Skip to main content

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

Home Story How to have the ultimate long weekend, NWT style
A person tends to a fire on a beach in the Northwest Territories

How to have the ultimate long weekend, NWT style

Take this quiz to find out how your long weekend stacks up against a legendary time in the Northwest Territories

In the Northwest Territories, the long weekend isn’t just three days circled on the calendar months in advance. Really, it’s a verb. Particularly in the summer, the long weekend is an opportunity for intrepid residents to make big plans and live even bigger adventures in a wild world that starts quite literally in their backyards.

Fly into a remote lodge for some of the best fishing on the planet? Sure.

Hike through the tundra to photograph an endless landscape that explodes with colour? Why not?

Get away from the world by hopping in a boat and choosing from an infinity of campsites on the shores of Great Slave or Great Bear lakes? Sounds perfect.

With another always-too-brief holiday in the books, take this quiz to see if your long weekend ended like an NWTer.

A dog watches from a dock on a lake as 2 people paddle by in the N.W.T.

You took off on a camping trip and…

  1. …pulled your RV into a nearby campground, took a deep, rejuvenating breath of the pure air and hunkered down for a cozy evening around the campfire. 1 point
  2. …hiked into a lake, carrying as much as you comfortably could. Here, you joined some close friends – and made a few new ones – for long days of quality time outdoors. 2 points
  3. …paddled and portaged into your secret, secluded spot for an undisturbed, unspoiled and uninterrupted commune with nature. 3 points

 

You yawned to life on the first morning and the first thing you did was…

  1. …roll over, and close your eyes to get another hour of sleep. It was the weekend after all.        ​​​​​​1 point
  2. …got up and made sure you had some cowboy coffee ready for the rest of your group.            2 points
  3. …ran down for an invigorating jump in the lake. Then you were awake and ready to go!           3 points
Three hikers look out onto the water in the Northwest Territories

Midway through a scenic day-hike, you stopped for a snack and…

  1. …were transfixed by the serene call of a solitary loon echoing across the lake. 1 point
  2. …witnessed an eagle take flight, only to see it come to rest near the top of a tall spruce tree. You pulled out your binoculars for a better look and realized this is the home of its giant nest when you glimpsed the fuzzy heads of two hungry eaglets. 2 points
  3. …watched as a moose slowly emerged from some brush upwind and strolled down to the lake for a drink. The surreal scene played out in complete and utter silence, as if it all occurred in slow motion. 3 point

 

You busted out the fishing rod and…

  1. …had a couple bites, but no luck. 1 point
  2. …caught a nice-sized walleye and took a selfie with it. 2 points
  3. …wrestled a feisty Northern Pike to shore. Since it wasn’t too big, you decided to fillet it – expertly working your knife around its tricky ‘y-bones’ – before coating it in your tried-and-true shore lunch recipe that you will take to your grave. 3 points
A moose with antlers stands chest deep in a lake in the Northwest Territories

When it came time for dinner, you…

  1. …unpacked the steaks marinating in your cooler and grilled them up over an open flame.      1 point
  2. …fried up some fresh-caught fish for some improvised fish tacos. 2 points
  3. …let your friends snack on some fish you smoked at home after your last fishing trip, before serving them baked fillets seasoned with wild local herbs you just foraged. 3 points

 

You made a point to stay up late on your last night and…

  1. …witnessed a breathtaking sunset. 1 point
  2. …failed. You were so bushed from your busy day that you fell right asleep under the stars.    2 points
  3. …were rewarded when the Aurora made a late-summer appearance in the dusky sky, dancing from horizon to horizon, reflecting off the glassy lake and capping off a perfect trip. 3 points
fish cooks on a grill over an open fire in the northwest territories

You got home and…

  1. …sighed, stowed away your gear and reflected on the long weekend that was. 1 point
  2. …met some friends for dinner, scrolling through your photos to show them all the fun things you just did and saw. 2 points
  3. …immediately started planning your next great long weekend adventure. 3 points

 

Now tally up your points. If you scored…

…between 1 – 6, you are one happy camper. You clearly enjoy recharging your batteries by spending your time outdoors.

…between 7 – 12, you are a nature lover. You take every opportunity you can to appreciate the natural world all around you.
…between 13 – 17, you are a surefire adventurer. You obviously know how to long weekend like a boss.

…between 18 – 20, you are a true Northerner. You are most at home in the wilderness and you’re the go-to trip-planning resource in your friend group. You get things done and – more importantly – have fun.

…21, you are an absolute legend. Wow! You have to tell us where you went!

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
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
Enoch Pokiak_Region_Western Arctic_Polar Pack Arctic Adventures_Aurora_Witner_2024_2

Winter Package – Northern Lights Tour

Polar Pack Arctic Adventures

Activities

Aurora Aurora Day Trips Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean Nature and Wildlife Road Tours Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Experience the Northern Lights on the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Join us for a breathtaking tour along the stunning Mackenzie River, where we embark on an adventure to chase the mesmerizing northern lights. As we traverse the icy landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife! Tour Details: Time: 9 PM to […]...

Starting at

$500

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package
Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures_Logo_2024_Yellowknife

Night Fishing Trip

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures

Activities

Burbot Fishing Ice Fishing Lake Trout Northern Pike Tours Whitefish Winter Activities

Join us for an evening of fishing after dark! You will be the one catching all the fish on an ice fishing rod and having all the fun. We provide you with a licensed fishing guide, heated transportation (in our 6 seater side by side),  cozy tent and all the fishing equipment you may need! In […]...

$599

CAD + 5% GST + Per 1-4 People
View this Package
Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures_Logo_2024_Yellowknife

Full day Ice Fishing Trip

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures

Activities

Burbot Fishing Fishing Day Trips Ice Fishing Lake Trout Northern Pike Tours Whitefish Winter Activities

Join us for a Full day! 8 hours from 8AM-4PM for a private Yellowknife ice fishing experience! You will be the one catching all the fish on an ice fishing rod and having all the fun. We provide you with a licensed fishing guide, heated transportation (in our 6 seater side by side),  cozy tent and […]...

$999

CAD + 5% GST + Per 1-4 People
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
Half/Full Day Pike Fishing

Half Day and Full Day Pike Fishing Trip

Trail Blazer Tours

Activities

Fishing Fishing Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours

This half day or full day adventure takes us onto Great Slave Lake in search of the great Northern Pike. During the trip there are opportunities to see local birds and wildlife in addition to some local sights. We’ll enjoy a fabulous shore lunch of your freshly caught fish! All fishing gear is provided. Half […]...

Starting at

$250

CAD + 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
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
Red Cliff Island Boat Tour

Red Cliff Island Boat Tour

Red Cliff Adventures

Activities

Arctic Grayling Boat Tours Cultural Demonstrations Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours Whitefish

See the grandeur of Red Cliff Island on this 4-hour scenic boat tour. Ron will share his deep knowledge of the land’s history and significance while you enjoy fishing in the area or learning more about the culture of the Łutsël K’é Dene through traditional Indigenous storytelling. The East Arm is world-renowned for its amazing […]...

$300

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
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
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......

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......

Bright green aurora blast over the sky with Ji Guang Tour in Yellowknife, NWT.

member icon Member
Ji Guang Tour

With over 30 years of living in Yellowknife, we offer a variety of tourism experiences for our guests. We are......

Hearne Lake Lodge fisherman holding up large long fish caught in Hearne Lake in the Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Hearne Lake Lodge

Hearne Lake Lodge is a remote fly-in fishing lodge only 20-minute floatplane ride east of Yellowknife. To serve you better,......

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......

Trophy lake trout & northern pike fishing at Nonacho Lake NWT

member icon Member
Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures

Creating Memories for a Lifetime Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures offers trophy lake trout and northern pike fishing. Wildlife abounds at......

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......

Destination NWT

member icon Member
Destination NWT Ltd.

Day Trips Northern Lights Winter

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 […]...

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......

Image related to Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures

member icon Member
Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures

For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......

Beautiful sunset over the waterfall at Watta Lake Lodge in the NWT

member icon Member
Watta Lake Lodge

Comfortable lodge a 20 minute by floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Guided fishing for Lake Trout (to 34 lb), Arctic Grayling (to......

Bluefish Outfitting beautiful sunny day three boats docked on the Great Slave Lake in Yellowknife Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Bluefish Outfitting

With Bluefish Outfitting you’ll get an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Bluefish Outfitting offers personalized, guided fishing trips and boat tours on......

NWT Charter Services

member icon Member
NWT Charter Services

Charter the bus, travel the North by road Your go-to solution for reliable and convenient ground transportation in the North! Shuttle Services Group Travel Sporting Events Corporate Events Out-of-Territory Trips School Trips Luggage Customized Itineraries Budget Friendly Rates and so much more!  ...

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......

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures a man fishing in the Great Slake Lake holding up a large fish on a sunny day in the Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures

Day Trips Multi-day Trips Summer Winter

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures is a professional fishing charter company with a professional NWT fishing guide looking to help you catch......

Great Slave Lake Tours Bombardier snowmobile (B12) driving on snow under the purple and green aurora dancing in the night sky in Hay River Northwest Territories.

member icon Member
Great Slave Lake Tours

Great Slave Lake Tours offers winter and summer trips on Great Slave Lake, the ninth biggest lake in the world......

Yellowknife Tours Spectacular Aurora green and purple in the sky in the NWT.

member icon Member
Yellowknife Tours

Northern Lights Summer Winter

Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......

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 […]...

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,......

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....

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......

Aurora Village Sport Fishing

member icon Member
Aurora Village Sport Fishing

Offering fishing trips from May to September....

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......

Jeep Gladiator under the blazing green northern lights in Yellowknife with Lonely Traveler.

Lonely Traveler

Our goal is to provide unique customized services for high-end customers. We excel at making personalized tours. You can see......

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......

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......

Ena Lake Lodge and lake aerial view on a sunny day at the 60th Parallel with boats parked along shore.

Ena Lake Lodge

Ena Lake Lodge is a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive luxury fishing and outdoors experience in Northern Canada. Come and experience authentic fly-in......

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......

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