The Real Northwest Territories: 5 Myths Explained

Home Story The Real Northwest Territories: 5 Myths Explained

Discover the truth behind five common myths about the Northwest Territories, a place far more accessible, diverse, and vibrant than many assume. The NWT is not just frozen tundra and igloos. It is home to modern communities, rich cultural traditions, and stunning Northern landscapes. Most of all, it is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.

No. Inuvialuit in the Western Arctic once built snow houses for winter survival, but today residents live in modern homes. The igloo shape, however, continues to inspire architecture and tourism experiences. In Yellowknife, the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories features a rounded design influenced by the igloo. In Inuvik, the striking white Igloo Church is one of the most photographed buildings in the North. Seasonal igloos are still built for festivals, hunting trips, or visitor experiences.

Sunrise Festival in Inuvik, Western Arctic NWT. Image Weronica Murray — Is it Dark All Winter?

Not across the entire territory. Seasonal daylight changes vary depending on your location.

In the Western Arctic, communities like Inuvik experience about 30 days without direct sunlight in December and early January. Even during this time, the midday horizon glows with faint orange light. In Yellowknife, 1,000 km (620 mi) to the southeast, daylight never disappears. The shortest day on December 21 still brings nearly five hours of sunshine, increasing to more than seven hours by the end of January.

By late spring, the Western Arctic transitions into 24-hour daylight. In every season, the changes in light create opportunities to see something remarkable, from long summer days on the tundra to winter nights illuminated by the Aurora Borealis. Events like the Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Dark Sky Festival at Wood Buffalo National Park near Fort Smith celebrate these seasonal skies with stargazing and astronomy programs.

People at the annual Snow king Winter festival, outside of a snow Castle in the NWT — Do People Still Go Outside in Winter?

Absolutely. In the Northwest Territories, people do not just step outside, they embrace the season with full-on outdoor adventures, even when the temperature dips to –40 °C and beyond. From dogsledding across frozen lakes to snowmobiling through the boreal forest, life here is about making the most of winter rather than avoiding it.

Guided tours make sure you can join in comfortably. Tour operators often provide warm clothing rentals, insulated gear, and heated huts where you can take a break from the cold. On a dogsledding excursion, you can stay cozy under thick blankets while the team pulls you across the trails. For snowmobiling, operators supply helmets, gloves, and other essentials to keep you warm while exploring at speed. Between activities, you might find yourself gathered around a crackling bonfire with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate in hand, proof that even the coldest days are perfectly suited for adventure.

Before you set out, watch this video on what to wear in winter in the Northwest Territories. It offers simple tips on layering and staying warm so you can enjoy every moment outdoors.

Not at all. The Northwest Territories is closer and more accessible than many imagine.

Yellowknife has year-round direct flights from major Canadian cities including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Toronto, as well as seasonal flights from Whitehorse and Ottawa. NWT airlines also offer frequent scheduled flights that connect Yellowknife to smaller communities across the territory as well as national parks and wilderness lodges.

By road, the Mackenzie Highway links Alberta to the NWT in about 10 hours from Edmonton. Many visitors break up the trip with overnight stops, while others make the drive in a single day. The legendary Dempster Highway stretches from Dawson City in the Yukon to Inuvik. A 740 km (450 mi) journey, most travellers choose to turn this once-in-a-lifetime trip into a multi-day road trip adventure.

For more details on getting here and what to expect when you arrive, check out our Travel Information page.

Northern lights over a hot tub in the Northwest territories, best place to see the Northern lights. — Are the Northern Lights rare?

No. In the NWT, it is almost hard to miss them!

The Northern Lights are visible up to 240 nights a year here, thanks to consistently clear skies and the territory’s location under the world’s most active aurora zone, the Auroral Oval. If you visit during the two Aurora seasons, you are almost certainly guaranteed to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon. From late August to late September, and from mid November to mid April, expect to see mesmerizing hues of greens, purples and reds dance across the dark, starry skies.

You do not need special equipment to enjoy the show, as your phone can also capture spectacular photos of the Aurora. Photographers may want to bring a camera capable of long exposures, a tripod, and a remote shutter. Then simply look up, and you will see one of the greatest natural light shows on Earth.

The Northwest Territories offers modern comforts, immersive cultural experiences, and spectacular landmarks, all within easier reach than many visitors expect. From Aurora viewing and winter activities to road trips and cultural landmarks, the NWT proves that myths fade quickly once you arrive.

Now that you know the real story, discover even more about the Northwest Territories with this Pocket Guide, and plan your ultimate adventure.

Northern Lights Odyssey

Blachford Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arts and Culture Aurora Cross-Country Skiing Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Housekeeping Lodges Ice Fishing Kicksledding Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to the Northern Lights Odyssey, a journey where the raw beauty of Canada’s Arctic meets authentic cultural discovery. This experience takes you across three distinct regions, each with its own unique charm, history, and spectacular Northern Lights viewing opportunities. From the rich traditions of the Inuit in Iqaluit to the warm northern hospitality of […]...

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$18,615.00

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person