Canada is so vast as a country that we often forget about unique towns and attractions outside major cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. When you really start to explore our country’s map, you’ll notice how many places you’ve likely yet to discover.
One of the greatest things about touring Canada, whether you’re a Canadian citizen or an eager tourist, is that there is truly something for everyone. The Northern Territories are no exception. Situated at the top of our map, many places in our territories have yet to be discovered by the mainstream tourism industry.
Thinking of expanding your travelling horizons? Take a look at these four gems across the Northern Territories, and start exploring Canada in new and exciting ways.
Travel to Tallurutiup Imanga by Sea
Animal lovers will quickly fall in love with Tallurutiup Imanga, also known as Lancaster Sound. Its unique and abundant ecosystem includes several precious animals, including polar bears, seals, narwhals, and walruses. Avid bird watchers can also enjoy a number of migratory birds on their trip.
A Nunavut cruise is a wonderful way to explore Tallurutiup Imanga and get up-close and personal with its many wildlife. The views from Canada’s waters are unlike any other views in the world. This makes traveling by sea one of the best ways to explore the Northern Territories.
Explore the Wilderness of Nahanni National Park Reserve
Located in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Nahanni National Park Reserve is a must-see destination for avid paddlers. Nahanni River’s rushing whitewater flows through the reserve, where you’ll pass through four vast canyons that reach a depth of close to 1220 meters.
A guided tour is best in areas like this, as they’ll have the equipment and insight you’ll need to expertly navigate these rushing waters.
Adventure-Seeking in Tuktoyaktuk and Pingos
Commonly referred to as Tuk, Tuktoyaktuk is a small Inuvialuit community newly connected to Inuvik through a road that tourists can navigate independently or with the help of a guided tour. This particular area offers several traditional foods to try and is near the Pingo National Landmark — this landmark protects ice-cored hills, which are called pingos. It is a treasured Canadian landmark and a must-see on your trip to the Northern Territories.
Visit Canada’s Second-Largest Lake
Great Slave Lake is Canada’s second-largest lake and is ranked the 11th largest worldwide. Its accessibility makes it a great destination for tourists looking for an adventure without a specialized expedition. You’ll likely see native fish to the area, including Arctic grayling and northern pike.
The lakeshore itself is home to five unique communities — Yellowknife, Hay River, the traditional Łutselk’e, the Metis town of Fort Resolution, and Behchokǫ̀, located on the North Arm.
If you’re able to visit Great Slave Lake in the fall, Yellowknife hosts a film festival that can be viewed from canoes. Travelers can also enjoy kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding along the lake, with views that will become a treasured memory for years to come.
