NorthWest Territories Tourism

 
In the Territories, when the nights are dark in autumn and winter, the northern lights come out. The Aurora dances and swirls, slower and then faster, mingling with the stars in the night sky
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Visit the Northwest Territories for amazing travel activities and experience a truly northern adventure vacation. The best Canada has to offer - from canoeing pristine waters to viewing a dazzling northern lights display - from relaxing at a remote wilderness lodge to hunting and fishing in an unspoiled land.
 
Northern Lights
 
It's cold up in the Territories during the winter, so you need to be dressed warmly. Winter clothing suitable for the climate is available for rent at many places.
 
Guided tours are available in the Territories, you can have a combination of different activities. stay in an aboriginal cultural village, view the lights, ride on a dogslef team and take aboriginal handicraft lessons.
 
Aurora Village is the only Aboriginal tourism company in the world that offers an aboriginal based aurora viewing program in one location!
 
Sport Hunting
 
Get ready for the rush of sport hunting in the NW Territories. Choose the rugged mountains, the Boreal forest, the rolling Barrenlands or the arctic coast and islands. Big game still roams free, and in healthy numbers.
 

You can choose from a variety of game species and hunting vacations. Travel on foot or on horseback on guided hunting trips in the Mackenzie Mountains. Or choose a fall hunt for Central Canadian Barrenground caribou, and in winter or spring, travel with Inuit guides by dog team or snowmobile on the arctic coast.

 
No location in Canada matches the Northwest Territories for vast wilderness and the variety of big game hunting adventures available. Our trophy hunting season begins in the early spring on the arctic coast, where expeditions to hunt muskox and polar bear are conducted on the snow-covered land and sea ice.
  • Dall’s sheep
  • mountain caribou
  • moose
  • goat
  • wolf
  • wolverine
  • wood bison
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  • South Nahanni River
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The legendary South Nahanni, a Canadian Heritage River, plunges from its source in the glaciers of the Ragged Range through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Charter a plane to the northwest corner of Nahanni National Park Reserve for a paddle of the entire route, or have the pilot drop you below Virginia Falls for a shorter trip.
 
The South Nahanni is a series of challenging rapids through narrow canyons, and several portages will test your skills. The South Nahanni flows into the Liard, which joins the Mackenzie River at Fort Simpson.
 
Yellowknife
 
On the edge of the Arctic, in the heart of the wilderness, lies a city of youth, energy, adventure and prosperity. Yellowknife is a culturally rich capital thriving with diversity, and home to about 20,000 people.
 
Located on the shores of the beautiful Great Slave Lake, only 512 km south of the Arctic Circle, Yellowknife is known for outdoor recreation, midnight sun, aurora borealis and an unusual blend of northern culture... a City where history is found throughout a modern, bustling metropolis.
 
Top Ten Events in Yellowknife
 
  • Caribou Carnival
    Held the last weekend of March each year. Big name entertainment, skidoo and dog races and feats of strength and skill.
     
  • A three day, 150-mile race run on Great Slave Lake ice, end of March, and part of the World Cup of dog sled racing. Run since 1955, mushers from around the world, custom bred dogs and high-tech sleds.
     
  • Canada Day – July 1
    This is truly a multicultural event, with a parade, music and games.
 
Aboriginal Day – June 21This territorial holiday honours the Aboriginal people of the North and features traditional entertainment, storytelling, and lots of caribou stew, bannock and tea.
 
  • Longest Day of the Year - Raven Mad Daze
    When the sun is high in the sky all day and all night, June 21, Yellowknifers go raven mad. Street sales, live bands, and plenty of finger food keep the family hopping till well past midnight. Just when you think the sun has disappeared, it pops up again and its time to go boating, or tee off at the Midnight Sun golf tournament.
 
Midnight Sun Golf Tournament
 A Yellowknife Golf Club annual event, the first flight is at midnight and features a special guest. Then you contend with thieving ravens, sand fairways and astroturf greens.
 
Snow King Winter Festival
 The Snowking castle, an amazing, icy construction for the people of Yellowknife and visitors alike.
     
  • A two day folk-blues concert held in a beautiful sandy amphitheatre on the shores of a shimmering lake. Workshops and fun for kids are part of the package.
     
  • Yellowknife International Airshow
    The Air Show is held bi-annually, the Next Airshow will be held in 2008. Yellowknife is a bush pilot paradise...featuring awesome flying, and pilot reunions at the Float Plane Fly-In.
 
Mining week
Practice your skills as a hard rock gold miner. Compete in the annual Mine Rescue Competition, a test of skill and safety knowledge in a simulated mine emergency.
 

While in Yellowknife, stay at the city's largest fully serviced Hotel,  The Explorer Hotel or stay downtown at the Yellowknife Inn located in the Centre Square Mall.