT.

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation is located in the community of Wrigley, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are a Designated Authority in......

Grey Goose Lodge exterior picture surrounded by trees and the Great Bear Lake at sunset in Deline in the Northwest Territories.

Grey Goose Tours & Lodge

Welcoming and friendly with a rustic charm and all modern conveniences, Grey Goose Lodge immediately catches your eye as you......

Arctic Safaris man taking a photo in the Barrenlands in the Northwest Territories.

Arctic Safaris

Fishing and Barrenlands wildlife photography, including migrating caribou, at the Obstruction Rapids in the central Barrenlands north of Yellowknife....

Three hikers resting on a hill overlooking mountains near Dechenla Wilderness Lodge in the NWT

Dechenla Wilderness Resort

Remote naturalist’s lodge snuggled in the Mackenzie Mountains, in the largest mountain wilderness in North America. Located along the Canol......

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Northwest Territories Parks

To truly experience the Northwest Territories, take your camping gear for a highway driving adventure! Long ribbons of road without......

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© Northwest Territories Tourism 2026

Land Acknowledgement

Northwest Territories Tourism acknowledges that we are located in Chief Drygeese territory. From time immemorial, it has been the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and more recently, the homeland of the North Slave Métis Alliance. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of Inuit, First Nations, Metis, and all First Peoples of the NWT and Canada, whose presence and cultures continue to enrich our vibrant communities.