Adventure runs deep in the North – a place where nature’s raw beauty sets the stage for life and exploration alike. Picture the ethereal dance of the Aurora Borealis sweeping across a midnight sky or the invigorating chill of skating on pristine frozen lakes. Here, the untamed wilderness doesn’t just frame the view – it beckons you to immerse yourself.
For those craving a winter unlike any other, the Northwest Territories deliver unparalleled experiences. Imagine waking up in a wilderness lodge, encased in glass walls that reveal a snow-covered forest, its stillness broken only by the crunch of distant footsteps. Envision the rush as you race across frozen tundra on a dogsled, your heartbeat syncing with the eager pull of your team. Or indulge your palate with gourmet cuisine, its delicate flavors enhanced by the brilliance of the Northern Lights above.
Luxury here transcends opulence. It’s about authenticity – the exclusivity of untouched landscapes and moments that stir your soul. Whether you’re drawn to adrenalin or yearning for quiet serenity, the Northwest Territories promise an extraordinary winter – rich, wild, and unforgettable.
In Yellowknife
Experience the charm of Old Town
Spend a day getting to know the capital city’s charming and quirky Old Town neighbourhood this winter. Start with a lesson in Northern ingenuity by signing up for an Old Town Glassworks workshop—a creative afternoon endeavor the whole family will enjoy. Learn the history of the unique recycled-glass business and studio, as you watch staff turn an old wine bottle into a piece of stunning glassware. Then it’s your turn to design, stencil and sandblast your own work of art to create a completely personalized souvenir.
Outdoor adventures and local flavours
Feel like getting some fresh air? Just across the McMeekan Causeway from Old Town Glassworks, you’ll find Sundog Adventures, which offers one-of-a-kind Northern experiences from kicksledding, skijoring, bikejoring, ice-fishing, storytelling and more. Take their How To Be a Dog Musher tour to discover dog care tips and to drive your own team. After a fun-filled afternoon on the frozen lake, share your sledding stories or compare glassware creations as you savour fresh fish at nearby Bullock’s Bistro or sample local craft brews at NWT Brewing Co.’s Woodyard Pub. Or hop in a cab and enjoy a night out, relishing a fine-crust pizza or an inventive curry at the uptown Copperhouse.
Stay in style
For a sophisticated urban escape in the heart of the North, The Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife offers an elevated winter retreat. Book a stay in a Deluxe Room and indulge in a getaway designed for special occasions—whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a romantic Arctic adventure. Wake up to complimentary breakfast for two each morning before exploring the city’s winter charm. In the evening, savor a three-course fine-dining experience at the renowned Trader’s Grill, where Northern flavors meet culinary excellence. Unwind in a spacious, elegantly appointed room, complete with a telescope for stargazing and Aurora viewing from the comfort of your cozy housecoat. With world-class hospitality and front-row seats to the spectacular Northern Lights, this is luxury, Northern-style.
Out of town
Wilderness adventures
Roughly a 25-minute drive from Yellowknife on the Ingraham Trail, Aurora Village is a premier destination for unforgettable wilderness experiences. Renowned as one of the world’s top locations for viewing the Northern Lights, this enchanting retreat offers a blend of adventure and luxury. Guests can embark on exhilarating dogsledding excursions, relax in cozy heated outdoor seating designed for optimal aurora viewing, and savor authentic Northern cuisine. Meals are served in the main lodge or within private, traditional tipis, available for group bookings. To ensure a seamless experience, Aurora Village provides transportation to and from the site, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in this Arctic wonderland.
Ice fishing under the Northern sky
For a truly Northern ice-fishing experience, join Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures as you travel to their tried-and-true fishing holes on lakes all around the capital city. They’ll provide a licensed fishing guide and all the gear you need, while you get to catch the fish and have all the fun! Keeping warm and comfortable as you drive out on the lakes in an enclosed ATV on tracks to a heated fishing tent, this experience is perfect for anglers of all skill levels and ages.
Cultural Aurora experiences with Indigenous guides
To gain a deeper understanding of—and appreciation for—the city you live in, sign up for a cultural Aurora tour provided by B. Dene Adventures. Located on Akaitcho Bay, on the shores of Great Slave Lake near Dettah, B. Dene is home to world-class Aurora viewing experiences. Relax in the warmth of B. Dene’s cabin and enjoy cultural storytelling, as well as hands-on traditional knowledge and arts demonstrations led by expert guides from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation—the people who have called this place home since time immemorial.
Alternatively, North Star Adventures offers intimate Aurora Hunts, perfect for small groups seeking an unforgettable Northern Lights experience away from artificial light. These tours venture to remote locations, carefully selected each night to ensure the best possible viewing conditions. Inspired by Indigenous wisdom, the experience also includes free professional Aurora photography, and for those interested, a short introduction to the art of Northern Lights photography.
Cozy Aurora viewing
Another way to enjoy the spectacular Aurora is with Bucket List Tours at the company’s private cabin outside of Yellowknife. Cozy up next to a warm fire and dine on tasty fish chowder (made with fresh local fish) and bannock hot from the oven during breaks in the Northern Lights action. Head back outside with a mug of steaming hot chocolate or tea when the Aurora returns.
Remote Get-away
Or join Yellow Dog Lodge, with world-class ice fishing excursions offered on Duncan and Graham Lakes, at the remote location northeast of Yellowknife. Snowmobile out to the lodge via mapped-out backcountry trails or fly in with the lodge’s airline partner, Ahmic Air, between March 1 and April 15. Guests can stay in one of the lodge’s two snug private cabins or book its deluxe cabin for a tranquil evening after a day of truly blissful ice fishing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Rent your own cabin for an Arctic escape
If you are looking to rent your own cabin for a couple of nights, consider booking with Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures this winter. Roughly 20 minutes from Yellowknife by snowmobile or heated tracked van, the company’s three cabins on the shore of frozen Great Slave Lake can sleep up to 20 guests. Each cabin features a wood stove, a full kitchen and propane fridge and stove. Book a cabin (or the entire camp!) between December 20 and April 5, while also taking advantage of the company’s snowmobile rentals to explore the lake’s North Arm.
Fort Smith
For the ultimate winter Wood Buffalo National Park experience, log off for a long weekend and book a stay at the Pine Lake log cabins. Go for a restorative snowshoe on Pine Lake and then snuggle up next to the woodstove with a hot cup of coffee and a good book. Whether it’s a family trip, a romantic weekend away or a solitary retreat, book one of the two cozy cabins (Aurora Cottage or The Patrol Cabin), available on weekends only, from December 1 to March 31.
Hay River
For a winter Hay-Cation, spend a night or two at Castaway Cottages, in a cabin all for you on the south shore of Great Slave Lake. Spend a day with Great Slave Lake Tours and third-generation fisherman Shawn Buckley for an intimate ice-fishing adventure, rolling across the frozen water body in his heated Bombardier. The big lake is famous for its biodiversity, so you’ll see a variety of fish when you pull the net: Whitefish, Inconnu, Lake Trout, Walleye, Arctic Grayling, Burbot (Ling Cod) and Northern Pike. Buckley and Co. will be happy to fry you one up for dinner. Just ask. At night, marvel at the mystical glow of the Aurora from one of Castaway Cottages’s dedicated Aurora-viewing tents.
Inuvik
On the outskirts of Inuvik, Arctic Chalet is offering charming log cabin accommodations away from the hubbub of the town to residents and visitors from within the territory alike. Walk the many nature trails, speed through the winter wonderland behind an energetic dogteam or tour the area in a snowmobile.
Make the most of your time in the Northwest Territories by exploring even more exciting winter activities before the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky. Discover the best daytime adventures to enjoy while waiting for the Aurora.
Further information on the Northwest Territories can be found at www.spectacularnwt.com.
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