Tourist Attractions in the Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories cover a large area of Canada north of the 60th parallel that is so close to the North Pole that it is almost called the “Polar Region.” They are almost six times the size of the United Kingdom. This region is characterized by its towering mountains, mighty rivers, and treeless tundra. It is a challenging environment, but it will leave you with a lasting impact when you go. This large territory goes from the Mackenzie Mountains in the west to the tundra in the east (and the 1999-made border with Nunavut Territory).

During the region’s brief summer, which lasts just a few weeks, plants, animals, and people maximize every warm day. This drive to do as much as possible in the shortest amount of time is facilitated by the fact that the sun hardly sets. It is known as the “country of the midnight sun” because of the region’s extraordinarily long days. In contrast, winter is characterized by the so-called polar night, in which it is almost always dark. Winter temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius have been reported in almost every part of the region for days or even weeks.

Nahanni National Park Reserve
The Nahanni National Park Reserve is situated in a remote region of the Northwest Territories and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and interesting outdoor recreation destinations in the Northwest Territories. Experienced canoeists and rafters will find this portion of the Nahanni River, renowned for its rapids and stunning canyon scenery, to be extremely challenging. The South Nahanni River drops over a 90-meter-high rock, making the Virginia Falls one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada. The Rabbitkettle Hot Springs, which are home to a variety of plants and offer sustenance to the surrounding region, is an additional site of interest in this vast national park. Even though it would be tempting to swim in the hot springs, guests are only allowed to view this breathtaking natural feature as part of a guided tour due to its fragile nature.

Wood Buffalo National Park
Wood Buffalo National Park is the biggest park in Canada and the second-largest park in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises significant portions of both the province of Alberta and the territory of the Northwest Territories. Even while the park’s primary goal was to protect the permanent herds of wood buffalo, it has also served as a refuge for other significant species, such as the very rare whooping cranes that nest in the delta area. This is because the park is a designated wildlife sanctuary. Fort Smith, a historic fur trading post, serves as the beginning point for several park tours. Bison are often seen by park visitors along a neighboring road.

Yellowknife
Yellowknife, the current capital of the Northwest Territories, was founded in the 1930s, during a gold rush in the region. Old Town is now comprised of wooden historical structures, artistic and cultural organizations such as the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, and a thriving community life supported by the mining sector. Houseboating and boat trips are among the most popular activities on Great Slave Lake. Other activities and attractions include visiting the Bush Pilots Monument at Hidden Lake Territorial Park, which is home to breathtaking waterfalls, and art galleries showcasing the work of local artists. If you are in this region during the winter, your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are greater than ever. The Snow King Festival, with its enormous snow castle, is an additional event not to be missed. You should not be hesitant to participate in the March festivities in your town.

Great Slave Lake
Great Slave Lake is the sixth biggest lake in North America and has a depth of over 600 meters. Although it is frozen for eight months of the year, there is a great deal of activity there. Houseboaters and sailors enjoy the freshwater in the summer. In reality, the lake hosts the world’s longest freshwater sailing contest, the Commissioner’s Cup. If you like fishing, don’t miss the chance to test your talents against one of the famous 40-pound-plus big trout that hide below the water’s surface. Bring your vessel and take your chances, or hire a charter to guarantee victory. In the winter, dog sledders compete on the ice. Along the lake are several important Northwest Territories towns, such as Yellowknife, Fort Providence, and Hay River.