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Getting to and Around the Northwest Territories

Most visitors begin their adventure with a flight into Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories. Daily flights connect Yellowknife with major Canadian cities like Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, making air travel in the NWT a convenient and scenic way to start your Northern journey.

Tip: Heading to a fly‑in lodge, remote cabin, or national park? Air travel is often the only and most efficient option. Local flight operators based in regional hubs offer scheduled and charter services into smaller communities. 

Driving to the Northwest Territories

The NWT is accessible year-round via all-season highways from Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon. A Northwest Territories road trip offers the freedom to explore dramatic Northern landscapes at your own pace.

You’ll pass through vast boreal forest, tundra, waterfalls, and historic communities. Popular routes include:

  • Highway 1 (Mackenzie Highway) from north-western Alberta 
  • Highway 7 from British Columbia through the scenic Dehcho Region 
  • Highway 8 from north-eastern Yukon through the Western Arctic Region 

Winter Tip: From approximately December to March, ice roads connect select communities that are otherwise only accessible by air. These seasonal routes open up opportunities for unique winter travel, but be sure to check road updates before heading out.

Get current conditions and road advisories on the GNWT Highway Conditions page.
For route planning, distances, and drive-time tips, see Road Travel in the NWT.

Getting Around the NWT

Once you’ve arrived, exploring the territory is straightforward.

  • Vehicle rentals are available in major centres such as Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River, Fort Simpson, and Norman Wells.
  • Local transportation providers and tour operators offer shuttles, charters, and custom packages.
  • Many national parks and wilderness lodges offer air or boat access with connections from regional airports.

Tip: Planning to visit multiple communities or parks? Look for packages that include transportation, accommodations, and activities, especially if you’re heading into remote areas.

Travel Tools and Visitor Resources

The NWT is vast, remote, and awe-inspiring, so a little planning goes a long way.

Before your trip:

Once you arrive:

  • Drop into a Visitor Information Centre for maps, advice, and up-to-date travel tips
  • Ask locals for insight. Northern hospitality is one of the highlights of the journey!

Now that you know how to get to and around the NWT, learn more about the unforgettable experiences you can enjoy in this spectacular destination.