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
Intriguing tales from Canada's Northwest Territories
What began as a “part time fishing lodge” has now become a “full time Aurora Wilderness Lodge” open year round......
Book an adventure with us at Trail Blazer Tours for an unforgettable experience! Your adventure with us will create lasting......
Your Dene Connection in Yellowknife. B. Dene Adventures is a Traditional Dene Culture Camp business which teaches the Dene way......
We are the Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ got’ine. People of the community of Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́, “the place where rivers come together”, in......
Nestled in the Nahanni Range of the Mackenzie Mountains on Cli Lake, is the North Nahanni Naturalist Lodge. It is......
Enodah Wilderness Travel / Trout Rock Lodge/ Enodah Kennel offer high-quality Aurora viewing experiences by night and dogsled tours by......
With over 30 years of living in Yellowknife, we offer a variety of tourism experiences for our guests. We are......
Best Northern Road Trip! Now you can drive all the way to the Arctic ocean linking Canada from coast to......
The all new Namushka Lodge! Come enjoy all the new amenities of a fly-in fishing lodge! Located on Harding Lake, 32......
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 […]...
For a Great Northern Experience! Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of day trips ranging from 2 to 10 hours......
100% Indigenous owned! We are the world’s first Aurora Hunting tour company, we know Aurora. Learn about Aurora, why Yellowknife is the......
World class dogsled tours! We are one of the largest professional sled dog kennels in Canada. Over 150 happy, healthy......
Come experience world-class Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. We are the only guides in the Northwest Territories......
Join us on an Aurora hunting adventure. Our skilled tour guides know all the best places around Yellowknife to capture......
Arctic Tours Canada is a Yellowknife based tour operating company that offer Aurora Hunting and Viewing tours, Yellowknife sightseeing tours,......
We offer tours such as aurora viewing, dog sledding, snowmobile rides, ice fishing and more. Come experience a once in......
Extend your trip to Fort Simpson with a visit to our Dene Camp, K’iyeli. We have options available for an......
Aurora Village – A Class of Its Own Aurora Village is a unique Aurora-viewing facility situated 25 minutes from downtown......
Raven Tours is a tour operator in Yellowknife, NT, Canada. We offer Aurora Viewing, Snowshoeing, and Hiking Tours. We hope to......
Guided hunting, community tours of Tuktoyaktuk and much more. Visit a local home to enjoy a unique opportunity to appreciate......
Our goal is to provide unique customized services for high-end customers. We excel at making personalized tours. You can see......
Join us for a fishing trip of a lifetime in the barrenlands of Northern Canada. Experience some of the world’s......
An Indigenous, family owned business with much history, knowledge and stories to share about the Spectacular Northwest Territories! We used......
Our vision is to see the Beaufort-Delta Region of Canada’s western arctic become the dream destination for motorcycle adventure enthusiasts from......
Borealis Bike Tours Unlimited provides year round, high quality custom guided Fat Bike tours to cyclists of all abilities who......
Remote naturalist’s lodge snuggled in the Mackenzie Mountains, in the largest mountain wilderness in North America. Located along the Canol......
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 […]...
We offer dog sled tours in and around Tuktoyaktuk, the Pingo National Landmark and to Husky Lanes. Please contact us......
Offering Cultural tours, sport fishing, canoeing and snowmobile tours. Contact us for more information....
We offer Yellowknife daytime and aurora viewing tours. Please contact us for more information!...
Call us about our exciting year-round packages and experience the best of the Dehcho region and Denendeh....
We offer: Nature and wildlife viewing Snowmobile tours Fishing tours Boat tours Polar bear and muskox hunts. Contact us for......
We run a small all-inclusive lodge that can handle ten people at a time. From this lodge we organize hunting......
We offer the following: Boat & Fishing tours Community & Cultural tours Dog sled tours Snowmobile / ATV tours Polar......
