Explore Northwest Territories Canada

Explore Northwest Territories

What is the best time to travel to Northwest Territories

The best time to travel to the Northwest Territories depends on what you want to do and see. Here are some considerations for each season:

Summer (June to August): The summer months are the most popular time to visit the Northwest Territories, as the weather is mild and the days are long. This is a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing. It’s also the best time to see wildlife, including bears, caribou, and birds. However, it can be crowded and expensive during this time, so book your accommodations and activities well in advance.

Fall (September to October): Fall is a great time to visit the Northwest Territories if you want to see the northern lights. The skies are dark enough to see the aurora borealis, and the weather is still mild enough for outdoor activities. However, the days are getting shorter, and some tourist facilities may begin to close for the season.

Winter (November to March): Winter is the longest season in the Northwest Territories, and it can be very cold and dark. However, it’s also a great time to see the northern lights and to experience winter sports such as dog sledding and ice fishing. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions and limited daylight hours.

Spring (April to May): Spring is a transitional season in the Northwest Territories, with temperatures warming up and snow melting. It’s a great time for wildlife viewing and for experiencing the changing seasons. However, some tourist facilities may still be closed, and the weather can be unpredictable.

How to get to Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories is a remote region of Canada, and getting there can be a bit challenging. Here are some of the ways to get to the Northwest Territories:

By Air: The easiest way to get to the Northwest Territories is by air. The Yellowknife Airport is the main airport in the region, and it offers regular flights to other major cities in Canada, such as Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver. You can also fly to other regional airports in the Northwest Territories, such as Inuvik, Norman Wells, and Fort Smith, depending on your final destination.

By Road: There are two main highways that provide road access to the Northwest Territories. The Mackenzie Highway (Highway 1) runs from Alberta to the town of Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, while the Dempster Highway (Highway 8) runs from Yukon to Inuvik. However, these highways can be challenging to navigate, especially in the winter months when they are subject to closures due to weather conditions.

By Boat: Depending on your destination, you may be able to reach the Northwest Territories by boat. There are several waterways, such as the Mackenzie River and Great Slave Lake, that provide access to some of the remote communities in the region.

How to get around Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories is a vast and remote region, and getting around can be a bit challenging. Here are some of the ways to get around in the Northwest Territories:

By Car: Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around in the Northwest Territories, especially if you want to explore the more remote areas. There are several car rental companies available in Yellowknife, and the major highways in the region are generally well-maintained.

By Air: If you want to travel between communities in the Northwest Territories quickly, flying is often the best option. There are several small airlines that operate in the region, including Canadian North, First Air, and Northwestern Air Lease. Some of the smaller communities may not have regular air service, however.

By Boat: If you want to explore the waterways of the Northwest Territories, taking a boat tour or renting a canoe or kayak is a great option. Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie River, and other waterways offer stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

By Bus: There are few public bus services in the Northwest Territories, but some communities may have local services that operate within the community.

Overall, visitors to the Northwest Territories should be prepared for limited transportation options, especially in the more remote areas. Plan your transportation in advance and be prepared for changing weather conditions and other factors that may impact travel.

National Airports

The Northwest Territories has a few regional airports that serve communities in the region. Here are some of the major airports in the Northwest Territories:

Yellowknife Airport (YZF): Yellowknife Airport is the largest airport in the Northwest Territories and serves as the gateway to the region. It offers regular flights to other major cities in Canada, including Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa.

Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport (YEV): Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport is located in Inuvik, in the northern part of the Northwest Territories. It offers regular flights to Yellowknife, Norman Wells, and other northern communities.

Fort Smith Airport (YSM): Fort Smith Airport is located in the town of Fort Smith, in the southern part of the Northwest Territories. It offers regular flights to Yellowknife and other northern communities.

Norman Wells Airport (YVQ): Norman Wells Airport is located in the town of Norman Wells, in the central part of the Northwest Territories. It offers regular flights to Yellowknife and other northern communities.

Tuktoyaktuk Airport (YUB): Tuktoyaktuk Airport is located in the community of Tuktoyaktuk, on the Arctic Ocean coast. It offers regular flights to Inuvik and other northern communities.

Trains in Northwest Territories

There are currently no trains that operate in the Northwest Territories. The territory is largely isolated from the rest of Canada and has limited infrastructure. The primary mode of transportation in the Northwest Territories is by air, with several regional airlines providing connections between communities throughout the territory. In addition, there are highways and roads that connect some of the major communities in the region, but these are often limited in scope and subject to seasonal closures due to weather conditions. Some visitors to the Northwest Territories may also choose to travel by boat or by snowmobile, depending on the time of year and the specific location they are visiting.

Buses in Northwest Territories

There are few public bus services in the Northwest Territories, due to the limited population and vast geographic size of the territory. However, there are a few options available for those looking to travel by bus:

Greyhound Canada: Greyhound Canada used to provide intercity bus services in the Northwest Territories, but they have since ceased operations in Canada.

Nahanni Shuttle Service: The Nahanni Shuttle Service operates in the Nahanni National Park Reserve, offering transportation services for hikers and paddlers along the South Nahanni River.

Aurora Village Shuttle: The Aurora Village Shuttle offers transportation services for visitors to Aurora Village, a popular destination for aurora borealis viewing near Yellowknife.

Local community services: Some communities in the Northwest Territories may have local bus services that operate within the community, but these are often limited in scope and may not be available to visitors.

Overall, while public bus services are limited in the Northwest Territories, visitors can still find transportation options through private shuttle services or by renting a car to explore the region.

Accommodations in Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to rustic lodges and cabins. Here are some of the most common types of accommodations in the region:

Hotels: There are several hotels and motels in Yellowknife and other larger communities in the Northwest Territories, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury hotels.

Cabins and Lodges: If you want to experience the wilderness of the Northwest Territories, staying in a cabin or lodge is a great option. Many of these accommodations offer rustic, back-to-nature experiences and are located in remote areas with stunning views.

Campgrounds: There are several campgrounds located throughout the Northwest Territories, offering basic amenities and access to the natural beauty of the region. Some campgrounds may have RV hookups and other facilities.

Bed and Breakfasts: There are a few bed and breakfasts in the Northwest Territories, offering a more personal and homey experience. These accommodations may be located in private homes or small guesthouses.

Hostels: There are a few hostels in the Northwest Territories, offering budget-friendly accommodations for travelers. These accommodations may be dorm-style or private rooms.