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Home Story Six quirky, must-take photos in the Northwest Territories
A person takes a photo of a bison on the side of the road in the spectacular Northwest Territories

Six quirky, must-take photos in the Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories is certainly photogenic.

From extreme seasons and landscapes to unforgettably unique experiences and traditions, the Spectacular NWT provides an endless source of inspiration to even the most amateur of shutterbugs.

Looking for a few suggestions before you point and click? Here are six unreal snapshots to take in the Northwest Territories.

A person stand on the ice road in the spectacular Northwest Territories

Walk on water

Throughout the winter, the NWT’s great lakes and wild rivers freeze over.

Because Northerners are a resourceful bunch, we put these frozen waterways to good use, transforming them into ice roads.

You’ll find these temporary highways across the Northwest Territories. An ice road connects Aklavik with Inuvik, as well as many Sahtu communities along the frozen Mackenzie River. Ice roads link Nahanni Butte and Sambaa K’e up to the Dehcho region’s highway network and draws motorists to Dettah from Yellowknife over Yellowknife Bay.

Find a clear patch and then watch for oncoming cars. Stare deep down at the lake or river below, judging how thick the ice is by the cracks, and then strike a pose for a selfie as you walk—or sprawl out—on the water.

Aurora village sign in the NWT

A real freeze frame

It’s true, it does get cold here in the winter. But when the temperature dips to -25C or lower, that just provides ample opportunity to get creative.

How? Leave a banana out overnight. Once it freezes solid, use it to hammer in a nail. Better yet, boil some water, launch it in an arc overhead and watch it immediately—and magically—become a cloud of ice. Or to get really ambitious, grab a box of noodles and go outdoors. Now, pinch a generous mouthful between chopsticks and carefully hold them in place for a few moments until they freeze. Then just let go and walk away for a gravity-defying scene.

The imagination is the only thing that can get in your way.

A person flies in the air in Inuvik NWT while participating in Inuvialuit game the blanket toss

Blanket Toss

Those lucky enough to celebrate Inuvialuit Day in Inuvik on June 5 are blown away by the blanket toss, where residents—and even some visitors—get the rare opportunity to take flight. Where else can one take a selfie as someone flies above you in the background?

A bison crosses the highway in the spectacular Northwest Territories

up close giants

A drive through the southern regions of the Northwest Territories brings you through bison country, giving you the chance to take close-up photos of some of the world’s largest land animals from the safety of your vehicle.

Beautiful Northern lights dance behind the Arctic ocean sign in the Northwest territories

End of the road

It’s the journey, not the destination.

But when you reach the end of the road—that line where you literally cannot drive any further, where the continent abruptly stops and becomes the sea—you will want to commemorate this moment. Reflect on all that you’ve seen and then snap a photo in Tuktoyaktuk, at the top of the world.

The giant teepees on the Fort Simpson Papal Grounds Flats in the Northwest Territories

A person for scale: Giant Teepee

In a land as expansive and majestic as the NWT, the size and grandeur of your photos can get lost without a point of reference. The giant teepee on the Fort Simpson Papal Grounds Flats will look all the more spectacular when you’re dwarfed in comparison to it.

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
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
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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
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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
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My Backyard Tours - Whati

My Backyard Tours - WHATÌ

My Backyard Tours

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Ice Fishing Road Tours Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Winter Activities

Whati is situated on the third largest lake, Lac La Martre, in the NWT and the location offers guests a pristine and untouched environment to view the Aurora Borealis, while you can also enjoy an uninterrupted view of the beautiful scenery of the Lac La Martre lake. Guests can sit back and relax in a […]...

Starting at

$490

CAD + 5% GST + Double Occupancy
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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
Nature's North Wildlife Gallery

Nature's North Wildlife Gallery Guided Tours

Nature’s North Wildlife Gallery

Activities

Arts and Crafts Tours Arts and Culture Nature and Wildlife Tours Workshops

Nature’s North Wildlife Gallery is much more than just a specimen gallery. You will take part in an artistic experience with many of the animals who call the Northwest Territories home – over 60 species of birds and mammals! Our tours are led by guides with extensive knowledge and experience of the fauna of the […]...

$30

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
Aurora Viewing Cabins

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Trail Blazer Tours

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

Lynx Lodges in the NWT

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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.

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Arctic Chalet Tours

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

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Territorial Agrifood Association

Agritourism is where agriculture and tourism meet to provide you with an amazing educational experience, whether it be a tour......

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

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Aylmer Lake Lodge

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

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

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Nahanni Mountain Lodge

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

Lands Collection logo_Yellowknife_2024_2

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Diamonds de Canada

Day Trips Summer Winter

Canada has a deep love for our natural resources with diamonds being the highest expression of love.  Thanks to Canada’s world class standard for sustainable mining, we are custodians of our precious lands and take great pride and care releasing these rare gems.  From the moment our land is surveyed to the final reclamation (the […]...

Dancing Skies Photo Tours

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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, […]...

My Backyard Tours city tour with visitors on a trail in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories.

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My Backyard Tours

We offer winter clothing rentals. Our winter clothing will keep you warm and comfortable for your outdoor fun – ask us......

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Arctic Tours Canada

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

Narwal Northern Adventures voyageur canoe on Great Slave Lake

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NARWAL Northern Adventures

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

Old Town Glassworks in Yellowknife and some cool glassware with animal etching made there.

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Old Town Glassworks

Etching popular northern designs on unique 100% recycled glass, since 1994. Visit our gift shop in Old Town or come......

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

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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.

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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......

Arctic Motorcycle Adventures with a motorcycle parked at sunset in the Western Arctic Region of the NWT.

Arctic Motorcycle Adventures

Our vision is to see the Beaufort-Delta Region of Canada’s western arctic become the dream destination for motorcycle adventure enthusiasts from......

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......

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....

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Northwest Territories Parks

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

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Town of Inuvik

Inuvik is located 200km North of the Arctic Circle, on the East Cannel of the incredible ecosystem that is the Mackenzie Delta. We are located within the Taiga Forest just south of the treeline and Arctic Tundra. Inuvik acts as the gateway to the Western Arctic as the Mackenzie River, Dempster Highway and Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway […]...

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© 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.

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