Best Things To Do In The Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories is a vast and sparsely populated region in Canada’s north, with a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Here are some things to do and see in the Northwest Territories:

Northern Lights

One of the main attractions of the Northwest Territories is the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. You can experience this natural phenomenon in various locations across the territory.

The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. When these charged particles enter the Earth’s magnetic field, they are drawn toward the poles, colliding with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere.

As a result of these collisions, energy is released through colorful lights that appear in the sky, usually in shades of green, pink, and purple. The appearance of the Northern Lights can vary depending on the strength of the solar activity and the atmospheric conditions. They are often most visible in areas with low light pollution, such as the Arctic regions.

The Northern Lights are a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, and they have been the subject of myth and legend for centuries. Today, they continue to fascinate and inspire people worldwide, and many people travel to northern latitudes to witness this unique natural phenomenon.

Canoeing and kayaking

The Northwest Territories has many rivers and lakes perfect for canoeing and kayaking, including the Mackenzie River and Great Slave Lake.

Fishing

The region is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with many fish species, such as northern pike, lake trout, and Arctic grayling.

Hiking

The Northwest Territories has many hiking trails, including the Cameron River Falls Trail, which takes you through the boreal forest to a beautiful waterfall.

The Cameron River Falls Trail is a hiking trail on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The trail is approximately 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles) long and is considered an easy to moderate hike.

The trail begins at a parking lot off Highway 4 and follows the Cameron River upstream. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of the river, forest, and several small cascading waterfalls. The trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking the main attraction, the Cameron River Falls, a 20-meter (66-foot) waterfall that drops into a deep pool below.

The Cameron River Falls Trail is an excellent destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with clear signs and markers. The trailhead is approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) west of Port Alberni. The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make.

Indigenous culture

The Northwest Territories is home to many Indigenous communities, and visitors can learn about their culture and traditions by visiting museums, cultural centers, and festivals.

Yellowknife

Yellowknife is the capital city of the Northwest Territories in Canada, located on the north shore of Great Slave Lake. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, unique northern culture, and vibrant arts and music scene.

One of the main attractions in Yellowknife is Aurora Village, where visitors can witness the Northern Lights in all their glory. The city is also home to several other outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, boating, and skiing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors can tour the historic Old Town, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, or take a boat tour of Great Slave Lake.

Yellowknife is also a hub for the diamond mining industry, and visitors can tour the Diavik Diamond Mine or take part in guided tours of the city’s mining heritage.

The city has a rich history and cultural heritage, and visitors can explore the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Northwest Territories. Several art galleries, cultural centers, and festivals also celebrate the city’s Indigenous and northern cultures.

Yellowknife is a unique and fascinating destination for travelers looking to experience Canada’s northern beauty and culture.

Wildlife viewing

The Northwest Territories has many wildlife species, including bears, caribou, wolves, and bison. Visitors can go on guided tours or wildlife safaris to observe these animals in their natural habitats.

Overall, the Northwest Territories offers an unforgettable travel experience for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

Highlights From The Road to 150 Northwest Territories Episode:

With more than one million square kilometers of land area and a population of less than 50,000, the Northwest Territories is about as wild as it gets. It’s certainly not an accessible area to visit (many places are fly-in, many roads are gravel, and distances are vast), but for those who make an effort, there are incredible things to experience.

This is an adventurer’s paradise with boreal forest, arctic tundra, some of Canada’s most incredible waterfalls, a vibrant indigenous culture, and boundless wilderness!

Canada’s Road to 150 is a 150-day Canada-wide multi-media road trip celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday by exploring the uniqueness of this country provincially and collectively while answering the question; What makes Canada unique?

We will drive to and through every driveable province and territory, showcasing Canada’s natural beauty and regional attractions while interviewing Canadians of all cultures and backgrounds, including local celebrities, immigrants, refugees, and everyday rural and urban Canadians. We aim to dig deep into what makes Canada such an incredibly inspiring country while showing off the best of Canada’s tourism to Canadians and the world.

What makes Canada unique?

  1. Natural beauty: Canada has some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, including mountains, lakes, forests, and glaciers. It is home to numerous national parks, including Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes, which attract visitors worldwide.
  2. Multiculturalism: Canada is known for its welcoming and inclusive society, with a strong commitment to multiculturalism. It is home to many ethnic and cultural groups, and the country’s policies promote diversity and tolerance.
  3. Bilingualism: Canada is a bilingual country with English and French recognized as official languages. This reflects the country’s history and culture and its unique position as a bridge between North America and Europe.
  4. Hockey: Canada is famous for its love of hockey, with the sport ingrained in its culture and identity. It is home to the National Hockey League (NHL) and produces many of the world’s top players.
  5. Maple syrup: Canada is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup, a sweet and delicious natural product made from the sap of maple trees. Maple syrup is a staple of Canadian cuisine, used in everything from pancakes to candy.
  6. Universal healthcare: Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system that provides all residents with access to medical care, regardless of their ability to pay. This unique feature of Canadian society reflects the country’s commitment to social justice.

Overall, Canada is a unique and diverse country with many distinctive features that make it an attractive destination for visitors and a great place to live.

Leave a Comment