Discover how to get to and around the Northwest Territories, Canada, with our detailed travel guide. Learn about the main air and road travel options, including regional flights and winter roads, and gain essential tips for navigating this vast, remote region with its extreme weather conditions and limited infrastructure.
Traveling to and around the Northwest Territories (NWT), a vast and remote region in northern Canada, requires careful planning due to its unique geographical challenges and limited transportation infrastructure.
Getting to the Northwest Territories
By Air:
Main Airports: The primary gateways are Yellowknife Airport (YZF), Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport (YEV), and Norman Wells Airport (YVQ). These airports have regular flights from major Canadian cities like Edmonton and Calgary.
Other Airports: Smaller communities throughout NWT are also served by regional airlines offering flights from these major hubs.
By Road:
Driving: The only all-season road connecting NWT to the rest of Canada is the Mackenzie Highway (Highway 1), which extends from northern Alberta into NWT.
Winter Roads: In the winter, ice roads provide access to some otherwise isolated communities.
Getting Around the Northwest Territories
By Air:
Regional Flights: Many communities in the NWT are accessible only by air, especially those in the more remote and northern areas.
Charter Services: For extremely remote areas, chartering a small aircraft might be the only option.
By Road:
Limited Road Network: The road network in NWT is limited, with some communities not connected by road at all.
Rental Vehicles: Available in larger centers like Yellowknife. Ensure you have a vehicle suitable for potentially challenging northern driving conditions.
Winter Roads and Ice Roads:
Seasonal Access: These roads are operational typically from January to March and provide crucial access to remote communities and mining sites.
By Water:
Boat Travel: During the summer, boats are a common way to travel, especially along the Mackenzie River and Great Slave Lake.
Travel Tips
Planning: Plan your trip well in advance, especially if you’re heading to remote areas. Accommodations and transportation can be limited.
Weather Considerations: Weather can be extreme and unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
Safety: Carry emergency supplies when traveling by road, and be aware of wildlife.
Cultural Respect: When visiting remote communities, be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Communications: Cell phone coverage can be limited or non-existent in remote areas. Satellite phones are recommended for backcountry travel.
Traveling in the Northwest Territories offers an opportunity to explore some of Canada’s most stunning and unspoiled landscapes. However, its remote nature and harsh climate make it essential to be well-prepared and informed before embarking on your journey.
