The Northwest Territories is a territory of Canada, in North America, and it is the country's largest by area. Its landscape is one of vast wilderness, spread across subarctic and Arctic regions, so a visit tends to be about open country, long distances and a sense of scale rather than dense towns and crowded attractions.
What a visit offers
- Wilderness: much of the territory is remote and largely undeveloped, suiting travellers who want space and quiet.
- Indigenous communities: the territory is home to a diverse range of Indigenous peoples and communities, whose presence shapes its towns and cultural life.
- Mining heritage: diamond mining is a notable part of the territory's economy, and it is part of what visitors encounter when they learn about the region.
Planning your trip
Because the territory is so large and sparsely populated, travel here takes planning. Distances between communities are considerable, and the subarctic and Arctic climates mean conditions vary sharply with the season. Think about which region you want to reach, how you will move between places, and what kind of experience you are seeking before you set out.
For visitors who value remote landscapes, the Northwest Territories offers a wilderness experience of rare scale in North America. Those looking for a compact city break will find it better suited to other destinations.
