Do the fast pace, loud noises and bright lights of modern life leave you longing to unwind? The vast and pristine beauty of the Northwest Territories might be just what you need. Here are some of the best ways to unplug, breathe deep and get lost in the sound of silence. In every season, embrace the serenity of the NWT… and just chill.
Breathe. Feel the pure, healing air of a frosty winter forest fill your lungs. Hear the snowy crunch under your snowshoes. Or strap on a pair of cross-country skis and glide over to the many groomed trails that can be found around each community in the NWT. Bird songs may even light up the boreal forest as you cruise through the fresh powder on Pine Lake in Wood Buffalo National Park near Fort Simpson. You’ll find winter wilderness lodges and ski clubs around the NWT offer incredible trails, just a short cross-country ski trip away.
In summer, you can lose yourself completely looking up at Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), which means “Big Water Falling Down”. See the falls from above on a flightseeing tour out of Fort Simpson, from up close on the historic Virginia Falls portage trail, or from the comfort of your campsite at the Virginia Falls campground. You won’t forget the experience of its serene majesty as the water pours over the brink and rumbles softly beneath your feet.
Settle down beside Glacier Lake in Nahanni National Park Reserve and free your thoughts as you watch the lake water ripple before you. Welcome to the gateway for the climbers’ mecca known as the Cirque of the Unclimbables.
Experience the vast open waters of Great Slave Lake near Yellowknife. Local hot saunas and plunge pools will allow you to disconnect, pamper yourself and fully unwind. In summer, join the many paddleboarders relaxing into gentle yoga poses in the quiet morning waters.
Or watch the stress melt off in a summer shower on Great Bear Lake. Among the planet’s largest bodies of freshwater, this lake is home to some of the largest Lake Trout ever recorded. Staying at an all-inclusive lodge on the shores of Great Bear Lake is a great way to unplug, let go of the busyness of everyday life, and connect to the stunning landscapes around you.
At the Natla River, the only distraction is the distinctly complex yet soothing sound of loons. The Natla, which begins at O’Grady Lake within the boundary of Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve, offers 115 km (71 mi) of wild rapids in the mountains, before ultimately pouring into the Keele River. At the end of a day of paddling, hiking or fishing, it’s time to cozy up by a fire with a warm drink, take a deep breath, relax and wait for the most stunning Fall Aurora to dance across the dark starry sky.
How about building a roaring campfire while enjoying the sandy beaches of Little Doctor Lake? As night falls, exchange some fish tales as you mull over the day gone by, with standout catches of Pickerel, Pike, Trout and Grayling pulled from the lake’s crystal clear waters.
Herds of muskoxen and moose can be seen grazing along the shoreline of Great Slave Lake’s East Arm in the bewildering beauty of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve. Nearby, giant Lake Trout patrol the clean and clear waters of North America’s deepest lake. This is the place to contemplate your next big catch. Local operators can help make that a reality. Or enjoy a delicious shore lunch of freshly caught fish.
In the vast NWT Barrenlands, local tour operators will help you spot large herds of caribou, sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands, as they migrate in a seamless, living stream in the spring to calving grounds near the coast and then back to the treeline in the fall.
Stretch out in a cushion of white tufted Arctic cotton outside the Western Arctic community of Tuktoyaktuk and look up at the shapes the summer clouds make in the sky above you. Arctic cotton grass, called suputi or pualunnguat in Inuktitut, is a perennial Arctic plant used by Inuit as a candle wick in winter seal oil lamps. You can gather some for a dried bouquet, which will serve as a special keepsake of your serene Arctic moment.
Or stroll among the brilliant reds and oranges of the changing autumn tundra alongside the Dempster Highway. From Dawson City in the Yukon to Inuvik in the NWT, you’ll traverse awe-inspiring landscapes, even crossing Canada’s largest river—the mighty Mackenzie. But take time to linger in the Barrelands during the fall season and watch its changing palette of colours and shadows. Better yet, naturalist and photography workshops can offer you insights into this unique environment and how to capture its essence in photos.
See the magic unfold as you watch the stunning Aurora Borealis over Pine Lake in Wood Buffalo National Park. Pine Lake, an oasis in the middle of the boreal forest, lies just a short 45-minute drive from Fort Smith. Warm, clear waters make Pine Lake ideal for swimming or paddling, while its sandy beaches mean it’s the perfect location to kick back and enjoy the greatest lightshow on Earth.
Or marvel at a dusky sky on the Keele River, which winds through and past the mountains, hot springs and wildlife of Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve. After a long day’s paddle or trek, there’s nothing better than a soak in one of Nááts’ihch’oh’s natural hot springs. You’ll feel every tired muscle move into serene repose and lean back, gaze into the starry sky and make the most of this rejuvenating experience.
No matter what your mood craves, these activities, whether big or small, are the perfect way to bring relaxation, recharge and reconnect with the present. And the best part? Here in the Spectacular Northwest Territories , peaceful spaces are always within reach. Let’s go!
Dreaming of Northern vistas? Explore all the ways to get out and witness the magnificent landscapes and majestic wildlife of the Northwest Territories.
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Spectacular river journeys on Canada’s most iconic rivers. Travel with expert guides by raft or canoe and immerse yourself in......
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What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......
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Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......
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For over 30 years, Canoe North Adventures has made it our mission to create spectacular memories for life, and to show......
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We are the Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ got’ine. People of the community of Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́, “the place where rivers come together”, in......
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Tundra North Travel is an Inuit company based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories that was established with the dream of being......
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Red Cliff Adventures has a traditional camp that is located in Lutsel K’e, on the shores of the East Arm,......
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Enodah Wilderness Travel / Trout Rock Lodge/ Enodah Kennel offer high-quality Aurora viewing experiences by night and dogsled tours by......
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With over 30 years of living in Yellowknife, we offer a variety of tourism experiences for our guests. We are......
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Arctic Adventure & Wildlife viewing on the edge of the tree line of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Lynx Lake 400 km......
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Commercial air charter service providing air support for hikers on Canol Road, sightseeing in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains, and fly-in fishing......
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Best Northern Road Trip! Now you can drive all the way to the Arctic ocean linking Canada from coast to......
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The all new Namushka Lodge! Come enjoy all the new amenities of a fly-in fishing lodge! Located on Harding Lake, 32......
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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 […]...
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With us, you will find a unique Northern fishing experience with no distractions. Our amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi, standard queen-sized......
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DISCOVER A MOMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME. Aylmer Lake Lodge is located in Rocknest Bay, which is on the Barren......
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Simpson Air (and its predecessor) is the oldest continuously-operated flying service in the Mackenzie Valley, established in the early 1960s.......
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Canoe North, located in Hay River, Northwest Territories offers kayak and canoe rentals and sales. We can set you up for a......
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Fly-in fishing lodge located 150 air miles (240 kms) south of Yellowknife. Full American Plan or unguided....
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For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......
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Comfortable lodge a 20 minute by floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Guided fishing for Lake Trout (to 34 lb), Arctic Grayling (to......
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Join us for an unforgettable experience on the mighty Mackenzie River. Day trips are available for a full or half......
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We are an Inuvialuit owned and operated family business, run by locals Enoch and Amanda Pokiak, based in Inuvik in the Western......
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100% Indigenous owned! We are the world’s first Aurora Hunting tour company, we know Aurora. Learn about Aurora, why Yellowknife is the......
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If are looking for a spectacular weekend retreat nestled in the serenity of the Mackenzie Mountains at Ten Stone Mountain Lodge. North-Wright......
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Remote private wilderness paradise on Little Doctor Lake, 100 km west of Fort Simpson. Accommodates 20 in cabins. Fishing, swimming,......
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Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......
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Unplug from the commonplace with our Northwest Territories canoe and kayak expeditions. We specialize in true wilderness adventures to the......
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Fish for Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling and Northern Pike at the remote untouched East Arm of Great Slave Lake, one......
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World Class Fishing Within Reach Yet Beyond Belief For 3 generations we have been honing the Kasba experience to be like no-other. Our level of hospitality, dedication to the fishery, and a legendary passion for the experience that permeates through our entire team is undeniably contagious. No matter what you’re looking for in your fishing […]...
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Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......
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For over 50 years, Black Feather has had the opportunity to operate canoe, hiking and sea kayaking expeditions throughout the......
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Tukto Lodge has been exceeding anglers’ expectations for more than fifty years. As the only fishing and eco-tourism lodge in......
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Great Bear Lake Lodge is located on the Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake and is home to the biggest......
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Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......
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One of the finest Pike and Lake Trout waters in North America, on the 60th Parallel. Enjoy luxurious private cabins......
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“Unforgettable remote fishing experience” We are the only lodge located on this fly-in only lake. With only 8 guests per......
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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....
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Gana River Outfitters is a family owned and operated outfitting business offering remote wilderness hunts in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains......
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2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......
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Outfitting to all of us is a way of life, one that we cherish because we love to hunt, love the......
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Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge provides you access to known waters teeming with monster lake trout. Their current record is a......
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Aurora Village – A Class of Its Own Aurora Village is a unique Aurora-viewing facility situated 25 minutes from downtown......
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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 Nation is located in the community of Wrigley, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are a Designated Authority in......
Northstar Resort is a remote fishing lodge located on Thekulthili Lake, 95 miles (152 km) northeast of Fort Smith. Operates from......
Boat tours in the wildlife-rich Slave River delta and fishing at Taltson Big Pike Lodge....
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For 35 years, Sambaa K’e has offered world-class fishing on Trout Lake just north of the Northwest Territories-British Columbia border.......
Warburton Bay has a magic of its own. Located on the southwest end of Mackay Lake, it is close to......
Fishing and Barrenlands wildlife photography, including migrating caribou, at the Obstruction Rapids in the central Barrenlands north of Yellowknife....
To truly experience the Northwest Territories, take your camping gear for a highway driving adventure! Long ribbons of road without......
Remote naturalist’s lodge snuggled in the Mackenzie Mountains, in the largest mountain wilderness in North America. Located along the Canol......
