Travelling to the Northwest Territories

Travelling to the Northwest Territories requires a great deal of planning. Tourists need to prepare for the harsh geography and climate, but the natural rewards are worth the effort. Although the land is mostly barren, there are mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and wildlife to be seen.

When to Go
Winters in the Northwest Territories are long and cold and are not recommended for visiting. The short summers are warm in the South, and daylight can last up to twenty hours in the summer months.

Where to Go
Major Attractions: Yellowknife, Nahanni National Park

Yellowknife is the capital of the Territories and is essentially a government town. Gold was first discovered here in 1898, and Europeans became interested in visiting the city in the mid-1900s. While Yellowknife should mainly be used as a base for camping and fishing expeditions, some in-town sites are worth visiting. These include:

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre – This museum provides an introduction to the Northwest Territories through dioramic displays.

Fred Henne Territorial Park – Long Lake Beach and Prospector’s Trail in this park are beautiful attractions.

Bush Pilot’s Monument – An excellent view of the town is available from this point.

Nahanni National Park – The wilderness of this park is a major draw. Canoeing on the South Nahanni River is certainly the main attraction, but Virginia Falls and the sulphur hot springs at Rabbit Kettle and Wildmint are also appealing.

The Northwest Territories provide prime location for viewing the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. The best time to see this celestial phenomenon is during the Fall and Winter. The aurora borealis are created by solar winds flowing through the earth’s magnetic field in the Polar Regions. The lights take on many forms and generally glow green or pink. At times, however, they flare up in magnificent yellows and reds.

Other Highlights when Travelling to the Northwest Territories Include:

• Mackenzie River Valley
• Wood Buffalo National Park

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