Northern Living: Amazing Places You Won't Want to Leave

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tipi in the Western Arctic of the Northwest territories. Tundra Noth Tours — Northern Living: Amazing Places You Won't Want to Leave

Looking for extraordinary places that reflect the culture and creativity of the North? The Northwest Territories has it all… and then some. Step into a canvas tent, wander through a snow castle, or warm up inside a geodesic dome while watching the Northern Lights. From contemporary builds to traditional forms passed down through generations, the NWT’s infrastructure tells the story of its people and their connection to the land.

Across the NWT’s five regions (Dehcho, North Slave, Sahtu, South Slave, and the Western Arctic) you’ll find structures that do more than provide shelter. They inspire awe, spark curiosity, and invite you to experience the North in a deeply authentic way.

Houseboats on the Great Slave Lake in the Northwest territories — On the Water

With over a million lakes, it’s no surprise that waterways shape the way people live and gather in the NWT.

One of the most iconic examples is Houseboat Bay in Yellowknife. A floating community of vibrant houseboats paints a picture of Yellowknife’s bold, independent spirit. Each houseboat is uniquely crafted, some with solar panels, others with whimsical architecture or murals, but together they form a neighbourhood unlike any other in Canada.

Life on the water can be strenuous, as houseboaters face challenges such as freeze-up in winter and break-up in spring, which means navigating half-frozen waters to reach shore. Some make the daily commute, while others stock up on supplies and hunker down until the lake fully opens up again or freezes over. Through it all, this community thrives with the support of their neighbours, always ready to help when someone springs a leak. The rewards are just as memorable, with dazzling views of the Aurora on crisp winter nights and the gentle sound of lapping waters beneath the Midnight Sun.

Visitors can explore the bay by foot on the frozen lake in winter or paddle near it in the summer, taking in the view of this innovative and resilient way of living on the water.

Okpik Arctic Village Winter Package — Snowhouse Comfort

In the North snow isn’t just a seasonal feature. It is a building material with a long tradition. Igloos, or snow houses, are a powerful example of practical, elegant Northern engineering, shaped over centuries.

Shaped over centuries by the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic, igloos are constructed with spiraling blocks of compacted snow, these domes are thermally efficient and remarkably strong. Step inside to experience a space that’s both quiet and warm, often lit with lanterns or candles. Outside, the glowing ice takes on an otherworldly hue, especially under the vivid sky of the Aurora Borealis.

the best northern lights in the world over a cabin the nwt. photo credit Lenora Barrett — Cabin Life

Cabins are a staple of life in the NWT. Found tucked away in forest clearings, perched on lakeshore outcrops, or set beside rivers, many are built from local timber. These unique dwellings are often powered by renewable energy and connected to nature in ways that modern buildings often aren’t.

These structures often reflect a strong DIY ethos and a deep respect for the environment. In the summer, they serve as basecamps for paddlers and hikers. In the winter, they offer a cozy retreat after skiing or snowshoeing, and the perfect place to watch the world’s best Aurora dance across the night sky.

In the North, architecture often tells a deeper story. One where form, function, and tradition converge in unexpected and beautiful ways. Tipis have been used by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, built with sturdy wooden poles and traditionally covered with animal hides, later canvas. Their design is both practical and symbolic, allowing them to withstand strong winds, provide warmth in winter, and ventilation in summer. Today, they continue to serve as gathering spaces for storytelling, ceremony, and Aurora viewing.

Sky domes take this concept even further. These spherical geodesic structures are built for comfort and visibility, featuring transparent walls, woodstoves, and lounge seating. Designed to bring people closer to the stars, they offer a one-of-a-kind setting for stargazing or watching the Northern Lights swirl across the Arctic sky.

A person walks around the snow castle in Yellowknife NWT. Build every year as part of the Snowcastle winter festival — The Snow Castle

And then there’s Yellowknife’s legendary Snow Castle, built each year for the Snowking Winter Festival in March. Carved from solid blocks of lake ice and snow, this temporary marvel features tunnels, slides, world-class snow carvings, and performance halls. The snow castle, which is decorated according to a different theme every year, is a remarkable and unique work of art that showcases not only the creative spirit of the North, but also the resourcefulness and resilience of its people. In fact, this unparalleled structure is made possible each year by the dedication of a community of volunteers who work tirelessly for months before the festival in freezing temperatures.

From floating neighborhoods to glowing ice castles, the Northwest Territories is filled with spaces that reflect the Land, its people, and their stories. These aren’t just buildings but they’re experiences. They invite you to see the North differently, one remarkable structure at a time.

The Northwest Territories offers places to stay that are every bit as memorable as the landscape itself. Ready to experience these one-of-a-kind spaces for yourself? Explore accommodations across the NWT

Aurora Shot with Lac La Martre in the background

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