Discover Northwest Territories
Connect with the Land
Explore Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories (NWT) is an immense and magnificent land, a realm of epic natural wonders, ancient Indigenous cultures, and a true frontier spirit. Situated above the 60th parallel, it is a destination defined by its colossal lakes, the mighty Mackenzie River, vast tundra, towering mountains, and the world’s most reliable viewing of the Aurora Borealis. A journey to the NWT is an immersion into a landscape where the forces of nature are on spectacular display.
Geographically, the NWT is a land of extremes and majesty. It is home to Great Slave Lake, the deepest lake in North America, and Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, which protects the world’s largest free-roaming bison herd. The territory is crossed by the Arctic Circle and features the legendary Mackenzie River system, the longest in Canada. From the jagged peaks of the Mackenzie Mountains in the west, home to the spectacular Virginia Falls in Nahanni National Park Reserve, to the geological wonders of the Pingos near the Arctic Ocean, the geography itself is an adventure.
Culturally, the Northwest Territories is a vibrant tapestry of Indigenous heritage. The land is the ancestral home of the Dene and the Inuvialuit peoples, whose traditions and languages are woven into the fabric of the territory. The NWT recognizes 11 official languages, a testament to its cultural diversity. Visitors have unique opportunities to engage with authentic Indigenous experiences, from sharing traditional foods like bannock and moose stew, to hearing ancient stories and legends, especially under the glow of the Northern Lights.
Seasonal experiences are unparalleled. In winter, the capital city of Yellowknife becomes the "Aurora Capital of North America," providing a front-row seat to the dazzling light show for up to 240 nights a year. Winter also brings dog sledding, snowmobiling, and driving the famous Ice Roads. Summer, however, is a world away, offering the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets, allowing for 24 hours of fishing, paddling, hiking, and exploring the wilderness.
Culinary experiences reflect the North's bounty, featuring fresh lake trout and whitefish from Great Slave Lake, northern game, and a growing local food scene in Yellowknife that blends traditional ingredients with modern flair.
Altogether, the Northwest Territories offers a journey far beyond the ordinary—an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Canadian Arctic, where the scale of nature and the warmth of Northern hospitality are a true marvel.
Discover
The Epic Wonders of Canada’s True North
Ready for an adventure that will change your perspective? We invite you to discover the magic of the Northwest Territories through thoughtfully curated journeys. With our deep understanding of this complex and spectacular landscape, we craft personalized itineraries that immerse you in the brilliance of the Aurora Borealis, the majesty of the national parks, and the rich, living cultures of the North. If you seek an authentic Indigenous experience, a thrilling Arctic expedition, or the tranquil beauty of the Midnight Sun, let Anderson Vacations be your guide to a truly transformative NWT experience.
Aurora Borealis Viewing (Yellowknife)
Known as the "Aurora Capital," Yellowknife offers exceptional opportunities to view the Northern Lights from late August to early April. Experience the light show from custom-built viewing areas, including heated teepees or cozy cabin bases.
Nahanni National Park Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remote park is a wilderness dream. See the awe-inspiring Virginia Falls (twice the height of Niagara Falls) and raft or paddle through deep, stunning canyons of the South Nahanni River.
Wood Buffalo National Park
Canada’s largest national park, this immense wilderness protects the world's largest free-roaming herd of bison, the nesting grounds of the endangered whooping crane, and the unique Salt Plains. It is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve.
Indigenous Cultural Experiences
Engage with the rich heritage of the Dene and Inuvialuit peoples. This includes traditional drum dances, sharing authentic stories from an Elder, hands-on arts and crafts workshops, and tasting Northern specialties.
Great Slave Lake
The deepest lake in North America, this vast body of water is a major hub for fishing (especially trophy lake trout) in both summer and winter. It borders Yellowknife and features houseboating, sailing, and ice-fishing adventures.
The Dempster Highway & Tuktoyaktuk
A bucket-list road trip that extends all the way to the Arctic Ocean, ending in the Inuvialuit community of Tuktoyaktuk, where you can see the unique geological formations known as Pingos.
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ILRA Tour Code:
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Inuit Lands and the Road to the Arctic
availability
Jun, Jul, Sep
Jun, Jul, Sep
Places Visited
Dawson City, Inuvik, Whitehorse
BestSeller
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YABV Tour Code:
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5 Day Yellowknife Aurora Borealis Viewing
availability
Jan, Mar
Jan, Mar
Places Visited
Yellowknife
BestSeller
Call for pricing
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YASU Tour Code:
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5ABYS Tour Code:
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Aurora & Indigenous Culture: 5-Day Spring Journey in Yellowknife
availability
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Places Visited
Yellowknife
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5YKAB Tour Code:
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5-Day Yellowknife Aurora Borealis Viewing Winter
availability
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Places Visited
Yellowknife
Days
5YSAB Tour Code:
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5-Day Yellowknife Late Summer Aurora Borealis Viewing
availability
Aug, Sep, Oct
Aug, Sep, Oct
Places Visited
Yellowknife
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7TAA Tour Code:
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ILRE Tour Code:
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Inuit Lands and the Road to the Arctic with Skagway
availability
Jun, Jul, Aug
Jun, Jul, Aug
Places Visited
Dawson City, Inuvik, Southern Lakes, Whitehorse
Travel Inspiration
Read our Travel Blog about The Northwest Territories
What You Will Receive
Explore our vision of travel and the adventures it can bring!
Tailored Adventures
Enjoy the flexibility to design your own itinerary and make spontaneous changes as you go.
Expert Planning
With their deep local expertise, our Destination Experts personalize every experience to fit your preferences, ensuring you make the most of your time
Unmatched Support
Our renowned Client Experience team is available 24/7 to ensure every aspect of your trip goes smoothly and exceeds expectations.
We love your travel style
Whether you want to explore a destination in a group or independently, dive into local culture, or discover a world-class city, We have the perfect Travel Style for you
Real Experience
Real Feedback
Authentic travel stories from our guests, sharing their unforgettable journeys with us.
You are a first-class company that has your clients best interest at heart. I really can't wait for the trip I am sure it will be spectacular.
Sue M
Our trip back East was truly amazing and we want to thank you for making it possible to have such a stress free holiday. Everything turned out perfectly. We enjoyed the variety and the different modes of travel and tours. All in all it was a trip of a life time and one that we will not forget.
Beth B
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The Rockies are spectacular. Thank you for putting it all together.
Mary O
Just a quick note to thank you for planning my trip to Saskatchewan. I enjoyed my stay there, beautiful province. The hotel locations were perfect, made going around easy :-)
Emefa A
My clients returned from their tour and said it was great. Outstanding actually.
Norma W
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Vasil. He is incredibly patient with my changes and put together the most amazing itinerary.
J Revesz
We had a really great time! The group of 8 was the perfect size. Our tour leader did a stellar job of engaging the group and working behind the scenes to ensure we had a wonderful trip. We dog sledded, snowmobiled and at the end of the night witnessed a dramatic Aurora show dancing across the sky while parked on the frozen lake. It was unreal. Meals were all fantastic as well. The winter clothing package was a must. We will definitively return to Yellowknife, a great winter destination.
Lisa D
Would go on another trip (with Anderson Vacations) any day.
Camile J
This is the second Canadian tour we have done with Anderson and both have been an experience we will never forget.
M Thomas
I love everything Anderson Vacations does and stands for. I am a travel professional in Vancouver. Anderson Vacations assists me by creating amazing custom journeys for my clients. The service is heads above and beyond their competitors. Yesterday Darcie Guarderas our Business Development Manager hosted an educational and fun seminar for her agency partners. With a true passion and customer focus with a lot of humour Darcie led us on a magical trip to Vancouver Island. From academy work at home desk in Vancouver I felt I was having tea at the Empress, I saw the amazing totem poles in Duncan and I visited Chemainus an Coombes. I lived on the island between 1979 and 1985 and I felt that I had gone home again. Thank you so much. It made my whole week.
Philip Beck
The tour was wonderful, and our guides were top notch!!
Debbie
Just want to say I enjoyed all aspects of the tour - to me everything was excellent ............. tour guides (yourselves), hotel (loved it), food (so good), and sightseeing tours (entertaining and informative). I was so impressed with the winter clothing gear - never felt cold at any time other than when I had to take the gloves off sometimes to use the camera. This trip was number 1 on my bucket list so will enjoy the memories!
Marita
The Yellowknife trip was great – the food – your tour guides – the tours – the display of northern lights and Yellowknife itself was just wonderful.
Jeanne D
ABOUT TRAVELLING TO THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Aurora Borealis is visible from mid-August to early October (Fall Aurora) and from late-November to early April (Winter Aurora). Yellowknife is often considered the best place on Earth to view them due to its location under the Aurora oval.
The Midnight Sun (24 hours of daylight) occurs from approximately late May to mid-July in communities above the Arctic Circle, such as Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, allowing for round-the-clock activities.
Layering is key. Essential items include a parka, thermal base layers, waterproof outer layers, insulated boots, thick gloves/mitts, and a warm hat. Many tour operators provide extreme-weather gear for Aurora viewing.
Yellowknife is accessible by daily jet service from major Canadian cities. Within the territory, air travel is essential for reaching remote communities. For road trips, there is a highway network, but checking highway conditions (especially in winter) is crucial.
Yes, tap water in most communities, including Yellowknife, is safe to drink.
Yes, generally goods and products are significantly more expensive in the Northwest Territories (NWT) than in southern Canada, especially in smaller, remote communities. Perishable goods and alcohol tend to be particularly costly. For example, dining out can be significantly more expensive.
The Northwest Territories does not have a Territorial Sales Tax (PST).
The only sales tax collected is the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 5% on most goods and services.
This makes the total sales tax rate lower than in many Canadian provinces that charge both GST and PST or a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
The only sales tax collected is the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 5% on most goods and services.
This makes the total sales tax rate lower than in many Canadian provinces that charge both GST and PST or a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
The NWT is famous for its wildlife, including bison, caribou, muskoxen, moose, wolves, polar bears (in the far north), and various species of seals and whales.
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