Overview
According to topschoolsintheusa, the rugged Northwest Territories are part of Canada’s vast and remote Far North. Most of the population lives and works in Yellowknife and Great Slave Lake. The Territories are mostly wilderness, dotted with small settlements inhabited by Native American tribesmen and intrepid adventurers. The Inuit and Dene, who make up almost 50% of the population, have been here for hundreds or even thousands of years. But the Northwest Territories are not as inhospitable as one might think, with evergreen forests and mountainsides a regular feature landscape picture. Because the province is so sparsely populated, you’re more likely to see a herd of bison or a grizzly bear than a human. The Northwest Territories extend well beyond the Arctic Circle, where there is a good chance of spotting a polar bear. The Territories are also home to some of the world’s rarest bird species. Although this northern Canadian province may appear barren and unforgiving, it is home to incredible wildlife, carpets of colorful blooming wildflowers in gently rolling tundra and babbling brooks in absolute stillness. A scenically mesmerizing place where you can easily feel transported back in time.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The most remote areas are best reached by plane. Seaplanes are the usual mode of transport to the northern lakes. The largest airlines in this region are Air Canada (AC) and First Air (7F). A number of other airlines (scheduled or charter) also fly to various parts of the region. Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, does not have direct flights from Europe. A possible stopover is Calgary.
Flight times
Calgary – Yellowknife: 2 hrs 25 mins; Edmonton – Yellowknife: 2 hours 5 minutes Frankfurt/M. – Calgary: 9 hrs 25 mins; Zurich – Calgary: 10 hours 30 minutes (pure flight time); Vienna – Calgary: 10 hours 55 minutes (pure flight time). Frankfurt/M. – Edmonton: 11 hrs 10 mins; Zurich – Edmonton: 11 hrs 15 mins; Vienna – Edmonton: 13 hrs 35 mins
Arrival by car
The major roads are the Dempster Highway from Yukon Province to the Mackenzie Delta, the Mackenzie Highway from Alberta to Great Slave Lake, and the Liard Highway, which runs from British Columbia to near Fort Simpson where the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers meet flow together. Passengers traveling by car can cross the Mackenzie River at Fort Providence and Arctic Red River, the Liard River at Fort Simpson. With the opening of the Mackenzie Valley Highway, an extension of the Dempster Highway from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk on Canada’s north coast, there is the first year-round road to the Arctic Ocean, connecting Canada’s coasts by land. Toll: There are no toll roads in the Northwest Territories. Documents: The German national driving license is valid for 6 months in Canada. However, it is recommended that you carry your international driver’s license with you. All other nationalities require the International Driving Permit.
Arrival by train
There is no rail service in the Northwest Territories.
Arrival by ship
Cruises are available on Great Slave Lake and sailboats are available for rent or charter. Speedboat tours, canoe trips and rafting are available on both Great Slave Lake and the Mackenzie Delta.
Routes across the rivers
Cruises are available from Yellowknife to Inuvik on the Mackenzie River. Speedboat and canoe trips are available on the Nahanni River and many other remote rivers.
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
Language
Overview
English predominates. French and many other languages are in use.
Contact addresses
Northwest Territories Tourism
c/o Denkzauber GmbH
(also responsible for Austria and Switzerland)
Neustadt 13
Krefeld
Germany
+49 (2151) 512 46 69.
http://www.spectacularnwt.de
http://www.spectacularnwt.de
Business
Business contacts
Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce #21, 4910-50th Avenue, 3rd Floor, NWT Commerce Place, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 3S5 Tel: (867) 920 49 44. Fax: (867) 920 46 40 Email: [email protected]. com Web: www.ykchamber.com
Shopping
Overview
There are over 40 cooperatives specializing in handicrafts, furs and fisheries products. Native American handicrafts and shoes are made and sold locally. The often higher price of the goods (20% surcharge compared to the rest of Canada) is due to the higher expenses due to the long distances.
Culinary
Overview
Arctic grayling, char, caribou and musk ox are local specialties. Beverages: The majority of alcoholic beverages are imported, the offer varies.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are few hotels. The existing accommodations are usually quite basic. Lodges, vacation rentals for active vacationers, can be found in many of the more densely populated areas. More information is available from the local tourist offices. NWT Tourism (see addresses) publishes an annual Explorer’s Guide with full details of accommodation.
Camping
Recommended only in summer, as temperatures drop dangerously low in winter. There are also outposts (camps) with tents, beds and meals, which are often offered as part of organized excursions. Some companies rent fully equipped campers. More information from NWT Tourism (see addresses).
Climate
Best travel time
Arctic and subarctic winters in the north, temperate, mild summers and severe winters in the south.
Country data
Area (sq km)
1346106
Population
44,895
Population density (per square km)
0
Population statistics year
2019
