Visitors to Canada may need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Check entry requirements based on your nationality.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

Mid-August to April offers dark skies, with peak activity around the equinoxes (September and March).

How cold does it get in winter?

Temperatures frequently drop to -30°C/-22°F or lower; wind chill can make it feel even colder.

Are there mosquitoes in summer?

Yes, blackflies and mosquitoes can be intense from June to August; head nets and repellent are essential.

Can I drive to the Northwest Territories?

All-season highways connect Alberta to NWT (e.g., Highway 1 to Yellowknife), but many roads are gravel. Winter ice roads open temporary routes.

What currency is used?

Canadian dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards widely accepted, but carry cash for remote communities.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Yes, but solo travellers should be well-prepared for isolation and inform others of their itinerary.

What wildlife can I see?

Bison, caribou, moose, bears (black, grizzly, polar near the coast), wolves, and numerous bird species.

Are there ATMs or banks?

Banks and ATMs are present in Yellowknife and larger towns; remote communities may have limited services.

Layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, sturdy boots, insect protection, and winter gear if visiting November–April.

Yes, English is the primary language. Indigenous languages are also spoken.

Can I see the Northern Lights?

Yes, best from November to April in clear, dark skies. Yellowknife is a top spot.

Yes, black and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and follow safety guidelines.

Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water in towns is safe. In backcountry, treat or boil water.

Not necessary in Yellowknife, but essential for exploring beyond. Rentals available.

What is the internet like?

Good in Yellowknife, limited in remote areas. Satellite internet is slow.

Crown land allows free camping, but respect private property and fire bans.

Are there mosquitoes?

Yes, especially in summer. Bring strong repellent and head nets.

What is the time zone?

Mountain Time (MST/MDT). No daylight saving in some areas.

Northwest Territories

Canada, North America

Northwest Territories is a STATE in Canada, North America.

The Northwest Territories is a land of untamed wilderness, where the aurora borealis dances across vast, star-filled skies, and ancient Indigenous cultures thrive. From the dynamic capital of Yellowknife—the North’s gateway—to the remote communities of the Mackenzie Delta, this northern frontier offers unparalleled adventure. Paddle the legendary Nahanni River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or witness the midnight sun shimmer over Great Slave Lake, North America’s deepest. In winter, dog sled across frozen lakes and experience the magic of the Snowking Winter Festival. Summer brings endless daylight, perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting, including herds of bison and elusive caribou. The territory’s true treasure is its people: Dene, Inuvialuit, and Métis guides share centuries-old stories and traditions, from drum dances to authentic crafts. While remote and rugged, the Northwest Territories rewards intrepid travellers with raw beauty and a profound sense of space—a place where you can truly disconnect and reconnect with nature’s rhythms.

Best time to visit Northwest Territories

The ideal time depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) offers the midnight sun, mild temperatures, and prime conditions for hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Autumn (September to early October) is quieter with vibrant tundra colors and the return of dark skies, making it a sweet spot for aurora chasing without extreme cold. Winter (December to March) is the season for spectacular northern lights, dog sledding, and ice festivals, but temperatures often plunge below -30°C. Spring break-up (April-May) is least recommended due to mud and limited activities.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cold -5°C to 5°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Moderate

Dark skies return; good northern lights; first snow.

Know before you go

Getting there

YZF

Yellowknife Airport

Domestic

0 km away

YVQ

Norman Wells Airport

Domestic

650 km away

YEV

Inuvik (Mike Zubko) Airport

Domestic

1100 km away

YHY

Hay River / Merlyn Carter Airport

Domestic

200 km away

YFS

Fort Simpson Airport

Regional

0 km away

YSM

Fort Smith Airport

Regional

3 km away

YUX

Inuvik (Mike Zubko) Airport

Regional

10 km away

Getting around

"Flights are the lifeblood of the territory; Canadian North and Air Tindi connect communities, with Yellowknife as the hub. In Yellowknife, rental cars and taxis are available, and a local bus service covers the city. Outside the capital, road access is limited—the Dempster Highway reaches Inuvik year-round, while winter ice roads open temporary routes to remote communities. No passenger rail service exists. For backcountry exploration, bush planes and boat charters are common. Always check road conditions and have a spare tire."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public buildings in Yellowknife; limited elsewhere

Local SIM

Local SIM card available at Yellowknife Airport and retail stores, starting from $10 CAD

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Main risks are extreme weather and wildlife encounters; urban crime is very low.

Night safety

8/10

Main risks are extreme weather and wildlife encounters; urban crime is very low.

Transport

7/10

Scam risk

9/10

"The NWT is very safe with low crime rates, but outdoor hazards demand caution. Extreme cold in winter can cause frostbite within minutes—dress in layers and carry survival gear. Wildlife encounters, especially with bears, require bear-safe practices; carry bear spray and know how to use it. Always inform someone of your travel plans when venturing into the backcountry. Road conditions can be treacherous; many highways are gravel, and winter ice roads have weight and speed restrictions. Cell coverage is spotty outside communities, so a satellite communication device is recommended for remote adventures."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities are limited and concentrated in Yellowknife and a few larger communities. Evacuation to southern Canada may be necessary for serious conditions. Travel health insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is essential. Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications. In summer, insect repellent is vital due to blackflies and mosquitoes. Tap water is safe to drink."

Culture

Local customs

"Respect for Indigenous cultures is paramount. Ask permission before photographing people or their property. When visiting First Nations or Inuvialuit communities, modest dress is appreciated. Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, a common custom. Alcohol restrictions exist in some communities; always check local regulations. Participate in community events like drum dances and hand games with humility. Tipping is customary in restaurants (15–20%)."

English (official)French (official)ChinesePunjabiSpanishItalianGermanTagalogArabicIndigenous languagesEnglishFrench

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a cheap local meal costs around $15-25 CAD

Hotels

$100-200 | budget hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$2.50 | local bus ride ~$2.50

Cost notes

Flights between communities are expensive; remote lodges and activities can push costs to luxury range.

Timezone

America/Edmonton
Local time 09:42

More facts

Population

45,000

ISO code

CA-13

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Cultellus Flavus, Elaunajf, Ellounajf, Geloounaif, Jehllounajf, Jellounajf, Jelonajfo, Jelounaifa, Jelounaifas, Jelounajf, YZF, Yellounayf, Yellowknife, huang dao zhen, ielounaipi, ieronaifu, iyelona'ipha, yailona'ipha, ye luo na fu, yellonaipeu, yelona'ipha, yelonaihp, ylw nayf, ylwknyfے, ylwnayf, ylwnyyp, Γελοουνάιφ, Єллоунайф, Јелоунајф, Елаўнайф, Йеллоунайф, Йелоунайф, Йэллоунайф, ילונייף, يلو نايف, يلونايف, یلونایف, یلوکنیفے, येलोनाइफ, ইয়েলোনাইফ, ਯੈਲੋਨਾਈਫ, யெலோனைஃப், იელოუნაიფი, イエローナイフ, 耶罗纳夫, 黃刀鎮, 옐로나이프, Noordwestelike gebiede, الأقاليم الشمالية الغربية, Şimal-Qərb əraziləri, Паўночна-Заходнія тэрыторыі, Северозападни територии, Tiriadoù ar Gwalarn, Sjeverozapadne teritorije, Territoris del Nord-oest, Severozápadní teritoria, Tiriogaethau'r Gogledd-orllewin, Nordwest-Territorien, Βορειοδυτικά Εδάφη, Nordokcidentaj Teritorioj, Territorios del Noroeste, Loodealad, Ipar-mendebaldeko Lurraldeak, قلمروهای شمال غرب, Luoteisterritoriot, Territoires du Nord-Ouest, Noardwestlike Territoaria, Críocha an Iarthuaiscirt, Roinnean an Iar-thuath, Territorios do Noroeste, Thallooyn yn Eear Hwoaie, הטריטוריות הצפון-מערביות, नॉर्थवेस्ट टेरीटरीज़, Sjeverozapadni teritoriji, Északnyugati területek, Հյուսիսարևմտյան տարածքներ, Wilayah Barat Laut, Norðvesturhéruðin, Territori del Nord-Ovest, ᓄᓇᑦᓯᐊᖅ, ノースウエスト準州, ჩრდილო-დასავლეთი ტერიტორიები, 노스웨스트 준주, Tiredhow an North-West, Territoria septentrio-occidentalia, Nordwest-Territoiren, Šiaurės Vakarų teritorijos, Ziemeļrietumu Teritorijas, Баруун Хойд Нутаг Дэвсгэр, नॉर्थवेस्ट टेरिटोरीज, Noordwest Territoria, Nordvestterritoria, Nordvestterritoriene, Territòris del Nòrd Oèst, Цæгат-Ныгуылæн территоритæ, ਉੱਤਰ-ਪੱਛਮੀ ਰਾਜਖੇਤਰ, Terytoria Północno-Zachodnie, Territórios do Noroeste, Teritoriile de Nordvest, Северо-Западные территории, Territòrios de su Norti-Uestu, Severozápadné teritóriá, Severozahodni teritoriji, Territoret Veri-Perëndimore, Северозападне територије, வடமேற்கு நிலப்பகுதிகள், นอร์ทเวสต์เทร์ริทอรีส์, Hilagang Kanlurang mga Nasasakupan, Kuzeybatı Toprakları, Gherbiy Shimal Rayoni, Північно-західні території, شمال مغربی علاقہ جات، کینیڈا, Shimoli-Gʻarbiy hududlar, Các Lãnh thổ Tây Bắc, נארדוועסט טעריטאריעס, 西北地区, ناوچەکانی باکووری ڕۆژاوا, CA-NT, N.W.T., T.N.-O., المناطق الشمالية, Šiaurės Vakarai, nunatsiaq, 西北地區

Capital CityMajor HubWildernessAurora BorealisIndigenous CultureHikingDog SleddingNational ParksRemote AdventureWildlife