Is there anything cooler than laying down tracks in fresh snow?  As lakes across the territory transform into icy canvases and thick layers of snow blanket the land, the stage is set for unforgettable memories. Get ready to embrace the chill – you’ll discover that getting around in the Northwest Territories can be an adventure in itself.

Make your own tracks as you witness stunning Northern landscapes with these dynamic and often unique ways to get around.

Some say that cross-country skiing is the slickest way to get outside and enjoy winter. Others find it to be a chilly way to feel extremely awkward. If you belong to the former camp, pack your skis to the Northwest Territories. Many of our major communities boast groomed scenic trails. Everywhere else, you’ll find endless miles of backcountry terrain, perfect for exploring on skis.

When the lakes freeze, the NWT transforms into a massive skating rink.  You can often lace up your skates and glide across beautiful waterways.  Or enjoy one of the many outdoor rinks and indoor arenas in local communities. Join a local shinny game, what Northerners call an impromptu pick-up hockey game – or simply enjoy the surroundings with the sound of sharp skates on ice as your companion.

Indigenous people have been using snowshoes for millennia. This ancient technology is a traditional way to walk on deep  snow without sinking. With their broad footprint, snowshoes allow you to float over the drifts, turning a potential slog into a powdery stroll. It’s a great activity to enjoy at Aurora-viewing lodges, where snowshoes are often available for rent or loan. Snowshoes are a great way to explore the landscapes around local communities and an essential piece of equipment for those who are pushing further into the back-country.

In recent years, fat bikes—equipped with larger-than-average tires—have become a favorite for winter adventure. Designed to easily navigate over packed snow and ice, they offer a thrilling way to cycle through the NWT. Join a guided tour or rent your own bike to make your way through the snowy trails.  Many fatbikers will follow snowmobile trails, grateful for snow that is already packed down and ready to ride.

Dogsledding is the quintessential mode of Northern transport. For centuries, Dene and Inuvialuit people traversed the hinterlands of the Northwest Territories towed by trusty sled dogs. Today, you can take dogsledding tours with a local operator, or go mushing to some epic wildlife viewing destinations. But possibly the best part of dogsledding is getting to know the dogs themselves – the fuzziest, friendliest pooches you’ll ever meet.

Looking to chase the horizon? Snowmobiling is the go-to choice for those looking to cover more ground. A true work-horse of the North, snowmobiles are a staple in every NWT community.  Several operators offer exciting snowmobile tours, providing quick access to hidden gems like Aurora-viewing lodges, and secret ice-fishing spots. Designed to be simple to drive , a local operator can get you on a snowmobile  with some easy training and safety equipment. You’ll be making tracks in no time, out into the great expanses of the North.

The ice roads of the Northwest Territories are legendary, forming a web of winter highways that connect remote communities and stunning landscapes. Many ice roads can be easily accessed from towns like Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Inuvik. Just like every highway, staying aware of road conditions can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Who needs a runway?  With ski planes, you can fly anywhere the snow beckons. These versatile aircrafts are a common sight in the NWT, perfect for scenic flights over breathtaking landscapes. They’re also an excellent means to reach remote lodges where you can catch stunning Northern Lights displays.

Imagine combining a snowmobile  with a school bus!  These massive tracked vehicles can be seen ferrying people along the shores of Great Slave Lake in the winter months.  Bombadeers have been used for well over seventy years.  The tracked amphibious Hägglunds Bv206 is a no nonsense vehicle sure to get you and all of your friends to your favourite ice fishing spot no matter the conditions.  The smaller SnoBear is rigged to act as a mobile ice fishing hut, with a mounted ice auger and all.  

Providing more shelter, warmth, and space than a snowmobile, these mobile workhorses are the perfect way to reach prime Aurora viewing destinations.  Step out of the warm cab to steaming hot chocolate around blazing firepits under the shine of countless stars and amazing Northern Lights displays.

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 in the Northwest Territories