There is a certain comfort and calm that comes with a winter landscape, something that is especially true of the northern experience that a trip to the Northwest Territories brings.
With 33 communities across the territory, each with their own distinct stories and flavours, the opportunities to connect to this region through its culture and northern ways of life offer a meaningful way to travel.
Read on to discover some of the delicious discoveries that await with a trip to the North.
Discover Arctic Flavours In and Around Inuvik
The Inuit company, Tundra North Travel, shares their love of the Arctic with a selection of experiences and multi-day packages that encourage a deep appreciation for Arctic culture. The Okpik Arctic Village Winter Package takes guests on a three day adventure to discover sustainable living practices, exploring local food production and manufacturing processes that are essential for northern food security, as well as the opportunity to prepare meals with locally sourced ingredients. Participants will also hike along a trapline, harvest food and learn how to build an igloo during their stay.
The Okpik Arctic Village has been brought to life through intention on an island in the Mackenzie River. Established as an off-grid farm, fishery, sawmill and foraging experiences that share a cultural way of life with visitors while providing local employment. Only a 20 minute boat ride from Inuvik, it offers a full immersion into cultural practices and experiences connected to traditional ways of life.
Gone Fishing
There is something truly iconic about pulling up to a heated ice fishing shack to drop a line into carved ice. Fishing starts as soon as the lakes start to freeze and continue throughout winter, but the best ice fishing times run from March to May, so best to plan ahead for a late winter experience.
From Great Slave Lake to the Arctic Ocean, record-setting fish swim in these waters. While some would rather opt for a rugged experience, know that a host of all-inclusive lodges offer full packages for a remote fishing experience. Think: fly-in accommodations offering well-equipped and refurbished lodges and on-site chefs. Peruse the many options to find the fit for your level of comfort and fishing style.
Dark Skies and Bright Lights
The image that tends to come to mind for most when the Canadian Arctic comes up is that of the northern lights, and for good reason. The Aurora shine bright in these parts, proudly laying claim to the most active aurora in the world, and in the central Northwest Territories, the Aurora is visible up to 240 nights of the year. Now that's a chance worth taking!
With odds like that, a visit to Aurora Village is in order. Only a short jaunt from Yellowknife, this immersive experience will see you snowshoeing, driving a dog team and taking a spin down the giant snow slide. Be sure to stop by the Dinning Hall for a taste of bannock with maple syrup and Saskatoon berries, bison stew and bison burgers as well northern-inspired cocktails and craft beer from Yellowknife. What a way to fuel up for all that adventure!
Northern Experiences by Northerners
A visit to the Northwest Territories is nothing short of spectacular. From vast landscapes, immersive cultural experiences and Arctic flavours with traditional ties to the land and waterways, the experience here is truly something else.
Winter is especially delightful and the delicious winter discoveries that await are seemingly endless. Where will your northern adventure take you?
