Debating whether to canoe, kayak, or raft on your next outdoor adventure?

In the Northwest Territories, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the “canoe vs kayak” question. And that’s what makes paddling here so special. With hundreds of pristine lakes and wild rivers, the NWT offers unforgettable paddling adventures for all experience levels. Whether you’re drawn to a multi-day canoe expedition, a sleek and fast kayak excursion, a family-friendly rafting tour, or a self-led trip, there’s an experience waiting for you on these Northern waters.

Find out which adventure best matches your interests, comfort level, and style.

A canoe trip in the NWT is perfect for those who want a classic, gear-friendly, and scenic paddling experience. Canoes are stable, can carry lots of gear, and are ideal for multi-day expeditions on big rivers and lakes.

A large, sturdy tandem canoe about 5 to 6 metre (17 to 20 ft) long is ideal for longer trips on waterways like the Mackenzie River or Great Slave Lake. These vessels have a long history in the NWT, used by Indigenous peoples, as well as early European voyagers, trappers, and traders who travelled the land via waterways, sometimes portaging overland between them.

Today, as you canoe the fabled waterways of the NWT, you’ll be following in those historic paddle strokes, passing through spectacular landscapes, spotting majestic wildlife, and in late summer, as the days get shorter, camping in the wilderness under the Aurora Borealis.

Guided canoe expeditions typically include all logistics such as food, gear, and navigation. Many trips also offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, photography, and cultural experiences.

Kayaks are fast, sleek, and ideal for solo paddlers or those seeking a more agile craft. If you’re interested in covering distance on open water or navigating smaller rivers with more control, a touring or sea kayak is your best bet.

Longer, narrow kayaks around 3.6 metres (12 ft) or more perform best on the large lakes and open-water conditions found in the NWT. If you plan to portage, lightweight inflatable or hard-shell kayaks are practical and easy to transport. Tandem kayaks allow two paddlers to travel together, though many choose to paddle in groups using individual boats for more flexibility.

Indigenous roots run deep in kayaking traditions. The Inuvialuit in the Western Arctic have long used the Mackenzie kayak (or qayaq, in Inuvialuktun) for hunting whales and seals, and for inland fishing. These boats, with their ridged decks and upturned stems, were adapted perfectly to Arctic waters.

Once built from logs or wood, rafts have come a long way. Today’s rafts are made of sturdy, inflatable, heavy-duty materials like reinforced vinyl or rubber. Typically around 4 metres (13 feet) long, most are open-topped and crewed by a small group of paddlers along with an experienced guide or captain who helps steer and navigate.

Rafting in the Northwest Territories offers one of the most stable and fun ways to experience the region’s rivers. It’s a great choice for groups of friends, families, or anyone who wants to enjoy the ride without worrying about advanced paddling techniques.

Guided rafting trips can take you through spectacular canyons and rapids, especially on rivers like the South Nahanni. They’re also a perfect way to relax and take in the scenery, wildlife, and Northern wilderness with minimal stress. Some outfitters welcome kids as young as ten, making rafting tours ideal for adventurous families.

For experienced paddlers seeking independence and flexibility, the NWT offers vast potential for self-guided canoe or kayak trips. These adventures allow you to explore at your own pace, chart your own course, and fully immerse yourself in the landscape.

Whether you’re planning a solo kayak trip on Great Bear Lake or canoeing down the Mackenzie River toward the Arctic Ocean, self-led journeys are ideal for those confident in their navigation, survival, and paddling skills.

Paddling outfitters across the territory can provide canoes, kayaks, route maps, and other essential gear rentals. In communities like Inuvik, Yellowknife and Fort Smith, you will find active paddling clubs; contacting these organizations is a great way to learn about local paddling events and connect with other paddlers.

Self-led trips give you the ultimate freedom. Just be sure to prepare thoroughly and check weather conditions, wildlife safety protocols, and local regulations before heading out.

Whether you’re looking for a canoe expedition, a kayak adventure, a group rafting trip, or a self-guided journey through some of Canada’s most spectacular wilderness, the Northwest Territories has it all.

With such a wide variety of guided experiences offered by many knowledgeable operators and outfitters across the Territory, you are guaranteed to find the perfect adventure for you.

Looking for the perfect river to match your adventure? Check out this guide to the legendary waterways of the Northwest Territories.

For even more inspiration for your next paddling trip, watch this video to learn more about paddling in the NWT.