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Northwest Territories
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Explore Northwest Territories for auroras, vast lakes, Indigenous culture, Arctic coastlines and remote national parks shaped by northern light.

The Northwest Territories occupy a vast area of northern Canada between Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nunavut, extending from boreal forests and immense lakes to Arctic coastlines and tundra. Distances are considerable, communities are widely separated, and the landscape often determines the rhythm of travel. The territory is home to Yellowknife, the capital on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, as well as smaller centres such as Hay River, Fort Smith, Inuvik, Norman Wells and Tuktoyaktuk.
Read more about Northwest Territories
Yellowknife is the principal visitor gateway and the territory's most substantial urban base. Its rocky shoreline, former gold-mining districts, galleries, cafés and Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre provide an accessible introduction to northern life. Around the city, exposed granite, spruce forest and the broad waters of Great Slave Lake create a setting for boating, fishing, hiking and aurora viewing. Hay River and Fort Smith offer a different perspective, with river landscapes, waterfalls, boreal forest and access to Wood Buffalo National Park's Northwest Territories region.
Further north, the Mackenzie River corridor leads towards Inuvik and the Arctic coast. Inuvik is an important cultural and logistical centre for the western Arctic, while Tuktoyaktuk lies on the Beaufort Sea and is notable for its coastal setting and distinctive permafrost landforms, including pingos. The Dempster Highway connects the region with Yukon by road, but journeys require careful preparation because services are sparse and weather can change quickly.
The territory's most dramatic landscapes are protected in a network of national and territorial parks. Nahanni National Park Reserve safeguards deep canyons, limestone peaks, hot springs and Virginia Falls along the South Nahanni River. Tuktut Nogait and Aulavik protect Arctic tundra and wildlife habitats, while Thaidene Nëné reflects Indigenous-led conservation around the eastern shores of Great Slave Lake. These places are primarily reached by aircraft, boat or guided expedition rather than casual roadside sightseeing.
Indigenous cultures are central to the Northwest Territories' identity. Dene, Inuvialuit, Gwich'in, Sahtu, Tłı̨chǫ and other communities maintain distinctive languages, artistic traditions, knowledge systems and relationships with the land. Visitors may encounter beadwork, carving, drum-making, storytelling and foods based on fish, game and berries, but community events and cultural experiences should be approached with respect and without assuming that one northern tradition represents them all. The result is a destination shaped as much by living cultures and modern northern communities as by its rivers, ice, forests and extraordinary seasonal light.

When is the best time to visit Northwest Territories?

Best: June–August · 15–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-2010
February-1810
March-1015
April015
May1020
June (best)1525
July (best)2030
August (best)2030
September1525
October520
November-1015
December-1510

Getting to and around Northwest Territories

How to get there

Yellowknife Airport is the territory's main passenger gateway, with domestic connections to southern Canadian cities and regional links within the North; route patterns are seasonal and should be checked before booking. Hay River, Fort Smith, Inuvik and several smaller communities have airports serving regional travel. The region can also be reached by road from Alberta and British Columbia via northern highways, from Yukon through the Dempster Highway to Inuvik, and by seasonal or community transport routes, but these are long journeys rather than quick transfers. There are no regular international flight gateways within the territory, so most overseas visitors connect through a major Canadian city.

Transportation

Air travel is the practical link between many communities, while Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik have the broadest local services. Roads connect the larger southern and central settlements, and the Dempster Highway reaches Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk from Yukon, although remote driving requires fuel planning, roadside preparedness and careful weather checks. Public transport is limited outside the main communities; taxis, local buses and organised tours may be available in larger centres, but should not be assumed in smaller settlements. Boats, floatplanes and guided expeditions are important for national parks and remote lakes and rivers.

Best landmarks in Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories' landmarks are often geographical as much as architectural. Yellowknife's rocky shoreline and former gold-mining landscape, including the historic Old Town area, express the city's growth around Great Slave Lake and mining. The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is an important civic and cultural landmark, interpreting the territory's Indigenous, natural and political history. In Fort Smith, the Slave River's rapids and the nearby network of channels and wetlands form a defining natural setting, while Wood Buffalo National Park preserves a landscape of international ecological importance across the Northwest Territories and Alberta. Farther north, Virginia Falls on the South Nahanni River is one of the territory's most recognisable natural landmarks, dropping through a dramatic canyon within Nahanni National Park Reserve. The Mackenzie River is a defining national waterway whose communities, transport history and delta landscapes shape the western Arctic. Around Tuktoyaktuk, the Beaufort Sea coast and nearby pingos—ice-cored hills created by permafrost processes—illustrate the distinctive geology of the Arctic coastal plain. Many of these landmarks are remote, and their significance is inseparable from Indigenous relationships with the land and from the practical realities of northern access.

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Explore Northwest Territories on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Northwest Territories

Dining in the Northwest Territories reflects both Canada's wider northern supply challenges and the foods, knowledge and hospitality of its communities. Yellowknife has the broadest choice, including cafés, casual restaurants, hotel dining rooms and places that incorporate northern ingredients such as lake fish, game, berries and wild herbs when available. Arctic char, whitefish and pickerel are associated with northern waters, while locally harvested moose, caribou and bison may appear seasonally and subject to supply and regulation. In smaller communities, dining is often centred on general stores, cafés, restaurants attached to accommodation and community gatherings rather than a large independent restaurant scene. Indigenous food traditions vary between Dene, Inuvialuit, Gwich'in, Tłı̨chǫ and other communities, so regional descriptions should not flatten them into a single cuisine. Visitors may encounter dry fish, bannock, preserves and berry-based preparations, but availability changes with season and local access. Bring provisions for road and remote journeys, and ask locally about ethical, legal and culturally appropriate ways to experience harvested foods.

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Best bars in Northwest Territories

Nightlife is concentrated in Yellowknife, where the evening scene includes pubs, hotel bars, casual restaurants, live music, karaoke and occasional cultural or performance events. The city's mining and northern working heritage gives some venues an informal local character, but it does not operate like a large Canadian metropolitan nightlife district. Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik offer a smaller selection of pubs, lounges and community-oriented evening venues, with activity often shaped by local events, season and touring performers. In remote settlements, evenings are more likely to centre on community facilities, private gatherings or accommodation dining than on nightclubs. Aurora viewing, winter festivals, live music and arts events can be more distinctive ways to spend an evening than bar-hopping. Check current arrangements locally, as opening patterns and entertainment schedules can change, particularly outside Yellowknife.

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Best nightclubs in Northwest Territories

Nightlife is concentrated in Yellowknife, where the evening scene includes pubs, hotel bars, casual restaurants, live music, karaoke and occasional cultural or performance events. The city's mining and northern working heritage gives some venues an informal local character, but it does not operate like a large Canadian metropolitan nightlife district. Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik offer a smaller selection of pubs, lounges and community-oriented evening venues, with activity often shaped by local events, season and touring performers. In remote settlements, evenings are more likely to centre on community facilities, private gatherings or accommodation dining than on nightclubs. Aurora viewing, winter festivals, live music and arts events can be more distinctive ways to spend an evening than bar-hopping. Check current arrangements locally, as opening patterns and entertainment schedules can change, particularly outside Yellowknife.

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Best shops in Northwest Territories

Shopping in the Northwest Territories is strongest in Yellowknife, where visitors find independent galleries, craft outlets, bookshops, outdoor retailers and stores selling northern food products, clothing and practical equipment. Indigenous-made art is an important purchase, including beadwork, carving, sewn goods, prints and other work; look for clear information about the artist, community and materials rather than assuming that any object marketed as northern is locally made. Yellowknife's Old Town and central areas have the greatest concentration of visitor-oriented retail, while Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik provide more modest local shopping and supplies. Inuvik is a useful place to look for western Arctic arts and crafts, though stock varies and remote communities may have limited retail hours. Regional food products can include preserved fish, berry goods and locally produced items when available. Because distances are large and commercial choice is limited outside main centres, buy specialist outdoor supplies, fuel and essential provisions before leaving a major hub.

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Northwest Territories essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), as throughout Canada. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in Yellowknife and other larger communities, but connectivity and terminals can be less dependable in remote locations. Carry Canadian cash for small purchases, community stores, local transport and unexpected interruptions, especially on road journeys and in the Arctic. Foreign currency exchange is limited outside major centres, and international visitors should tell their bank about northern travel because some transactions may appear in small or remote communities.
Safety
The main risks are environmental and logistical rather than unusual urban hazards. In remote country, cold, heat, forest fires, insects, wildlife, changing weather, thin ice and limited communications require serious preparation. Do not approach wildlife, travel alone into unfamiliar backcountry or rely solely on a mobile phone. On long highways, carry water, food, warm clothing, a spare tyre and emergency supplies, and refuel whenever practical. Boaters and paddlers need suitable equipment and local knowledge; in winter, use only routes and ice conditions confirmed by experienced local authorities or guides.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 where the service is available for police, fire or ambulance emergencies; Canada-wide arrangements apply in the Northwest Territories, although remote communities and backcountry areas may have different response times and communications. In the wilderness, contact a trip operator, park authority or local emergency service before departure to establish an emergency plan. Satellite communication or a personal locator beacon is prudent for remote travel, as mobile coverage is intermittent or absent. For urgent incidents on navigable waters, marine emergency procedures and the Canadian Coast Guard may be relevant.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect Indigenous community protocols, private land, hunting and harvesting areas, and instructions at cultural or religious sites. Ask before taking photographs of people, ceremonies, artworks or homes, and purchase Indigenous art with clear artist attribution. Do follow fire restrictions, pack out waste and keep well away from wildlife. Do not assume that access to a remote place is public simply because it appears on a map, and do not treat northern communities as scenery or cultural displays. Tipping and general Canadian public etiquette apply, while dress should be practical and respectful rather than shaped by stereotypes about the North.
Local Tips
Yellowknife is the easiest base for first-time visitors, but the territory's character changes substantially in the South Slave, Mackenzie Valley and Arctic coast. Allow buffer days for flights and weather when arranging remote excursions. In summer, daylight can remain extensive and insects are most noticeable; in winter, short days and extreme cold affect transport, equipment and outdoor plans. Local museums, visitor centres and Indigenous cultural organisations can provide better context than treating the territory solely as an aurora or wilderness destination.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloT’áá shí éí[Tah shih ay]
GoodbyeHágoónee’[Hah-goo-nee]
YesAoo[Ah-oo]
NoDííjį́[Dee-jee]
Please/You’re welcomeAhéhee’[Ah-hay-hee]
Thank youAhéhee’[Ah-hay-hee]
Excuse me/SorryT’áá shí éí doo yá’át’éeh[Tah shee eh doo yah-tay]
How are you?Nihíji’ shikaadéé?[Nih-ee-hee shee-kah-day]
Fine. And you?Ayóó anííníshní[Ah-yoh ah-nee-nee-shnee]
Do you speak English?T’áá shí éí naashá?[Tah shee eh nah-shah]
I don’t understandDííjį́ t’áá shikaadéé[Dee-jee tah shee-kah-day]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to see the menu, pleaseDóó biniiyéé’ nishááh, ahéhee’[Doh bih-nee-yeh nish-ah ah-hay-hee]
I don’t eat meatDííjį́ dóó ts’íiyisí[Dee-jee doh tsee-yee-see]
Cheers!Hágoónee’[Hah-goo-nee]
I would like to pay, pleaseDóó t’áá shí éí doo naníít’éé’, ahéhee’[Doh tah shee eh doo nah-nee-tay ah-hay-hee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!T’áá shí éí nishłį́į́’![Tah shee eh nish-lin]
Go away!T’áá shí éí doo yá’át’éeh![Tah shee eh doo yah-tay]
Call the Police!T’áá shí éí naaltsoos nishłį́į́’![Tah shee eh nahl-tsoos nish-lin]
Call a doctor!T’áá shí éí biniiyéé’ nishłį́į́’![Tah shee eh bih-nee-yeh nish-lin]
I’m lostDííjį́ t’áá shikaadéé[Dee-jee tah shee-kah-day]
I’m illDííjį́ t’áá shikaadéé[Dee-jee tah shee-kah-day]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to buy...Dóó t’áá shí éí yá’át’éeh...[Doh tah shee eh yah-tay]
I’m just lookingDóó yá’át’éeh[Doh yah-tay]
How much is it?Dóó háshne’?[Doh hah-shnay]
That’s too expensiveDóó shikaadéé t’áá háshne’[Doh shee-kah-day tah hah-shnay]
Can you lower the price?T’áá shí éí doo yá’át’éeh t’áá háshne’?[Tah shee eh doo yah-tay tah hah-shnay]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?T’áá shí éí nits’ííd?[Tah shee eh nit-see-id]
It’s one o’clockT’áá shí éí nits’ííd dį́į́’[Tah shee eh nit-see-id din]
Half past (10)Dóó dį́į́’ yá’át’éeh[Doh din yah-tay]
MorningDííjį́[Dee-jee]
AfternoonNihíji’[Nih-ee-hee]
EveningT’áá shí éí nihíji’[Tah shee eh nih-ee-hee]
YesterdayT’áá shí éí naashá[Tah shee eh nah-shah]
TodayT’áá shí éí[Tah shee eh]
TomorrowT’áá shí éí naashá[Tah shee eh nah-shah]
1T’áá’í[Tah-ee]
2Naaki[Nah-kee]
3T’áá’í naaki[Tah-ee nah-kee]
4Doo naaki[Doh nah-kee]
5Naak’eh[Nah-kay]
6T’áá’í naak’eh[Tah-ee nah-kay]
7Naaki naak’eh[Nah-kee nah-kay]
8Doo naak’eh[Doh nah-kay]
9T’áá’í doo naak’eh[Tah-ee doh nah-kay]
10Doo naaki[Doh nah-kee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Nihíji’ t’áá shí éí...?[Nih-ee-hee tah shee eh]
What’s the address?Nihíji’ t’áá shí éí biniiyéé’?[Nih-ee-hee tah shee eh bih-nee-yeh]
Can you show me (on the map)?T’áá shí éí doo yá’át’éeh (t’áá biniiyéé’)?[Tah shee eh doo yah-tay tah bih-nee-yeh]
When's the next (bus)?T’áá shí éí doo yá’át’éeh t’áá biniiyéé’?[Tah shee eh doo yah-tay tah bih-nee-yeh]
A ticket (to ....)Dóó biniiyéé’ (do...)[Doh bih-nee-yeh do]

History of Northwest Territories

Indigenous Nations and Ancient Land Use

The Northwest Territories have been occupied and travelled by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Dene communities developed extensive knowledge of the boreal forest, rivers and lakes, while Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and other western and northern peoples adapted to coastal, riverine and tundra environments. Tłı̨chǫ, Sahtu, Dehcho, Akaitcho and other Dene regions retain distinct histories, languages and political identities. Seasonal movement, harvesting, trade and storytelling shaped relationships with the land long before European arrival, and Indigenous governments remain central to contemporary governance, conservation and cultural life.

Fur Trade and the Mackenzie River, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries

European commercial expansion brought new trading networks into the Mackenzie basin and the western Arctic. The North West Company and later the Hudson's Bay Company established posts and routes that depended heavily on Indigenous knowledge, guides and trading relationships. Forts and transportation corridors connected the interior with the Arctic coast, although the trade also introduced disease, economic pressures and changing political relationships. The Mackenzie River became both a practical route and a defining geographical axis, a role it continues to play in regional transport and identity.

Treaties, Administration and Mission Settlements

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Canadian state administration expanded through treaty-making, the establishment of missions, mounted police posts and government services. Treaties including Treaty 8 and Treaty 11 affected large parts of the present territory, while the Inuvialuit Final Agreement later addressed land and political rights in the western Arctic. Mission schools and residential schools caused profound disruption to Indigenous families, languages and cultures. Their legacy remains an important part of the territory's public history and of ongoing reconciliation.

Territorial Formation and Northern Government

The Northwest Territories entered Confederation-era Canadian administration in 1870, when Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory were transferred to Canada. Its boundaries and governance changed repeatedly as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut were created or reorganised. Yellowknife became the territorial capital in 1967, reflecting the growing importance of the western interior and its mining economy. Modern territorial government operates alongside Indigenous governments and land-claim bodies, producing a particularly complex political landscape.

Gold Mining and Yellowknife's Rise

Gold discoveries near the north shore of Great Slave Lake in the 1930s transformed Yellowknife from a small northern settlement into the territory's principal urban centre. Mining drew workers, businesses and transport links, while the wartime and post-war periods accelerated infrastructure and population growth. The city's distinctive rocky streetscapes, former mine workings and mining heritage reflect this era. Gold remained a major economic force for decades, although its dominance later declined as the territory diversified into diamonds, government services, tourism and other resource industries.

Diamonds, Devolution and Contemporary Northern Identity

The opening of diamond mines north of Yellowknife in the 1990s created a major new industry and placed the territory within global mineral markets. In 1999, Nunavut was created from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories, marking one of Canada's most significant territorial changes. The subsequent transfer of several land and resource responsibilities to the territorial government, alongside Indigenous self-government agreements, strengthened local decision-making. Today the Northwest Territories combine resource development, Indigenous governance, conservation, tourism and the practical challenges of climate change.

Northwest Territories in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Northwest Territories

Discover the best of Northwest Territories with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Explore the breathtaking Northwest Territories with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide offering detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • History of Northwest Territories and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the magnificent Northwest Territories, Canada. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, our app offers everything you need to make the most of your trip. From the stunning Aurora Borealis at Yellowknife to the rugged beauty of Nahanni National Park Reserve, Evendo provides detailed information about all must-see attractions.

Dive into the local culture with curated tips and recommendations for top-rated restaurants like Bullocks' Bistro and The Wildcat Cafe. Discover hidden gems and landmarks such as the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and the Legislative Assembly Building. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

Our app features comprehensive descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making planning and navigation a breeze. Whether you're looking for vibrant nightlife, unique shopping experiences, or immersive tours, Evendo has got you covered. Plus, our 'Near Me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions, no matter where you are in the Northwest Territories.

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