What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories?

The Aurora Borealis is visible in the Northwest Territories from mid-August to early October (Fall Aurora) and from late November to early April (Winter Aurora). Yellowknife is widely considered one of the best places on Earth to view the Northern Lights, located directly under the Aurora oval with viewing opportunities for up to 240 nights per year.

When does the Midnight Sun occur in the Northwest Territories?

The Midnight Sun — 24 hours of continuous daylight — occurs from approximately late May to mid-July in communities above the Arctic Circle, such as Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. This allows for round-the-clock outdoor activities including fishing, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

What should I pack for a winter trip to the Northwest Territories?

Layering is essential for NWT winter travel. Key items include a quality parka, thermal base layers, waterproof outer layers, insulated boots, thick gloves or mitts, and a warm hat. Many Anderson Vacations winter tour packages include extreme-weather gear for Aurora viewing excursions.

How do I get to and around the Northwest Territories?

Yellowknife is accessible by daily jet service from major Canadian cities including Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. Within the territory, air travel is essential for reaching remote communities. For road trips, a highway network exists but checking road and highway conditions — especially in winter — is crucial before travel.

What taxes apply in the Northwest Territories?

The Northwest Territories does not have a Territorial Sales Tax (PST). The only sales tax collected is the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 5% on most goods and services. This makes the total sales tax lower than in many Canadian provinces that charge both GST and PST or a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Are goods and services expensive in the Northwest Territories?

Yes. Goods and products are generally significantly more expensive in the NWT than in southern Canada, particularly in smaller and remote communities. Perishable goods, alcohol, and dining out tend to be particularly costly. Anderson Vacations recommends budgeting accordingly and planning meals carefully.

What Indigenous cultural experiences are available in the Northwest Territories?

The NWT is the ancestral home of the Dene and Inuvialuit peoples and recognizes 11 official languages. Visitors can engage with authentic Indigenous experiences including traditional drum dances, Elder storytelling, hands-on arts and crafts workshops, and tasting Northern specialties such as bannock, moose stew, and fresh Great Slave Lake fish.

Northwest Territories Tours | Northern Lights, Yellowknife & NWT

Q: What wildlife can I see in the Northwest Territories?

The NWT is home to exceptional wildlife including bison (including the world's largest free-roaming herd in Wood Buffalo National Park), caribou, muskoxen, moose, wolves, Arctic fox, polar bears (in the far north), and various species of seals and whales along the Arctic coast. Bird species include the endangered whooping crane.

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.

VIEW ALL NORTHWEST TERRITORIES TRIPS

Travel Inspiration

Read our Travel Blog about The Northwest Territories

Why the Arctic Road Trip is Your Ultimate Summer Conquest in 2026?

The Golden Hour of the North: Late Summer in Yellowknife

The Ultimate Traveler's Guide to Experiencing the Northern Lights

View all Blogs

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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 in the Northwest Territories during two distinct seasons: Fall Aurora from mid-August to early October, and Winter Aurora from late November to early April. Yellowknife is widely recognized as the "Aurora Capital of North America," offering optimal viewing opportunities for up to 240 nights per year.

The Midnight Sun brings 24 hours of continuous daylight, occurring from approximately late May to mid-July in communities above the Arctic Circle like Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. It allows for round-the-clock outdoor activities such as fishing, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The NWT is home to exceptional northern wildlife, including the world's largest free-roaming wood bison herd (protected in Wood Buffalo National Park), caribou, muskoxen, moose, wolves, Arctic fox, polar bears in the far north, and various seals and whales along the Arctic coast.

As Canada's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site/Dark Sky Preserve, Wood Buffalo National Park protects the primary nesting grounds of the endangered whooping crane, vast boreal forest ecosystems, and the unique salt plains.

Nahanni National Park Reserve is a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the spectacular Virginia Falls (which drops twice the height of Niagara Falls) and deep, dramatic canyons carved by the South Nahanni River.

The Northwest Territories does not charge a Territorial Sales Tax (PST). The only sales tax applied is the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 5% on most goods and services, making overall tax rates lower than in provinces with combined tax structures.

Visitors can engage with the living heritage of the Dene and Inuvialuit peoples (who represent part of the territory's 11 official languages) through traditional drum dances, Elder storytelling, arts and crafts workshops, and tasting local northern specialties like bannock and fresh lake fish.

Yellowknife is accessible by daily jet service from major Canadian cities including Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. Because of the Northwest Territories' vast distances, air travel is essential for reaching many remote communities, while highways provide access to key road-trip destinations. Travellers should check current road and highway conditions, particularly during winter.

Essential packing items include thermal base layers, a high-quality winter parka, waterproof outer shells, insulated boots, thick gloves or mittens, and headwear. Many Anderson Vacations winter packages also provide specialized extreme-weather gear for nighttime excursions.

Yes. Adventurous travelers can journey along the famous Dempster Highway extending north into the NWT and terminating in the coastal Inuvialuit community of Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean, where unique geological landforms called Pingos can be explored.

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