Skip to main content

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

Home Story Whatever Floats your boat: 9 ways to enjoy the Northwest Territory’s Epic Water

9 ways to enjoy the Northwest Territory’s Epic Water

Famous for its lakes, waterways and shorelines, some of the most amazing landscapes in  the Northwest Territories are best seen from the water.  And with seemingly as many boats as cars, you have endless options for fun and fulfilling floats.  

Canoe a 200-kilometre (120 mile) stretch of the legendary Thelon River,  or motor along the awe-inspiring cliffs of Great Slave Lake’s East Arm. Fish from a paddleboard in Yellowknife Bay or practice slick airscrews on your kayak in the Slave River Rapids.  Here are nine ways to enjoy the NWT’s waterways:

Canoeing

Canoes were used as means of transportation by Indigenous peoples well before the days of roads and air travel. Today’s most popular canoe routes still follow these early paths. 

These go-anywhere, do-anything boats can carry hundreds of pounds of people and gear — enough to last weeks on the water, be it hugging the shores of big lakes, or riding the waves of foaming rivers. They can be easily portaged or even strapped to a floatplane to hit some of the most remote locations in the North.

Grab life by the paddle and soon you can be bobbing along the Hay River Beach or descending the full length of the Nahanni River. Many tour operators and lodges in the NWT can  help you with canoe and equipment rentals and take you on unforgettable guided trips.

Flatwater kayaking

With their narrow hulls and double-bladed paddles, kayaks are fast, steady and protected from wind and waves, helping kayakers go places many other watercrafts would find challenging to reach. Take a trip on the East Arm of Tinde’e (Great Slave Lake) and find  countless islands, narrow channels, towering cliffs, and world-class fishing. Paddling on the Arctic Ocean outside Western Arctic communities can get you up close to muskoxen and pingos. Or take some time to float the majestic Mackenzie River from its source to the sea.

Pleasure boating

Great Slave Lake is the fifth largest lake in North America and the tenth largest in the world. Plenty of room to roam.  From early June to at least late September, you’ll find fantastic fishing and witness a variety of natural landscapes, from intriguing dunes to 180-metre (590 foot) cliffs. Rent a pleasure craft or take a guided tour with an operator, choosing from sightseeing, birding, fishing trips or more. Fresh fish eaten on shore is hard to beat.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is exploding in popularity.  Stand-up paddleboards — or SUPs — are a simple, accessible and fun way to explore inshore waters and flatwater rivers.  

Mingle among the colourful houseboats in Yellowknife’s Old Town or try your luck in the Somba k’e Paddling Club’s annual race around Old Town’s Latham Island.  Better yet, find your tree pose with a paddleboard yoga class on Back Bay. 

You’ll find paddleboards for rent at the waterfronts of many communities, including Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik as well as at parks like Wood Buffalo National Park.

Rafting

Stable, sturdy and a ton of fun, rafting is perfect for watersport beginners as well as more experienced paddlers  looking to hit some amazing waves. No matter your skill level, you’ll find opportunities for an unforgettable rafting experience.

Raft the Nahanni River and take in the natural wonder of Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls). Or cross the Arctic Circle on the Coppermine River as you make your way through historic portage sites. The NWT’s other noteworthy rafting destinations include the Horton, the Natla, the Thomson and the Thelon Rivers.

Ferries

While built for serious business, ferries can also be serious fun. Four ferries currently operate in the NWT, carrying cars and trucks free of charge across unbridged rivers — the Arctic Red River, the Mackenzie River, the Peel River and the Liard River. 

Though the crossings usually take just a few minutes, the ferries provide passengers a chance to stretch their legs, chat with fellow travellers, take photos and admire  the stunning sceneries all around them. Local ferry pilots are a source of helpful advice and entertaining stories. The ferries run only in the warmer months, so make sure to check on the NWT Government website before planning your trip.

Whitewater kayaking

The NWT boasts some of the world’s best whitewater destinations, including the Nahanni, the Slave, and the Horton Rivers,

The Slave River Rapids, near Fort Smith, are a playboater’s paradise. With countless waves, chutes and playholes, this whitewater wonderland draws kayakers from around the world. But you don’t have to be a pro to have fun here. Come for Paddlefest, held annually in early August, and you’ll join scores of other novice kayakers in all kinds of exciting events, including canoe races and rodeos and paddling games.   

Sambaa Deh Falls on the Trout River offers impressive gorges and a rushing gauntlet of fast-moving water for more experienced paddlers. The difficult Class V waters roar through a winding gorge.

Sailing

Great Slave Lake is home to a large, active and adventuresome flotilla of sailboats. Most summer nights you’ll see sailboats leaning in the wind as they race down Yellowknife Bay. Head out to the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and find sailers riding the breeze by day and bobbing in the bays at night. The Great Slave Sailing Club in Yellowknife Bay hosts sailing classes and social events. During the sailing season, the club also organizes day trips and overnight gatherings around Mackenzie Island, Romance Harbour, the West Mirage Islands and Moose Bay.

Expedition cruising

Leave your flip flops and bathing suits behind. A cruise through the Northwest Passage is more like an expedition. With medium-sized ice-class vessels that can carry between 75 and 250 passengers, Arctic cruises run from August to early October and are a great way to experience the stunning landscapes, culture and history of the Arctic.

Common stops include Aulavik National Park, with the world’s largest muskox population; the community of Ulukhaktok, home to the northernmost golf-course and the Smoking Hills, where burning subterranean coal seams have belched smoke for centuries. You’re also almost guaranteed to see icebergs and polar bears, safely from the deck of your vessel.

Ready to embark on your next big paddling adventure in the Northwest Territories? Learn more about what to expect on your trip to the NWT!”

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

Boat Tour to the Arctic Ocean And Pingos

Polar Pack Arctic Adventures

Activities

Arts and Culture Boat Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Western Arctic

Take in the stunning Western Arctic landscape by boat in our tour to the Pingos, a Canadian National landmark, in the Arctic Ocean. This tour includes a guided tour on the Mackenzie River to the mouth of the Arctic Ocean, a picnic at the Pingos with grilled locally caught fish and local foods, and plenty of wildlife viewing along the way....

$1,500

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package

Arctic Luxury Experience - 3 nights, 4 days

Beaufort Sea Adventures

Activities

Aurora Boat Tours Cultural Demonstrations Dogsledding Fall Aurora Tours Western Arctic Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Step into a world where the Arctic’s beauty and culture come to life in ways few have ever experienced.  In Tuktoyaktuk, every moment is an invitation to connect with the land and its people on a deeper level. The vast tundra stretches endlessly before you, offering a sense of peace and wonder that can only […]...

Inquire for price

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package

Summer Fishing Adventure

Blachford Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Canoeing and Kayaking Fishing Housekeeping Lodges Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Stand up Paddling

Summer Adventure & Relaxation Welcome to your summer getaway, north of 60. Far from the noise and bustle of any city, Blachford Lodge is happy to be your home away from home in the summer months. Bask in the midnight sun (yup, you can read a book outside all night long!), catch a trophy fish, […]...

Starting at

$2,997

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $499 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

View this Package

Autumn Aurora Package

Blachford Lodge

Activities

Aurora Aurora Lodges Canoeing and Kayaking Cultural Demonstrations Fall Aurora Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Stand up Paddling Winter Activities Winter Aurora

Welcome to Blachford Lodge. Aurora watchers and stargazers agree there are few better places to see the Aurora than Blachford Lodge. From mid-August, when night skies turn a velvety black to late October when the lake begins to freeze, Blachford guests can be treated to late night shows of the northern lights. On calm nights […]...

Starting at

$3,597

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $499 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

View this Package

Nahanni River 14 Day "Classic"

Black Feather – The Wilderness Adventure Company

Activities

Canoeing and Kayaking Experienced Paddling White Water

The two week Nahanni River (Nahʔą Dehé) trip is the most popular canoe expedition on the Nahanni River. It offers the perfect opportunity to paddle the highlights of the Nahanni (Nahʔą Dehé). You may get to hike to the rare Tufa Mounds - the largest "warm-spring" tufa formation in the north, and will definitely reach the awe-inspiring Virginia Falls (Náįlįcho), and paddle through four canyons that are, in places, deeper than the Grand Canyon!...

$9,495

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + National Park Fee
View this Package

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

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

Houseboat and Heritage Lunch

Sundog Adventures

Activities

Boat Tours Nature Tours Tours

Climb on board a guided boating tour of Yellowknife Bay. We will travel along the shoreline of Yellowknife’s largest gold mine, Giant Mine, N’dilo, a Yellowknives Dene Community, and pass through the eclectic houseboat community. You will then refuel with a delicious lunch and ice cream at the Sundog Trading Post in Old Town.  Itinerary […]...

Starting At

$115

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
View this Package

Blachford Lodge

Summer Winter

What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......

Trail Blazer Tours

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

Simpson Air

Simpson Air (and its predecessor) is the oldest continuously-operated flying service in the Mackenzie Valley, established in the early 1960s.......

Canoe North

Canoe North, located in Hay River, Northwest Territories offers kayak and canoe rentals and sales. We can set you up for a......

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......

Nahanni Mountain Lodge

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

Great Slave Lake Tours

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

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 […]...

NARWAL Northern Adventures

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

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....

2 Seasons Adventures

2 Seasons Adventures is a family-owned company. Our professional guides boast a lifetime of experience enjoying the unique lifestyle of......

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation is located in the community of Wrigley, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are a Designated Authority in......

Northwest Territories Parks

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

Beaufort Sea Adventures

Indigenous Northern Lights Summer Winter

Beaufort Sea Adventures is a family-owned and Indigenous-operated business, proudly offering Arctic experiences in Tuktoyaktuk. Our family lives and breathes the North, giving us a unique insight into the hidden gems that make Tuktoyaktuk truly special. We offer guests an authentic cultural immersion, sharing our Inuvialuit heritage, stories, and deep connection to the land and […]...

Only Way Outfitting

Born & raised in Inuvik, Northwest Territories our experienced lead guide Jimmy Kalinek is ready to help you discover the......

Lynx Tundra Lodge

An Arctic Barrenlands trophy fishing adventure for the serious sportsman. Located on Lynx Lake (420 km east of Yellowknife) Lynx......

Shehtah Adventures

Call us about our exciting year-round packages and experience the best of the Dehcho region and Denendeh....

Red Mountain Adventures

Boat tours of the Mackenzie River Delta from Inuvik to Aklavik, Red Mountain and Husky Channel. Contact us for more......

Banks Island Tundra Tours

We offer: Nature and wildlife viewing Snowmobile tours Fishing tours Boat tours Polar bear and muskox hunts. Contact us for......

Adventure Canada

Family owned and operated tour company specializing in Arctic expedition cruising....

Kuptana's Arctic Adventures

We offer the following: Boat & Fishing tours Community & Cultural tours Dog sled tours Snowmobile / ATV tours Polar......