shop 'til you drop
You know you want it.
A pair of beaded moosehide moccasins. An iconic Inuit stone-cut print. A big jug of Northern beer, flavoured with boreal ingredients. Books by our best-selling authors. Or even a signature Subarctic diamond, dug from the depths of the Barrenlands.
Whether you’re seeking souvenirs or Arctic survival gear, we’ve got the goods. Here’s where to go on a shopping spree in the Northwest Territories:
Great Bear Gift Shop
Where: Norman Wells
What: Gifts ranging from mukluks to paintings by legendary Sahtu artist Bern Will Brown
Who: Anyone seeking great Dene/Metis souvenirs
When: After you tour the adjoining history museum
Why: Because everyone should have a pair of Sahtu moosehide moccasins
NWT Brewing Company
Where: Old Town Yellowknife
What: Kicksled Cream Ale, Bug Repellent IPA, Ragged Pine Pale – in growler-bottles to go
Who: You, your buds, and a big ol’ jug of suds
When: When you’re thirsty for artisanal Northern beer
Why: Because it’s the territory’s beloved brewpub
Erasmus Apparel
Where: Downtown Yellowknife
What: T-shirts, hoodies and even G-strings that pay homage to the North
Who: Yellowknifers and anyone else who loves local designer Sarah Erasmus’ iconic fashions
When: En route to Folk on the Rocks, where everyone wears their Erasmus Apparel
Why: So you look like you belong here
Acho Dene Native Crafts
Where: Fort Liard
What: Beaded moccasins, birchbark baskets and porucupine quillwork galore
Who: Anyone who loves the luscious aroma of tanned moosehide or the intricate beauty of Dene beading
When: Every time you drive the Liard Highway
Why: Because it’s the best Dene craftshop in the territory
Fort McPherson Tent & Canvas Shop
Where: Fort McPherson
What: Rugged canvas goods – from tote bags to tents
Who: Trappers, glam-campers, and people who like bookbags
When: When you’re driving the Dempster Highway
Why: Their stuff is Dene-made and indestructible
Northern Fancy Meats
Where: Suburban Yellowknife
What: Ground muskox, bison jerky, and other wild protein
Who: Carnivores
When: When you want to sink your teeth into Northern game
Why: Because locally harvested meat is the 100 Mile Diet
Weaver & Devore Trading Ltd.
Where: Old Town Yellowknife
What: Arctic clothing and gear for fishing, hunting and camping
Who: Gold-seekers, houseboaters, commercial fishermen, people with beards
When: Before a floatplane drops you off at a remote lake
Why: This is the North’s most historic store
NWT Diamond Centre
Where: Downtown Yellowknife
What: Diamonds from the Barrenlands – loose, or set in jewellery
Who: People with a couple thousand bucks to spare, or anyone dazzled by bling
When: Forever. Because diamonds are … you know.
Why: ‘Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it.
Ulukhaktok Arts Centre
Where: Ulukhaktok, way up on Victoria Island
What: Bright stone-cut prints, muskox-horn carvings, qiviut garments
Who: Inuit art connosieurs and collectors
When: When you visit for the Billy Joss golf tournament!
Why: Because Ulukhaktok is one of the Arctic’s creative hotspots
Rusty Raven Gallery
Where: Fort Smith
What: Northern books and knickknacks – and great lattes
Who: Readers and coffee lovers
When: Before you drive into Wood Buffalo National Park
Why: To buy works by famous local author Richard Van Camp