Provinces and Territories

About Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories (NWT) is where vast wilderness meets spectacular skies. A funny fact about the Northwest Territories: there are more caribou than people—so don’t be surprised if your traffic jam has antlers. With endless forests, mighty rivers, and the midnight sun, it’s a land of pure northern magic.

The capital, Yellowknife, is known as the “Aurora Capital of North America,” where the northern lights dance across the sky over 200 nights a year. The territory is also rich in Indigenous cultures, with traditions that stretch back thousands of years and continue to shape daily life today. In fact, many residents call the region Denendeh, a name from the Slavey language meaning “Land of the People,” reflecting the deep connection between the land and its First Peoples.

From paddling the Mackenzie River to exploring Nahanni National Park’s massive canyons and waterfalls, the NWT is built for adventure. Whether it’s dogsledding in winter, fishing in crystal-clear lakes, or simply gazing at skies that never really get dark in summer, this is Canada’s wild heart on full display.