Skip to main content

Find out more about the current wildfire and wildfire-related concerns in the NWT.

Home Story Dehcho Staycation
Three boys in a boat at Little Doctor Lake in the Northwest territories

Dehcho Staycation

Carolyn Hunter and her family of ten have a long standing tradition of combining family reunions with vacations. More often than not, these grand gatherings are conducted outside of the country, but the pandemic put a damper on those plans last summer. With the family split between Inuvik and Fort Simpson, the Inuvik crowd jumped on board for a family staycation in the Dehcho.

With both of her children residing in Fort Simpson, Carolyn figured the town would make for the perfect starting point for their adventure to the picturesque Little Doctor Lake. They flew in style with Simpson Air and stayed at Nahanni Mountain Lodge, tucked away in the trees along the lake’s eastern shore.

Nahannni Mountain Lodge in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories

“We canoed, we boated, we fished, we swam, we hung out on the beach, we had fires, and we played games. [Being able to] disconnect from electronics and connect with your family in an amazing setting was one of the high points.” Their day trip into the stunning Nahanni National Park astounded them all. Carolyn was at a loss, “I don’t even think my words could do it any justice. You have to go and experience it.”

A persons fishes in Little Doctor Lake in the Northwest territories

With both of her children residing in Fort Simpson, Carolyn figured the village would make for the perfect starting point for their adventure to the picturesque Little Doctor Lake. They flew in style with Simpson Air and stayed at Nahanni Mountain Lodge, tucked away in the trees along the lake’s eastern shore.

Aerial view of Nahanni National Park in the Northwest Territories

Carolyn gave the village of Fort Simpson rave reviews too. “We considered Fort Simpson the jumping off point, but we absolutely enjoyed that area and want to come back and explore again by road and do some camping.”

Compared to past vacations, Carolyn enthused that “even as a group, we literally said it was one of our best vacations ever! So it stacks right up there with our world travels. [I would] definitely recommend the Dehcho to anybody who lives in the Northwest Territories.”  Carolyn urges everyone to explore their own backyard. “This is a shoutout to the people of the NWT – don’t let this opportunity pass you by! You won’t regret a minute of it. This was a really enriching experience.”

 

Story supplied by the GNWT-Industry, Tourism and Investment
GNWT-ITI Partner Logo

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
Two people in a boat holding up a huge fish at Blachford Lake Lodge

Summer Fishing Adventure

Blachford Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Canoeing and Kayaking Fishing Housekeeping Lodges Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Stand up Paddling

Summer Adventure & Relaxation Welcome to your summer getaway, north of 60. Far from the noise and bustle of any city, Blachford Lodge is happy to be your home away from home in the summer months. Bask in the midnight sun (yup, you can read a book outside all night long!), catch a trophy fish, […]...

Starting at

$2,997

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $499 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

View this Package
Blachford Lake Lodge - Aurora

Autumn Aurora Package

Blachford Lodge

Activities

Aurora Aurora Lodges Canoeing and Kayaking Cultural Demonstrations Fall Aurora Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Stand up Paddling Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to Blachford Lodge. Aurora watchers and stargazers agree there are few better places to see the Aurora than Blachford Lodge. From mid-August, when night skies turn a velvety black to late October when the lake begins to freeze, Blachford guests can be treated to late night shows of the northern lights. On calm nights […]...

Starting at

$3,597

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $499 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

View this Package
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 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!...

$9,495

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + National Park Fee
View this Package
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
Kasba Lake Lodge

Fly Fishing

Kasba Lake Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arctic Grayling Fishing Fly Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike

A Fly Fisherman’s Paradise. Kasba Lake Lodge offers fly fishing opportunities for both advanced and novice anglers. The ability to fish all three species of Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Arctic Grayling on the fly is what really sets us apart. Catching these aggressive predators on the fly is one of life’s great sporting experiences […]...

Starting at

$5,395

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
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
View this Package
Kasba Lake Lodge

All Inclusive Lodge

Kasba Lake Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arctic Grayling Fishing Fly Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike

Place yourself in Canada’s untamed Northwest Territories, on the edge of the barren lands. Over 1500 square miles of untouched wilderness exclusive to Kasba anglers. A fishermen’s paradise whether spin fishing or fly fishing, Kasba fishing is beyond belief! Your dream come true fishing trip includes: air transportation from Winnipeg, private luxury cabins with on […]...

Starting at

$5,395

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Nahanni River Adventures a big group of hikers in the Nahanni National Park in the Dehcho region

member icon Member
Nahanni River Adventures

Multi-day Trips Summer

Spectacular river journeys on Canada’s most iconic rivers. Travel with expert guides by raft or canoe and immerse yourself in......

Trail Blazer Tours aurora trip with the purple and green aurora in the sky over the lake and trees in Yellowknife NWT.

member icon Member
Blachford Lodge

Summer Winter

What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......

3rd Canyon on the Mountain River in the Northwest Territories

member icon Member
Canoe North Adventures

Multi-day Trips

For over 30 years, Canoe North Adventures has made it our mission to create spectacular memories for life, and to show......

Trout Rock lodge aerial view in the summer time.

member icon Member
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......

Hunters on horseback in the Mackenzie mountains with Ram Head Outfitters hunting big game in the Dehcho region in the NWT.

member icon Member
Ram Head Outfitters Ltd.

Commercial air charter service providing air support for hikers on Canol Road, sightseeing in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains, and fly-in fishing......

A woman holding up a large Lake Trout at Aylmer Lake on a fishing trip in the NWT.

member icon Member
Aylmer Lake Lodge

DISCOVER A MOMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME. Aylmer Lake Lodge is located in Rocknest Bay, which is on the Barren......

Simpson Air Float Plane at Glacier Lake in the Nahanni National Park in the NWT

member icon Member
Simpson Air

Simpson Air (and its predecessor) is the oldest continuously-operated flying service in the Mackenzie Valley, established in the early 1960s.......

Canoe North Adventures paddler on a serene lake with the sunset in the horizon in Hay River Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Canoe North

Canoe North, located in Hay River, Northwest Territories offers kayak and canoe rentals and sales. We can set you up for a......

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

member icon Member
Nahanni Mountain Lodge

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

Guided Canoe trip on the Keele River

member icon Member
Jackpine Paddle

Day Trips Multi-day Trips

Unplug from the commonplace with our Northwest Territories canoe and kayak expeditions. We specialize in true wilderness adventures to the......

Huge Lake Trout caught by fisherman holding it up with a friend next to him on a boat and on sunny day in Kasba lake in the Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Kasba Lake Lodge

Multi-day Trips Summer

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 […]...

Black Feather - the wilderness adventure company logo with picture of a yellow canoe and a paddler in the Nahanni National Park.

member icon Member
Black Feather - The Wilderness Adventure Company

Multi-day Trips

For over 50 years, Black Feather has had the opportunity to operate canoe, hiking and sea kayaking expeditions throughout the......

Narwal Northern Adventures voyageur canoe on Great Slave Lake

member icon Member
NARWAL Northern Adventures

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

Scott Lake Lodge brightly lit under the dark sky with green aurora dancing overhead at border of the NWT and Saskatchewan.

member icon Member
Scott Lake Lodge

One of the finest Pike and Lake Trout waters in North America, on the 60th Parallel. Enjoy luxurious private cabins......

Two men at Plummer's Trophy Lodge holding a huge trophy fish caught in the Great Bear lake in teh Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Plummer's Trophy Lodge

Multi-day Trips Summer

Trophy Lodge is a fishing lodge located on the Smith Arm of Great Bear Lake. We are famous for our......

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

member icon Member
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....

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

member icon Member
2 Seasons Adventures

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

Image related to Northwest Territories Parks

Northwest Territories Parks

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

Spectacular NWT </div> </div> </div> <!-- end .endo --> </div> <script> jQuery(document).ready(function(){ getReadingTime(); if($('.story-fullwidth section:first').hasClass('mediastack--hero') || $('.story-fullwidth section:first').hasClass('mediastack--video')) { $('#social01').css('display', 'none'); $('#social02').css('display', 'block'); }else{ $('#social01').css('display', 'block'); $('#social02').css('display', 'none'); } }); </script> </main><!-- /#main --> <section id=

© Northwest Territories Tourism 2024

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.

Best places to go 2024 - Condé Nast Traveler