The Northwest Territories offers some of Canada's most extraordinary wilderness landscapes. From Arctic coastlines and immense lakes to waterfalls, rivers, and aurora-filled skies, the territory delivers adventure on a truly epic scale.
1. Nahanni National Park Reserve
UNESCO-listed wilderness with canyons, hot springs, rivers and Virginia Falls. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Nahanni National Park Reserve reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
2. Virginia Falls
Massive waterfall on the South Nahanni River. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Virginia Falls reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
3. Great Slave Lake
One of the largest and deepest lakes in North America. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Great Slave Lake reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
4. Wood Buffalo National Park
Huge protected landscape known for wildlife and dark skies. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Wood Buffalo National Park reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
5. Tuktoyaktuk Coastline
Arctic Ocean shoreline and tundra scenery. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Tuktoyaktuk Coastline reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
6. Dempster Highway
Legendary northern road through dramatic wilderness. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Dempster Highway reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
7. Mackenzie River
Canada’s great northern river system. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Mackenzie River reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
8. Thaidene Nene
Protected landscape of lakes, boreal forest and Shield rock. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Thaidene Nene reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
9. Cameron Falls
Popular waterfall near Yellowknife. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Cameron Falls reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
10. Hidden Lake Territorial Park
Scenic hiking and lake views near Yellowknife. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Hidden Lake Territorial Park reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
11. Ingraham Trail
Route connecting lakes, forests and recreation areas. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Ingraham Trail reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
12. Great Bear Lake
Pristine Arctic lake renowned for wilderness. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Great Bear Lake reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
13. Horn Plateau
Remote wilderness with wetlands and unique geology. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Horn Plateau reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
14. Sambaa Deh Falls
Powerful waterfall surrounded by forest. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Sambaa Deh Falls reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
15. Aurora Viewing Areas
Some of the world’s best northern lights landscapes. Visitors are rewarded with exceptional scenery, wildlife opportunities, photography locations, and a strong sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This destination showcases the immense scale of northern Canada and provides opportunities to experience pristine ecosystems largely unchanged for generations. Travelers exploring the area can enjoy hiking, paddling, sightseeing flights, cultural experiences, and seasonal adventures depending on location and time of year. The landscapes surrounding Aurora Viewing Areas reveal why the Northwest Territories is considered one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Rich natural features, dramatic seasonal changes, and connections to Indigenous knowledge make every visit memorable. Whether arriving as part of an expedition, a road trip, or a guided tour, visitors consistently rank this area among the highlights of northern travel. Photographers appreciate the quality of natural light, while outdoor enthusiasts value the sense of exploration and discovery. The destination also serves as an excellent place to learn about conservation, geography, and the relationship between people and the land. Every season offers unique perspectives, from summer daylight and wildlife encounters to autumn colors, winter aurora displays, and spring renewal.
FAQ
What is the most famous natural wonder?
Nahanni National Park and Virginia Falls are among the territory's most famous attractions.
When should I visit?
Summer is ideal for access, while winter offers aurora viewing.