Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories (NWT) are a land of striking contrasts – from Arctic to subarctic temperatures, untouched wilderness, and a scattering of city skyscrapers, to traditional igloos, stark tundra, dense forests, mesmerizing Northern Lights, and a wildlife population boasting bison, muskoxen, grizzlies, polar bears, and a caribou population that outnumbers the human residents! This extreme diversity, makes the NWT a very interesting destination. To best see the region, it is important to know the best times to visit.

NWT Average Temperature

The NWT span over 1.3 million square kilometers. Due to its immense size, the territory experiences significant climatic variations from south to north. The southern part of the territory has a subarctic climate, while the islands and the northern coast exhibit a polar climate. This difference in climate, means that the time of year that you visit, will have a massive effect on your trip.

Once rivers and lakes freeze, many NWT communities, otherwise accessible only by air, become reachable via ice roads. Between January and March, the approximately 1-meter-thick ice can even support trucks. The TV show “Ice Road Truckers” documents the adventurous experiences of these rugged long-haul drivers in Canada’s far north. The Tuktoyaktuk Road, until its closure in 2016/17, was one of the most famous ice roads. As an extension of the Dempster Highway, it was an ice road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk across the frozen Mackenzie River Delta channels and the Arctic Ocean. Today, a year-round road exists between these two towns. Tuktoyaktuk Winter Ice Road on the Mackenzie River, NWT | Image: © Ronne Heming / Tourism NWT

Summers in the north are short and cool, with daytime highs ranging from 14 to 17°C and lows from 1 to 5°C. Winters are long and harsh, with daytime highs of -20 to -25°C and lows of -30 to -35°C. On the coldest nights of the year, temperatures can plummet to -40 to -45°C. To best see the northern regions of the NWT, the short summer months are the best time to visit.

Nahanni National Park, spanning 30,000 square kilometers and located about 500 km west of Yellowknife, is accessible only by air or water. It boasts unique wilderness, the Mackenzie Mountains, spectacular canyons, and breathtaking waterfalls. Hiking, wildlife viewing, hot springs, and white-water rafting on the South Nahanni River are just a few of the activities that this pristine natural paradise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, offers its visitors. One of the most popular attractions is the 96-meter-high Virginia Falls. Nahanni National Park, Ram Plateau, NWT | Image: © Hans Pfaff / Tourism NWT

Extremes are common: summer highs in the south can sometimes reach up to 36°C, while lows can dip below 0°C. In winter, it’s not unusual for temperatures to reach -40°C, but they can also hover around -11 to -13°C during the day. In the north, temperatures can reach highs of 30°C and lows in the low negative digits. In winter, temperatures can plummet to -50°C, but daytime temperatures can also reach single-digit values. The time of year has a massive effect on the average temperatures, so this must be considered when planing a trip.

The NWT have a relatively dry climate due to the mountains in the west. Approximately half of the Northwest Territories lie above the tree line. In most eastern areas and on the northern islands, trees are scarce. The famous 742-kilometer-long Dempster Highway, a well-maintained gravel road through remote wilderness, begins 40 kilometers east of Dawson City in Yukon and ends in Inuvik, an Inuit community in the Northwest Territories, 325 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Dempster Highway, Tundra in early September, NWT. | Image: © Gerold Sigl / Tourism NWT

Thunderstorms are not uncommon in the south. In the north, they are very rare but do occur. Tornadoes are extremely rare. However, a particularly strong tornado once destroyed a communication tower just outside Yellowknife. The weather in the NWT is very diverse and can change rapidly.

Tulita, a small Dene mountain community near the Mackenzie Mountains, was founded as a trading post in 1869, then known as Fort Norman. Tulita means “where the waters meet,” as the Great Bear River flows into the Mackenzie River near the sacred 400-meter-high Bear Rock. The community, with about 500 residents, is the starting point for hikes in the Náátsih’ch’oh National Park Reserve. Tulita can be reached by plane from Norman Wells or via the winter ice road from Wrigley. Bear Rock, Tulita, Sahtu NWT | Image: © Angela Gzowski / Tourism NWT

The Northwest Territories enjoy mostly clear blue skies throughout the year. In fact, Yellowknife is Canada’s sunniest city in spring and summer. With all these clear days, it’s one of the best places in the world to experience the Northern Lights and the midnight sun. The clear sky’s make the NWT, a great place to see the aurora borealis.

A special attraction of the northern territories is the enchanting Northern Lights. From approximately December to April, the dancing auroras can be observed across the sky. This unforgettable natural spectacle often appears as a golden ribbon or greenish glow, creating a unique, warm, and almost spiritual atmosphere. Aurora Village, North Slave, NWT. | Image: © Adam Pisani / Tourism NWT

In the Northwest Territories, every season is surreal and unforgettable. Summer offers open water, camping, warm weather, and the magnificent midnight sun. Autumn brings vibrant colors in the mountains and abundant berry picking in the barren lands, as well as breathtaking Aurora Borealis sightings. When the crystal-clear winter sets in, the Northern Lights become even more striking, making the colder months the prime tourist season in the NWT. Finally, spring sees the sun return with force to the snow-covered land, making it the perfect time for snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice fishing, and skiing. Each season, offers very different experiences.

The Muskrat Jamboree, a popular festival in Inuvik, has been celebrating the arrival of spring in the Mackenzie Delta for over 60 years after a long Arctic winter. This four-day festival in April features ice carving, harpoon throwing, dancing, drumming, and dog sled races. The tradition of the Muskrat Jamboree is a community celebration that predates the town of Inuvik itself, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the residents of Canada’s western Arctic. Inuvik, NWT. | Image: © Jason van Bruggen / Tourism NWT

Summers here can be hotter than Hawaii! From June to August, temperatures in the Northwest Territories can be downright sweltering, with an all-time high of 39.4°C. However, you can mostly expect room-temperature averages during the summer, perfect conditions for daytime and bright-night explorations. The warm summers, mean that this is a great time to visit the NWT.

Alexandra Falls on the Hay River, at 32 meters, are the third-highest waterfalls in the Northwest Territories. The falls are part of the Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park. A 3-kilometer hiking trail leads from here to Louise Falls, the second of the twin falls. Traditional Dene Indian lore tells of the two falls being two spirits (grandmother and grandfather) protecting the area. | Image: © Hans Pfaff / Tourism NWT

In summer, pack sunscreen (for 24 hours of daylight, of course). If you plan to spend time in the backcountry, bring insect repellent. For extended hikes outside of communities, bear spray is advisable in case of an encounter. Packing for the weather, is very important when visiting the NWT.

Canada is home to the largest population of wild muskoxen in the world. In the NWT, they are found on Victoria Island, Banks Island, Eglington Island, Melville Island, and on the mainland from the Arctic southwest coast to Artillery Lake. Their inner wool, Qiviut, is unmatched in softness and warmth. Aptly named Umingmak (“the bearded one”) by the Inuit, these genetically unique animals are, unlike the extinct mammoths, survivors of the Ice Age. | Image: © Wayne Lynch / Tourism NWT

Winters here are very cold, but the advantage is that it’s mostly a dry cold. Winter days are often sunny and windless. With the right clothing and gear, the temperatures become more manageable. The dry cold, makes the winter months, a unique time to visit the NWT.

Bush pilots were and are an essential part of daily life in the Northwest Territories. Bush planes transport people, food, supplies, and more to the remote areas of this vast territory. Visitors often charter bush or float planes to reach remote locations such as Nahanni National Park or the legendary Canol Trail in the Sahtu Region. | Image: © J. F. Bergeron / Tourism NWT

Pack all your outdoor gear to stay warm: a thick parka, durable winter boots, gloves, scarf, hat, and snow pants. You can definitely rent or buy this gear in Yellowknife and most NWT communities, but when you step off the plane into the vibrant and magical Northwest Territories, your only focus should be on experiencing Canada’s far north, perhaps with the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis dancing overhead. Packing the correct clothing, is vital for a trip to the NWT.

Yellowknife, located on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, is the largest city in the Northwest Territories. As the capital of the NWT, it serves as the government, commercial, and service center. The domed Legislative Assembly Building, the Bush Pilots Monument, and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre are popular attractions in the city of about 20,000 residents. Yellowknife is also known as the Diamond Capital of North America, where you can purchase certified diamonds from Northwest Territories mines. Yellowknife, NWT. | Image: © Gerold Sigl / Tourism NWT

Please remember that not all communities have the same infrastructure. Yellowknife and larger towns like Fort Smith, Hay River, and Inuvik have most everyday amenities. However, smaller communities may not have access to 24-hour grocery stores or gas stations. Plan accordingly. It is important to plan ahead when traveling to the NWT.

Winters in the NWT are very cold, but it’s a dry cold. The often sunny and windless days make the cold almost fascinating and, with the right clothing, even pleasant. Plus, there are inviting places to warm up and feel comfortable, like the legendary Bullocks Bistro in North Slave. The specialties range from reindeer steak to buffalo goulash to trout and char from NWT waters. This cult bistro is considered an insider tip and offers a rustic experience in a cozy atmosphere, albeit at luxury prices, like so many things here in Canada’s remote far north! North Slave, NWT. | Image: © Adam Pisani / Tourism NWT