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Home Story Winter Festivals of the NWT
Fireworks at the Sunrise festival in Inuvik, NWT. Photo by Weronica Murray

Winter Festivals of the NWT

Around the Northwest Territories, spectacular festivals celebrate the magic of winter and – in some communities,  the sun’s return from its winter break. From pond hockey to snowshoeing, you’ll find ways to experience the charm of frozen landscapes in the winter, and the beauty of longer, sunnier days in the spring — and you will find out that if there’s one thing Northerners love more than winter, it’s finding a reason to gather, celebrate, and have fun together.

Winter and spring are incredible times to get the true Northern experience, and joining in on one of these unique and lively festivals is a great way to immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of the NWT. These traditions truly come alive during our festivals, with games, feasts,  music, storytelling, and Northern foods.

The SnowKing's castle on Yellowknife Bay. Photo Hannah Eden

Snow King Rules

Since 1995, a kingdom of snow has risen in Yellowknife around the Snow King’s elaborate castle on the frozen surface of Great Slave Lake. In the month leading up to the Snowking’s Winter Festival, the Snow King offers tours of the “construction site” for a behind-the-scenes look at how the castle is made. Then, in March, the Snow King opens the castle doors and invites one and all to partake in a spectacular month-long celebration that includes  live music, theatre, dance, friends, and fun on the ice of Yellowknife Bay.

Once inside, you will be amazed by the stunning craftsmanship and intricate details of the castle: from the great hall where you can watch performances on a stage made of ice, to the snow café, VIP snow rooms, and the grand courtyard complete with ice slides and plenty of snow tunnels to explore. In this wild realm of ice and snow, you can also experience a film festival, comedy performances, live music shows, and more.

Just outside the castle walls, you can cast your vote in the annual international snow sculpture competition. Witness artists from NWT and around the world create breathtaking sculptures from the surrounding frozen landscape.

With so much to experience at the snow castle, don’t forget to look up! There is no better sight in this world than staring into a clear starry sky filled with dancing Northern Lights.

Fireworks at Inuvik NWT Sunrise Festival. Weronica Murray

Sunrise Festival

After 30 days without the sun, you’d be eager to see its return. The residents of Inuvik are no exception. In early January, they celebrate their first sunrise in a month with a huge bonfire and three days of festivities. Experience a heart-thumping Inuvialuit drum dance performance by the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers, or connect your mind and body with sunset yoga. A live concert is held in the iconic Igloo Church, officially known as Our Lady of Victory. The city also puts on an incredible fireworks display. At the snow park on Boot Lake, you can admire masterfully carved ice sculptures and an igloo. And don’t miss the giant bonfire, built by the local fire department for maximum safety and spectacle.

Hay River Pond Hockey Tournament in the NWT. Paul Zizka

Polar Pond Hockey Tournament

First organized over a decade ago in Hay River to celebrate the spirit of the game, the North’s premier springtime pond hockey event now attracts teams from as far as Vancouver and Calgary. These players take to the ice for a game of shinny—or backyard hockey—on the East Channel of the Hay River.

This is no amateur affair—Zambonis are often seen clearing the ice between games across the 10 rinks. The rules are simple: four players, no goalies, small nets, and no slapshots. You don’t even have to play hockey to enjoy the tournament. Grab a burger and beverage from the beer garden, and dance to live music under the big tent. The festivities also include live bands and fireworks lighting up the night.

People celebrate their indigenous culture in Inuvik, NWT

Muskrat Jamboree

Every April in the Western Arctic Region’s Mackenzie Delta, the arrival of spring after a long winter prompts a euphoric celebration. At the Muskrat Jamboree, a four-day festival in Inuvik, residents rejoice with family and friends from across the delta—and from further afield. If you want to get a glimpse of life in the Western Arctic, the Muskrat Jamboree is a great bet.

During the Muskrat Jamboree, you can enjoy events like harpoon-throwing, snowshoe races, or tea-boiling and soak up the energy from the dog-sled and snowmobile races. Most of the events take place on the frozen East Channel of the Mackenzie River, where the shimmering white expanse creates a breathtaking backdrop for the festivities. But if you’re more the indoor type, you’ll still find plenty to do: there are hearty feasts, an “Old Time” dance, a jigging contest, talent show, traditional games and drumming and dancing with the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers.

A massive teepee (tipi) in Fort Simpson NWT. Ben Weiland

Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Film Festival

The Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Film Festival in Fort Simpson, has become an important cultural event for the Dehcho Region. The festival is a platform for Indigenous filmmakers from the Dehcho and beyond to share their stories, knowledge and artistic talents with a wider audience, showcasing the diversity of Indigenous storytelling and highlighting the perspectives, histories, and experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world.

Still Dark! Music festival in Yellowknife. Photo credit Still Dark

Still Dark!

The Still Dark Festival, which takes place in the downtown core of Yellowknife in early February, celebrates the beauty and creativity that flourishes during the long Northern nights. To honour the winter darkness, this festival brings together artists, performers, and community members, and features a mix of live music, storytelling, light installations and interactive art. Whether under the Northern Lights or amidst the cozy glow of festival lights, the Still Dark Festival invites visitors and locals alike to embrace the dark season’s magic.

 

Excited to see a true winter wonderland? Read more about what Northerners look forward to every winter and the ways you can keep busy (and warm!) on your authentic Northern experience

Watch our Winter Activities in the NWT video for adventure inspiration, and check out our What to Wear in Winter guide to stay warm and comfortable all season long.

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