Welcome to summer in the Northwest Territories, where sunny skies and temperatures averaging at a high of 21°C (71°F) invite you to make the most of your weekends and holidays. With nearly 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun, summer in the NWT is a season of boundless adventure, where locals and visitors alike head outdoors to soak up every moment.
With long daylight hours, summer in the Northwest Territories means more time to fish under the glowing Midnight Sun. Whether you’re casting from a boat on Great Slave Lake or hopping on a float plane to take you to a remote fishing lodge, you’ll find pristine waters teeming with fish, offering some of the best freshwater fishing in the North.
A highlight of any fishing adventure is the traditional shore lunch. After a successful morning on the water, fishing operators prepare a hearty meal right on the shoreline. Freshly caught fish are expertly filleted and cooked over an open fire, accompanied by tasty sides such as bannock, roasted potatoes, and grilled corn. This outdoor culinary experience, set against the stunning Northern landscape, turns a great day of fishing into an unforgettable adventure.
Trips are available for all skill levels, from half-day excursions to full-day adventures. With knowledgeable guides and all the gear provided, fishing in the NWT is as effortless as it is extraordinary.
The NWT also offers unforgettable paddling. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just starting out, paddling operators and outfitters across the territory provide everything you need to get on the water, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and safety gear.
Paddle tours range from short outings to multi-day adventures, with options suited to all skill levels. Explore the red cliffs of the East Arm and Thaıdene Nëné National Park Reserve by kayak, paddle through Yellowknife’s Houseboat Bay, or join a guided trip along ancient Dene travel routes in the Dehcho. Looking for whitewater? The Slave River rapids near Fort Smith draw paddlers from around the world, with local guides offering support to both experts and adventurous intermediates.
And in summer, it’s not just where you paddle that’s memorable, it’s when. With the Midnight Sun lighting the sky well past conventional hours, there’s no need to rush. You can paddle in golden twilight at 11 p.m., or enjoy still waters bathed in that soft Arctic glow. It’s a serene, surreal experience you won’t find anywhere else.
With over 30 territorial parks and six national parks, the Northwest Territories is a camper’s paradise. Whether you’re pitching a tent or pulling in with an RV, you’ll find scenic spots across every region. If you need gear, local outfitters in nearly every community can help with equipment rentals. Campsite reservations can be made through NWT Parks, where you can explore campground amenities and availability.
For hikers, many parks and campgrounds offer easy access to scenic, well-marked trails that lead into some of the most beautiful backcountry in Canada. If you prefer a guided experience, knowledgeable operators and outfitters offer hiking tours in many communities across the NWT.For a different kind of adventure, hop on a bike or e-bike to explore trails, parks, or community paths at your own pace, making it easy to add a little extra motion to your weekend getaway, no matter your fitness level or cycling style.
When the summer sun heats things up, head to one of the countless lakes spread across the Northwest Territories – here, you’re never far from a refreshing swim or a peaceful shoreline. Popular sandy beaches can be found in Hay River, Yellowknife’s Long Lake, Great Bear Lake, Pine Lake, and Little Doctor Lake. The long daylight hours mean the water has time to warm up (at least in most places.) If you’re dipping into the Arctic Ocean in Tuktoyaktuk, though, brace yourself, it’s still cold!
Don’t miss vibrant weekly markets like:
These gatherings feature fresh local food, handmade crafts, and live music.
On National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), enjoy cultural showcases, art displays, and a traditional fish fry in Yellowknife, hosted by the North Slave Métis Alliance. Canada Day on July 1, brings music, fireworks, and celebrations across the territory.
Looking for more summer fun?
Folk on the Rocks – Yellowknife’s iconic music and culture festival (mid July)
Hay Days Festival – Family fun and music in Hay River (July)
Open Sky Festival – Multidisciplinary arts in Fort Simpson (late June or early July)
Great Northern Arts Festival – Five days of art, dance, and storytelling in Inuvik (mid July)
Old Town Ramble & Ride – Yellowknife’s August long weekend street festival with music, workshops, and walking tours (early August)
Find a full list of events on our Festivals & Events page.
In Wood Buffalo National Park, discover the world’s largest beaver dam, a 775-metre wonder visible from space. Charter a sightseeing flight from Fort Simpson to see it for yourself.
In the Western Arctic, visit Tuktoyaktuk and the Pingo National Landmark. Home to more than 1,300 pingos, ice-cored hills unique to the Arctic, the area features Ibyuk, the second-largest pingo on Earth, towering 15 stories high.
By mid-August, the Midnight Sun begins to fade and darkness returns, bringing the first flickers of Fall Aurora. It’s the perfect end to a summer weekend: a sky full of dancing Northern Lights. Tour operators across the territory are ready to guide you on an unforgettable Aurora adventure.
Ready to explore even more of what makes the NWT spectacular? Discover the Northwest Territories’ National Parks, where epic landscapes, rare wildlife, and timeless traditions await.
Start planning your Northern adventure today! Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to get inspired and learn more about all the spectacular Northwest Territories has to offer!
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Great Bear Lake Lodge is located on the Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake and is home to the biggest......
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Great Slave Lake Lodge combines trophy lake trout, arctic grayling, and northern pike fishing with one of the best opportunities......
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Trophy Lodge is a fishing lodge located on the Smith Arm of Great Bear Lake. We are famous for our......
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Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......
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Creating Memories for a Lifetime Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures offers trophy lake trout and northern pike fishing. Wildlife abounds at......
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Casting North Fly Fishing Company offers unforgettable half-day and full-day guided fly fishing trips....
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For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......
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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 […]...
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For over 50 years, Black Feather has had the opportunity to operate canoe, hiking and sea kayaking expeditions throughout the......
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Fish for Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling and Northern Pike at the remote untouched East Arm of Great Slave Lake, one of the world’s largest lakes. It is fishing at its best in a remote Canadian setting. Trophy Lodge offers a cozy and welcoming retreat for up to 16 guests, with four fully equipped housekeeping units […]...
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100% Indigenous owned! Experience the spirit of the untamed Canadian north with a 100% Indigenous owned tour company. Journey with an Indigenous tour company that still lives by the traditions of our ancestors. Feel the heartbeat of the land as we share the stories, wisdom, and spiritual connections that have been passed down from generation to […]...
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Spectacular river journeys on Canada’s most iconic rivers. Travel with expert guides by raft or canoe and immerse yourself in......
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Hearne Lake Lodge is a remote fly-in fishing lodge only 20-minute floatplane ride east of Yellowknife. To serve you better,......
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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....
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We are the Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ got’ine. People of the community of Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́, “the place where rivers come together”, in......
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Your Dene Connection in Yellowknife. B. Dene Adventures is a Traditional Dene Culture Camp business which teaches the Dene way......
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Unplug from the commonplace with our Northwest Territories canoe and kayak expeditions. We specialize in true wilderness adventures to the......
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For over 30 years, Canoe North Adventures has made it our mission to create spectacular memories for life, and to show......
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Your unforgettable journey to the North starts here! With amazing new highlights for experiential travelers all our day tours and guided round-trips offer a great variety of summer and winter activities, which will leave all our guest with unforgettable memories. Arctic Range Adventure offers a unique range of exceptional experiences in the Arctic region, Yukon […]...
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The all new Namushka Lodge! Come enjoy all the new amenities of a fly-in fishing lodge! Located on Harding Lake, 32......
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Fish & Explore Thaidene Nëné Frontier Lodge. Over 60 years of legendary fishing on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, at......
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Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......
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Enodah Wilderness Travel / Trout Rock Lodge/ Enodah Kennel offer high-quality Aurora viewing experiences by night and dogsled tours by......
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One of the finest Pike and Lake Trout waters in North America, on the 60th Parallel. Enjoy luxurious private cabins......
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DISCOVER A MOMENT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME. Aylmer Lake Lodge is located in Rocknest Bay, which is on the Barren......
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Peterson’s Point Lake Lodge provides you access to known waters teeming with monster lake trout. Their current record is a......
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2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......
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Discover the Great Slave Lake at Hero Lodge and create some unforgettable memories! A retired Canadian Armed Forces Infantry Captain,......
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Northern Lights Tours is an adventure-focused tour company dedicated to providing authentic experiences just like the locals do! Our expert guides will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis. We also offer thrilling snowmobiling and ice fishing trips, immersing you in the beauty of the Northwest […]...
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Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures is the premier guided fishing and wilderness experience in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, on the doorstep of the......
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What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......
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Great Slave Lake Tours offers winter and summer trips on Great Slave Lake, the ninth biggest lake in the world......
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Tukto Lodge has been exceeding anglers’ expectations for more than fifty years. As the only fishing and eco-tourism lodge in......
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Red Cliff Adventures has a traditional camp that is located in Lutsel K’e, on the shores of the East Arm,......
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Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......
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Comfortable lodge a 20 minute by floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Guided fishing for Lake Trout (to 34 lb), Arctic Grayling (to......
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Fly-in fishing lodge located 150 air miles (240 kms) south of Yellowknife. Full American Plan or unguided....
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Join us for an unforgettable experience on the mighty Mackenzie River. Day trips are available for a full or half......
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“Unforgettable remote fishing experience” We are the only lodge located on this fly-in only lake. With only 8 guests per......
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Simpson Air (and its predecessor) is the oldest continuously-operated flying service in the Mackenzie Valley, established in the early 1960s.......
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Remote private wilderness paradise on Little Doctor Lake, 100 km west of Fort Simpson. Accommodates 20 in cabins. Fishing, swimming,......
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“Like No Other Place On Earth” We are the only fly-in lodge located a 50 minute float plane flight from......
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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......
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We are an Inuvialuit owned and operated family business, run by locals Enoch and Amanda Pokiak, based in Inuvik in the Western......
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With us, you will find a unique Northern fishing experience with no distractions. Our amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi, standard queen-sized......
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With Bluefish Outfitting you’ll get an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Bluefish Outfitting offers personalized, guided fishing trips and boat tours on......
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With over 30 years of living in Yellowknife, we offer a variety of tourism experiences for our guests. We are......
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Canoe North, located in Hay River, Northwest Territories offers kayak and canoe rentals and sales. We can set you up for a......
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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 […]...
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Northern and Remote Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (NARWAL) is a small, friendly, majority Aboriginal owned and operated family business. Our reputation......
Nestled in the Nahanni Range of the Mackenzie Mountains on Cli Lake, is the North Nahanni Naturalist Lodge. It is......
Arctic Adventure & Wildlife viewing on the edge of the tree line of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Lynx Lake 400 km......
Our goal is to provide unique customized services for high-end customers. We excel at making personalized tours. You can see......
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Book this entire cabin in the remote wilderness of the stunningly breath-taking, Mackenzie Mountains. This cabin is hands down the......
Fishing Charter based in Yellowknife offering specialized in Giant Northern Pike and Lake Trout. We have boats to operate either in the North and East arm....
Exceptional fishing on Gordon Lake, 100 km northeast of Yellowknife. Fish for Lake Trout, up to to 56 lbs! Fly in by......
Join us for a fishing trip of a lifetime in the barrenlands of Northern Canada. Experience some of the world’s......
Northstar Resort is a remote fishing lodge located on Thekulthili Lake, 95 miles (152 km) northeast of Fort Smith. Operates from......
Boat tours in the wildlife-rich Slave River delta and fishing at Taltson Big Pike Lodge....
Welcoming and friendly with a rustic charm and all modern conveniences, Grey Goose Lodge immediately catches your eye as you......
For 35 years, Sambaa K’e has offered world-class fishing on Trout Lake just north of the Northwest Territories-British Columbia border.......
Chuck Gruben is an active Inuvialuit hunter and trapper very knowledgeable in the Tuktoyaktuk area offering customized tours (hunting, hiking,......
Summer and winter packages on the Taltson River. Drive out by snowmobile from Fort Resolution or fly out from Fort......
To truly experience the Northwest Territories, take your camping gear for a highway driving adventure! Long ribbons of road without......
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Castaway Cottages and Campgrounds was developed with you in mind, We are here to make your northern experience once in a life time. We offer cottages that can accommodate up to 5 and a beautiful lake front campground. Whether this is your first experience north of the 60th parallel, or you’re a local northerner just […]...
