5-Day Adventure in Northwest Territories

  • Day 1: Explore Yellowknife
  • Begin your adventure by exploring Yellowknife, the capital of Northwest Territories. Visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to learn about the culture and history of the area. Next, head to Old Town, a charming neighborhood filled with colorful wooden houses, galleries, and restaurants. End the day by watching the stunning Northern Lights display.

  • Day 2: Hike at Cameron Falls
  • Take a scenic drive to Hidden Lake Territorial Park and hike to the Cameron Falls, Northwest Territories' most spectacular waterfall. Admire the stunning views of the surrounding forest and enjoy a picnic lunch by the falls.

  • Day 3: Visit Wood Buffalo National Park
  • Take a day trip to Alberta's Wood Buffalo National Park, home to the largest wild bison herd in the world. Enjoy a guided tour of the park, hike the trails, and spot the wildlife.

  • Day 4: Arctic Adventures in Inuvik
  • Head north to the town of Inuvik and take a scenic flight over the Arctic Ocean. Tuktut Nogait National Park, Canada's newest national park, is waiting for you to explore it. Enjoy a ride on a dog sled, a snowmobile, or try ice fishing.

  • Day 5: Paddle the Mackenzie River
  • Wrap up your adventure by kayaking on the Mackenzie River. Paddle past the wilderness of Northwest Territories and enjoy the scenic views along the river. After a day of paddling, head back to Yellowknife for a farewell dinner.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (2 hours, $15)
  • Hidden Lake Territorial Park (6 hours, $40 vehicle pass)
  • Wood Buffalo National Park (9 hours, $20)
  • Arctic Adventures in Inuvik (8 hours, $500 for scenic flight, additional fees for activities)
  • Paddle the Mackenzie River (6 hours, $100 for kayak rental)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $675

Transportation

A rental car is recommended for this itinerary, as many places are inaccessible by public transportation. Additionally, a scenic flight is required to visit Tuktut Nogait National Park. Estimated travel time is around 4-5 hours per day, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Useful tips

For those with more time, consider adding a day trip to Great Slave Lake, the ninth largest lake in the world. Alternatively, travelers with less time can skip the trip to Wood Buffalo National Park and opt for a cultural tour of Yellowknife instead.

Airports

Yellowknife International Airport (YZF) is the main airport in Northwest Territories. The airport is located in the city of Yellowknife, approximately 8km from the city center.

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