Take in our music and art festivals, spring carnivals and outdoor sporting events in spring, summer, autumn or winter.
The long days of northern spring offer great opportunities for snowmobiling, skiing and ice fishing. Bundle up and get out of doors!
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 23:51 — Zhamil
Climate is the single most important consideration in planning a trip in Canada's Northwest Territories. Summer temperatures in the Northwest Territories range from 10° C (50° F) to 22° C (72° F). The weather is usually dry and sunny, with daylight lasting 18 to 24 hours. But the weather can be unpredictable. Cold spells and high winds occur without warning, creating tough conditions for wilderness travellers. Snow can fall in any month.
Ice break-up Generally, streams and rivers begin to flow in May and early June, often rising to peak flows within two weeks. Great Slave Lake is usually free of ice between the middle and end of June. Great Bear Lake breaks up approximately three weeks later, as do most big lakes in the northern and eastern regions of the territory. But break-up times vary from year to year. Local air charter companies can often provide you with valuable information on conditions. Freeze-up occurs in October and November, but is not a concern, since you should be off the water long before then.
Water temperatures are very cold because the ice breaks up too late to allow the sun to warm most lakes and rivers. Summer water temperatures can range from 0° C to 20° C (32° F to 70° F), which means a dunking can cause instant numbing or hypothermia.
Water levels can vary greatly from year to year, and even during a single summer. Scout your river before you go, by contacting outfitters, airlines or NWT Tourism.
Insects can be a serious nuisance. Mosquitoes appear first, reaching their greatest numbers towards the end of June and through July. Blackflies peak later, reaching their height in July. In fact, the bug season is much shorter here than in southern Canada, but sheer numbers sometimes outweigh this advantage. Small bottles of liquid repellent are easier to carry than cans of spray. Buy the brand that has the highest concentration (at least 30 percent) of DEET. Headnets and bug jackets provide relief on especially bad days and antihistamines will calm serious itches. Camp in an exposed area — an open point of land, island or sandbar where breezes can blow the insects away.
Weather on the Water
Climate is the single most important consideration in planning a trip in Canada's Northwest Territories. Summer temperatures in the Northwest Territories range from 10° C (50° F) to 22° C (72° F). The weather is usually dry and sunny, with daylight lasting 18 to 24 hours. But the weather can be unpredictable. Cold spells and high winds occur without warning, creating tough conditions for wilderness travellers. Snow can fall in any month.
Ice break-up Generally, streams and rivers begin to flow in May and early June, often rising to peak flows within two weeks. Great Slave Lake is usually free of ice between the middle and end of June. Great Bear Lake breaks up approximately three weeks later, as do most big lakes in the northern and eastern regions of the territory. But break-up times vary from year to year. Local air charter companies can often provide you with valuable information on conditions. Freeze-up occurs in October and November, but is not a concern, since you should be off the water long before then.
Water temperatures are very cold because the ice breaks up too late to allow the sun to warm most lakes and rivers. Summer water temperatures can range from 0° C to 20° C (32° F to 70° F), which means a dunking can cause instant numbing or hypothermia.
Water levels can vary greatly from year to year, and even during a single summer. Scout your river before you go, by contacting outfitters, airlines or NWT Tourism.
Insects can be a serious nuisance. Mosquitoes appear first, reaching their greatest numbers towards the end of June and through July. Blackflies peak later, reaching their height in July. In fact, the bug season is much shorter here than in southern Canada, but sheer numbers sometimes outweigh this advantage. Small bottles of liquid repellent are easier to carry than cans of spray. Buy the brand that has the highest concentration (at least 30 percent) of DEET. Headnets and bug jackets provide relief on especially bad days and antihistamines will calm serious itches. Camp in an exposed area — an open point of land, island or sandbar where breezes can blow the insects away.
Business Travellers | Travel Trade | Media | Members | Copyright | Privacy | Advertising | Search | Contact Us
Box 610, Yellowknife NT X1A 2N5 Canada Toll-free number: 1-800-661-0788 International: +1-867-873-7200 Email: info@spectacularnwt.com