Northwest Territories: Immersion in the Heart of Canada’s Far North

6/4/2026

Dechenla Lodge, Mackenzie Mountains, Photo Credit: J. F. Bergeron/NWT Tourism

Northwest Territories: an extreme and fascinating destination

Few destinations embody the spirit of Canada’s Far North as powerfully as the Northwest Territories. This vast wilderness—covering more than 1.3 million km² and home to only around 41,000 people—offers a rare experience far from mass tourism.

Located between Yukon and Nunavut, the NWT showcase breathtaking landscapes: endless tundra, boreal forests, massive lakes, and rugged mountains.

👉 At O‑Nord, we like to say: this is where real adventure begins.

Why visit the Northwest Territories?

🌌 Witness some of the world’s most spectacular Northern Lights

The Northwest Territories—especially Yellowknife—are among the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights.

Thanks to clear skies and minimal light pollution, viewing conditions are exceptional from August to April.

🌲 Explore raw, untouched wilderness

Here, nature reigns supreme. The region is famous for its preserved landscapes:

Great Slave Lake, one of the largest in the world
Arctic tundra in the north
wild rivers and boreal forests

A total immersion in an environment that remains largely untouched.

🧭 Experience off-the-beaten-path travel

The NWT attract travelers seeking meaning and authenticity:

few roads
vast distances
genuine human connections

It’s a destination for those looking for silence, freedom, and disconnection.

What to do in the Northwest Territories?

1. Watch the Northern Lights in Yellowknife

This is undoubtedly the most iconic experience in Northern Canada. The dancing lights illuminate the sky multiple nights per week during winter.

2. Explore Nahanni National Park (UNESCO)

Nahanni National Park is a natural gem featuring:

dramatic canyons
a wild river
Virginia Falls, twice the height of Niagara Falls

A true paradise for canoeing and expedition enthusiasts.

3. Drive the Dempster Highway

The legendary Dempster Highway cuts through the Far North all the way to the Arctic Ocean—an unforgettable road trip for adventure seekers.

4. Enjoy year-round outdoor activities

Depending on the season, the territory offers:

hiking and kayaking in summer
snowmobiling and dog sledding in winter
wildlife watching (bears, caribou)

Yellowknife: capital of the Northern Lights

Located on the shores of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife is the gateway to the Northwest Territories.

Authentic and human-sized, the city blends modern life with northern traditions.

📍 Don’t miss:

Old Town and its colorful houses
Ingraham Trail for Northern Lights viewing
local museums and culture

A vibrant Indigenous culture

Traveling in the NWT also means discovering ancient cultures. Indigenous peoples, including the Dene and Inuvialuit, continue to preserve their traditions and deep connection to nature.

👉 At O‑Nord, this is essential: traveling here is also about learning.

When to visit the Northwest Territories?

The climate is extreme but fascinating: