Skip to main content

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

Home Story Ernest Thompson Seton: Boy Scout of the Arctic 
A bird of prey by Alymer Lake Lodge in the Northwest territories

Ernest Thompson Seton: Boy Scout of the Arctic 

At the dawn of the twentieth century, only a handful of intrepid explorers had journeyed to the Arctic. Most came back with harrowing tales of rugged survival in an unforgiving wilderness—if they came back at all. Ernest Thompson Seton was different. 

In 1907, he paddled from Athabasca Landing, down the Mackenzie River to Great Slave Lake, eventually reaching Aylmer Lake and Clinton-Colden Lake. He returned, not with stories of starvation or barren landscapes, but ready to tell the world, “What I did on my summer vacation.” 

Seton was one of the most famous nature writers of his time and an early advocate of the conservation movement. His animal stories, illustrations, and novels have fascinated millions the world over. He only travelled to the Arctic once, but it was an unforgettable experience.

The expedition, undertaken with colleague Edward Preble and two Métis guides, was only the fifth to reach the Northwest Territories’ untouched Barrenlands. Despite the name, Seton found the area anything but barren.

A caribou walks across the colourful crimson Barrenlands of the NWT

“There is absolutely no timber. But the land is not desert land by any means,” he later told reporters. “It is all rich prairie, and simply filled with game of many kinds, most especially caribou.”

Seton and his group waded through waist-deep flowers and lush summer vegetation, surrounded by abundant caribou, muskox and wolves. Life was everywhere in this “land of infinite interest and promise to the whole world.” He christened the Barrenlands, “the Arctic prairies.” His 1911 book of the same name chronicled the 3,200-kilometre voyage with photos and sketches from his three volumes of travel journals. 

Born in England, Seton’s family moved to Canada in 1866. He grew up in Toronto before beginning his studies in London and Paris. He was the provincial naturalist for the government of Manitoba before moving to New Mexico to continue writing about human’s often-neglected relationship with the natural world.

A bison fords a river in the northwest territories

A few years after his Arctic trip, Seton co-founded the Boy Scouts of America to instill a love and respect for nature in future generations. The scouts may have overly romanticized the natural world, while appropriating from Indigenous cultures, but Seton remained a pioneering figure in the burgeoning environmental movement up until his death in 1968. 

“He was in the advance guard of a new era of wildlife conservation, having sensed that a way of life fundamental to all mankind was rapidly growing extinct in the face of modern technology and communications,” writes Richard Davis, a professor emeritus at the University of Calgary, who’s studied Seton’s journey to the North. “Unlike many outdoorsmen of his time and certainly unlike those of past generations, Seton saw the wilderness as a place that needed to be preserved, rather than conquered.”

An arctic wolf in the Barrenlands of the Northwest Territories

Though his fame in North America dwindled, Seton is still well-known around the world. His collection of animal stories was adapted into a popular manga and anime series in Japan, and translated into Catalan, Arabic, German, and Czech.

These days, it’s a lot easier to reach Aylmer Lake than the months-long paddling and portage journey Seton undertook. Welcomed by operators like Aylmer Lake Lodge, travellers come to take in the world-class fishing and unforgettable Aurora. The unmatched wilderness that greeted Seton on his adventure still remains. And the experience is no less memorable.

Fishing Package_2024_Gord_Yellowknife_1

Sport Fishing Package

Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc.

Activities

Fishing Fly Fishing Nature and Wildlife Tours Wilderness Lodges

Packages Include: Accommodations – main lodge rooms Bush Plane charter transportation – return Boat Rentals and Fishing Rods & Reels Fuel and oil for boats All home made meals All home baked snacks Complimentary coffee, tea hot chocolate, juice, water Outdoor hot tub, sauna, screened gazebo, hot showers Paddling equipment: kayaks, canoes, peddle boats, paddle […]...

Starting At

$1,615

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Aurora Package_Gord_Yellowknife_Aurora_1

Aurora Package

Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc.

Activities

Aurora Aurora Lodges Fall Aurora Fishing Nature and Wildlife Snowshoeing Tours Wilderness Lodges Winter Activities

Packages Include Accommodations – main lodge rooms Bush Plane charter or snowmobile transportation – return All home made meals All home baked snacks Complimentary coffee, tea hot chocolate, juice, water Paddling equipment: kayaks, canoes, peddle boats, paddle boards, float tubes Self guided paddling and nature trail hiking Satellite WiFi, satellite TV, satellite telephone, movies, games, […]...

Starting at

$2,143

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
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
Dancing Skies Aurora Tours_Yellowknife_2024_1B

Private Aurora Chasing and Photo Session

Dancing Skies Photo Tours

Activities

Aurora Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography

Enjoy a fully personalized experience for you and your group of up to five people with a single rate for the entire group in a Private Aurora Photo Session. For those seeking the ultimate northern lights experience, this session focuses on capturing you under the auroras with dozens of beautiful portraits and timelapse videos, all […]...

$750

CAD + 5% GST + Price for the whole group (max 5 people)
View this Package
Dancing Skies Aurora Tours_Yellowknife_2024_1A

Intimate Aurora Chasing Adventure

Dancing Skies Photo Tours

Activities

Aurora Fall Aurora Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Tours Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Unlike conventional tours, which often involve large groups and crowded spots, our tours focus on intimate experiences in small groups of no more than 5 people. This approach ensures tranquility and allows for a deep, personal connection with the starry sky and the mesmerizing auroras. Silence is key to embracing the beauty of the Northern […]...

$150

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
AndrewMoore_Trophy Lodge_Yellowknife_2024_3

The Ultimate 7-Day Fishing Trip

Trophy Lodge – Great Slave Lake

Activities

Arctic Grayling Aurora Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Tours Wilderness Lodges

From Saturday to Saturday enjoy 7 Days on the water! Come enjoy our pristine lake, our abonnement of fish and our beautiful lodge. Numerous rivers, unique rock formations, abundant birds and wildlife and crystal clear waters make this a prime nature site, in short the scenery is terrific. We can comfortably host up to 16 […]...

Starting at

$3,899

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Image related to Winter Aurora Package

Winter Aurora Package

Blachford Lodge

Activities

Aurora Aurora Lodges Cross-Country Skiing Cultural Demonstrations Ice Fishing Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Wilderness Lodges Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to Blachford Lodge. 2025 New Moon dates: January 29, February 27, March 29, April 27 Opening in December, 2024 will be our 5 newly renovated cabins. We are adding more comfort, beauty, and overall enhancements to your experience with us. Winter outdoor activities include cross-country skiing on 20 kilometers of groomed trails, snowshoeing, sliding, ice skating, […]...

Starting at

$3,597

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

View this Package
Jad Davenport _Western Arctic_Winter_2024_5

Okpik Arctic Village Day Stay - Winter

Tundra North Travel

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Nature and Wildlife On the Land Road Tours Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities

We will pick you up in Inuvik and take you for a drive along the Inuvik-Aklavik ice road to the Okpik Arctic Village about 16 km north of town where you will spend the day with us to reconnect to nature. Together with your local guide you will learn how to build an igloo, check […]...

$925

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Okpik Arctic Village_Western Arctic_Winter_2024_3

Okpik Arctic Village Winter Package

Tundra North Travel

Activities

Arts and Culture Aurora Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Nature and Wildlife On the Land Tours Western Arctic Wilderness Lodges Winter Activities Winter Aurora

DAY 1 Arrive at Okpik Arctic Village. Start off by settling into your home away from home. We’ll show you around our Eco-Village where you will learn about our local manufacturing and food production programs and why they are so important for Northern food security, economic leakage, as well as providing culturally relevant jobs in […]...

Starting at

$3,500

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Okpik Arctic Village_Western Arctic_Winter_2024_1

Great Northern Adventure Signature Package

Tundra North Travel

Activities

Arts and Crafts Tours Arts and Culture City Tours Cultural Demonstrations Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean Dogsledding On the Land Road Tours Road Trips Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities

Day 1 Catch your morning flight from Dawson City to Inuvik crossing the Arctic Circle and enjoying the amazing Arctic scenery. Meet your guide at the airport in Inuvik, collect your bags and start your adventure. You will experience a town tour of Inuvik, learning about the Northern community before we take you on a […]...

Starting at

$6,000

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Nahanni Mountain Lodge

Nahanni Mountain Lodge (3-night stay, 2 people)

Simpson Air

Activities

Fishing Paddling Wilderness Lodges

Escape to Nahanni Mountain Lodge for an unforgettable wilderness retreat unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Canada’s Northwest Territories with our exclusive 2-person, 3-night stay package, designed for those seeking solitude, adventure, and tranquility amidst nature’s embrace. Nestled on the serene shores of Little Doctor Lake, our cozy cabins offer the […]...

Starting at

$3,548

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Petersons Point Lodge - Aurora Experience

Aurora Experience

Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge

Activities

Aurora Lodges Fall Aurora Nature Photography Wilderness Lodges

Approximately every 10 years the northern lights are stronger than any other time and that time is now. Book a special trip this autumn miles away from city lights and crowds of people, right under the auroral oval. Our remote fly-in lodge provides the ideal location to see the northern lights with viewing opportunities right […]...

$4,159

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
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
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
Aurora Viewing Cabins

member icon Member
Trail Blazer Tours

Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......

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......

Lynx Lodges in the NWT

member icon Member
Andrew Lake and Lynx Tundra Lodges

Multi-day Trips Summer

Arctic Adventure & Wildlife viewing on the edge of the tree line of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Lynx Lake 400 km......

Arctic Chalet Tours dog sledding with man on skidoo snowmobile transporting supplies in winter in Inuvik Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Arctic Chalet Tours

Best Northern Road Trip! Now you can drive all the way to the Arctic ocean linking Canada from coast to......

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......

A man holding up a huge lake trout smiling at the camera at Taltson lake Lodge in the NWT.

member icon Member
Taltson Lake Lodge Ltd.

Fly-in fishing lodge located 150 air miles (240 kms) south of Yellowknife. Full American Plan or unguided....

A woman at Ten Stone Mountain Lodge looking out at the sky in the Sahtu region in the Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
North-Wright Airways Ltd.

If are looking for a spectacular weekend retreat nestled in the serenity of the Mackenzie Mountains at Ten Stone Mountain Lodge. North-Wright......

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,......

Dancing Skies Photo Tours

member icon Member
Dancing Skies Photo Tours

Northern Lights Winter

Dancing Skies is a new tour operator in Yellowknife, led by an experienced northern lights chaser and photographer with a passion for contemplation. Specializing in private tours and small groups of up to 5 people, we prioritize silent, serene observation and photography of the aurora, far from the crowds. With expertise in Space Weather data, […]...

AndrewMoore_Trophy Lodge_Yellowknife_2024_9

member icon Member
Trophy Lodge - Great Slave Lake

Multi-day Trips Summer

Fish for Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling and Northern Pike at the remote untouched East Arm of Great Slave Lake, one......

Image related to Arctic Tours Canada

member icon Member
Arctic Tours Canada

Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......

Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake aerial shot showing the lodge and surrounding water in the Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Plummer's Great Bear Lake Lodge

Great Bear Lake Lodge is located on the Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake and is home to the biggest......

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......

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....

Aerial view over Peterson's Point Lake Lodge in the Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Peterson's Point Lake Lodge

Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge provides you access to known waters teeming with monster lake trout. Their current record is a......

Overhead view of Ten Stone Mountain Lodge brightly lit living room in the Sahtu region, NWT

Ten Stone Mountain Lodge

Summer

Book this entire cabin in the remote wilderness of the stunningly breath-taking, Mackenzie Mountains. This cabin is hands down the......

Sandy Point Wilderness Lodge by Gordon Lake on a sunny day in the Northwest Territories.

Sandy Point Wilderness Lodge

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 Nations picture of picnic benches on a cloudy day in Wrigley with the Mackenzie mountain range in the background in the NWT.

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation is located in the community of Wrigley, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are a Designated Authority in......

Two Northstar Resort boats on the sandy beach of Thekulthili Lake near Fort Smith, NWT.

Northstar Resort

Northstar Resort is a remote fishing lodge located on Thekulthili Lake, 95 miles (152 km) northeast of Fort Smith. Operates from......

Grey Goose Lodge exterior picture surrounded by trees and the Great Bear Lake at sunset in Deline in the Northwest Territories.

Grey Goose Tours & Lodge

Welcoming and friendly with a rustic charm and all modern conveniences, Grey Goose Lodge immediately catches your eye as you......

Warburton Bay Lodge two inukshuks set up among the snow in winter in the North Slave region NWT.

Warburton Bay Lodge

Warburton Bay has a magic of its own. Located on the southwest end of Mackay Lake, it is close to......

Arctic Safaris man taking a photo in the Barrenlands in the Northwest Territories.

Arctic Safaris

Fishing and Barrenlands wildlife photography, including migrating caribou, at the Obstruction Rapids in the central Barrenlands north of Yellowknife....

Three hikers resting on a hill overlooking mountains near Dechenla Wilderness Lodge in the NWT

Dechenla Wilderness Resort

Remote naturalist’s lodge snuggled in the Mackenzie Mountains, in the largest mountain wilderness in North America. Located along the Canol......

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