In the Northwest Territories where winter lasts half the year (or more) we’ve found plenty of cool ways to enjoy it.
Spectacular Winter Sky Watching
If you’ve never experienced –40º Celsius, or even -30ºC, that’s another reason to visit the Northwest Territories. Step out into a crackling cold 40 below night to watch the northern lights dance across the sky. It's invigorating! In January and February the mercury often dips below -30ºC. That’s when you can hear that special crunchy sound when you walk on dry, very cold snow. Watch your breath swirl in plumes in front of you. In the daytime, you'll notice you are not alone - the ever-present ravens puff up their feathers and draw up their feet as protection against the cold between soaring and playing tag in the winter sky.
If you would like to try our cold weather experience, we offer it complete with the winter wardrobe that will keep you cozy. Marvel at the aurora, mush a dog team, or watch caribou, moose or wood bison cross a frozen lake. Try a snowmobile ride, cross-country ski, skate, ice fish, drive an ice road, or photograph the North's spectacular winter scenery.
Although the aurora is the main act in our northern skies, there are back-up acts that vie for attention. Sunsets and sunrises in brilliant pinks and purples stretch across the southern horizon, in mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Sundogs and ice fog also have a special allure. When the sun lies on the southern horizon, atmospheric conditions can cause sun dogs. Usually seen in pairs, one on either side of the sun, they are caused by refraction, bending of the sun’s light through ice crystals in the air. Ice fog can appear on very cold, still days. Like an icy mist, ice fog is composed of tiny ice crystals, sometimes glowing pink or yellow, depending on the angle of the sun.
When it's time to retreat to the warmth of the indoors, you'll spend hours reliving the magic of our northern winter with a group of new found friends.
The AURORAMAX Online Observatory monitors the intensity and frequency of auroral activity above Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in the years leading up to Solar Maximum.
AURORAMAX Replays feature the latest and greatest auroras, using Canada's most advanced aurora cameras.
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Harbour House Bed & BreakfastFabulous viewing of the Aurora Borealis in fall, winter and spring from the Harbour House on Great Slave Lake. Read More
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Bekere Lake LodgeLodge approximately 135 kilometres south of Paulatuk, with large living room, dining room, kitchen area, for 10 to 15 guests. Spring snowmobile adventures and wildlife photography. Snowmobiling to Horton River and area, snowshoeing, ice fishing. Three month advanced bookings. Read More
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MacKay Lake Lodge (True North Safaris Ltd.)Fall aurora viewing in the barren lands at MacKay Lake Lodge can be combined with caribou and wildlife photography and fishing. In the winter, drive the longest ice road in the world to a diamond mine. Photo opportunities include the winter landscape, arctic wildlife and the aurora. The barren lands... Read More
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Canoe Arctic Inc.Paddle the Thelon River and other pristine wild tundra rivers with Alex Hall, wildlife biologist and the Canadian Arctic's first and most experienced canoeing guide. All of our canoe trips are located deep in the Barren Lands and hundreds of miles from the nearest road or community. Unprecedented opportunities... Read More
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Arctic ChaletEnjoy canoeing, hiking and playing with the White Huskies during your stay at the Arctic Chalet. In winter this is a great place to also watch the Aurora Borealis away from city lights and also enjoy the best dogsledding ever! We also offer ice road tours, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more.... Read More
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dbeck KennelsDogteam tours with experienced musher and kennel owner along traditional trails near Hay River. Traditional teaching available as well. Trips accommodate up to five persons. November to the end March. Call for details. Read More
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Mystery ToursBased out of Hay River, Mystery Tours offer guided boat excursions on Great Slave Lake and the Mackenzie River. Trips can be customized and provide opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife viewing and photography tours. Read More
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Bob Dunsmore ToursCity tours by Bob Dunsmore, a resident of Yellowknife for 30 years and former Tour Guide of the Year. Two-hour tours start at 1:00pm daily. Minimum of two passengers. Customized tours with 24-hour notice. Step-on tours for bus groups. Read More
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Arctic OdysseysDelivering memorable experiences to northern adventurers for over 30 years. Northern lights, light hiking, wildlife viewing and birdwatching, flora, fauna, photography, native cultures, adventure! Great Slave Lake / Northwest Passage. View our web site for dates, rates and full itineraries. Read More
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Aurora Nights LodgeFour and seven day packages on the Taltson River to view the Aurora. Drive out by snowmobile from Fort Resolution, or fly from Fort Smith to our camp. Stay in a heated tent frame, and drive our traditional trapping trails with a working dog team. Try ice fishing, snowshoeing, and... Read More
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Horizon & Co.Diamond Winter Ice: There is no more romantic experience on earth than sleeping on spruce bows beside a wood burning stove in an authentic prospectors tent under the shimmering Northern Lights. The swish of your dogsled, a private wilderness camp for two, a luxurious post and beam lodge, a bush... Read More
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Polar Pack Cafe Ltd.Cultural immersion programs. Skilled Inuit guides, boats, snowmobiles, etc. Operating year 'round. Read More
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Arctic Tour CompanyTour company offering winter and spring packages, including community tours, aurora viewing, snowmobile and dogteam tours, opportunities to camp or overnight in an igloo. Customized tours available for individuals, groups, film crews. Read More
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Peterson's Point Lake Lodge Business Travellers | Travel Trade | Media | Members | Copyright | Privacy | Advertising | Search
Box 610, Yellowknife NT X1A 2N5 Canada Toll-free number: 1-800-661-0788 International: +1-867-873-7200 Email: info@spectacularnwt.com
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