The NWT is open to leisure travel. See information on COVID-19 travel guidelines
You're not a true traveller til you've done this:
You're not a true traveller til you've done these 17 things
Up here in the Northwest Territories we get a whole pile of visitors, but most just skim the surface.
That's not a problem: After all, even our conventional touristy stuff is tons of fun. But if you're looking to really experience this place – to drink it down, to live it up, to be it – there are certain specific experiences you just can't miss.
Here's 17 ways to do the North to the fullest.
Seen the 'big four'
... by which we mean muskoxen, caribou, moose and bison. They're all on view in the Northwest Territories, providing a sort of polar safari.
Landed a 40-pounder
Because any fish smaller is what we call "bait."
Flown in the co-pilot's seat
(Extra points if it's a ski-plane.)
Mushed
Nope, riding in the basket doesn't count.
Driven to the end of the road
... or better yet, gone beyond the end of the road, by foot, canoe, skidoo, whatever.
Skied through a frosted forest
In the super-cool winter of the Northwest Territories, a coating of ice, called "hoarfrost," accumulates on every chilly surface, glazing your skiing route in glory.
sailed out of sight of land
Up here, the lakes are like freshwater oceans, giving you plenty of space to float your boat. Make the most of it.
seen the sky do this
Oh yeah, the elusive purple lights. It only does this during the most rockin' auroral storms.
raced a canoe
In the North's small towns, old fashioned paddling races are a feature of summer celebrations. Jump into a boat and join in.
spent the night in a teepee
Camp here and you'll enjoy the best sleep ever – we guarantee.
filled your water bottle from here
Steady now – this isn't the place for a swim.
Watched the sun spin circles in the sky
It's the weirdest thing: The sun is getting lower, lower ... wait, now it's rising again. No night. Just an endless dance of brilliance in the sky.
Been comfortably dressed at 40 below
In the Northwest Territories, parkas aren't for fashion. They're like space suits, allowing you to thrive in our vigorous interstellar cold.
Strolled down this street
In Yellowknife's Old Town, the North's most famous lane is as wild and wooly as its name implies.
Gone for a spin in this thing
Odd machines prowl the North, rolling through landscapes no car could endure. This amphibious vehicle transports tourists to a remote fishing lodge.
picnicked here
This is the Arctic Circle, on the Dempster Highway. Believe us, lunch tastes better at the top of the world.
