Astronomy North website to find out the
likelihood of spotting the northern lights
(www.astronomynorth.com/aurora-
forecast). There are different ways to
experience the aurora (www.spectacular
nwt.com/what-to-do/aurora). Join a tour
operator and head out on the trail by
snowmobile or dog team to a cosy camp that
offers a clear view of the night sky. Partici-
pate in an aurora photography tour to learn
the art of capturing the northern lights. Head
out onto frozen Great Slave Lake in an eight-
passenger Bombardier, or fly out to a wilder-
ness lodge for a few days.
FEEDING FRENZY
Summer brings opportunities to try
northern fare. Cast a line into a river or lake
for feisty northern pike, Arctic grayling,
Dolly Varden or lake trout. Dine on
whitefish that an outfitter has prepared over
an open fire for your lunch. Spend the day
fishing near a community, or enjoy a
multi-day package at a remote lodge
(www.spectacularnwt.com/what-to-
do/fishing). Weekly summer markets in
Inuvik, Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort
Smith feature locally-grown produce as well
as homemade goods such as fireweed jelly
and birch syrup. Stop by the Inuvialuit
Regional Corporation Craft Store in Inuvik
for some dry fish and other local delicacies.
UNIQUELY NORTHERN
Drive up the Dempster Highway and take a
selfie at the Arctic Circle. Compete in the
annual Billy Joss Open Celebrity Golf
Tournament on Ulukhaktok's nine-hole
course, North America's most northerly
course (www.arcticcharinn.com/arctic-
golfing.htm). Visit the popular Igloo Church
in Inuvik. The interior is decorated with
paintings by Inuit artist Mona Thrasher.
WHAT'S NEW?
Jackpine Paddle offers guided paddling trips
on northern rivers including the Thelon,
Nëné, Natla, Keele and Great Slave Lake, as
well as in Thaidene Nëné National Park
Reserve (www.jackpinepaddle.com/
expeditions-archive).
Immerse yourself in an Arctic photography
workshop during the prime aurora season,
away from the city lights. There are opportu-
nities to view wildlife such as caribou,
grizzly bears, wolves, moose and bird
species. While hiking and travelling by boat
in the awe-inspiring barrenlands, photo ops
abound (www.spectacularnwt.com/
packages/arctic-photography-workshop).
In winter, Sundog Adventures offers kicksled
or kicksled combo tours including ice caves
or ice fishing excursions. Houseboat and
heritage tours of Yellowknife Bay are offered
in summer, along with birding opportunities
(www.sundogadventures.ca).
CITY LIGHTS
Explore Yellowknife, the territorial capital,
on foot (www.extraordinaryyk.com).
Enjoy a 360-degree view of Yellowknife Bay
and surrounding Old Town from the top of
the Bush Pilots' Monument. Take a boat
tour of Yellowknife Bay, home to North
America's most northerly houseboat
community. Sandblast a northern motif on
recycled glass during a workshop at Old
Town Glassworks (www.oldtownglass
works.com). The Yellowknife Farmers
Market is held weekly on Tuesday
downtown throughout the summer. The
NT
105
PADDLING DOWN THE NAHANNI RIVER • SHUTTERSTOCK/GROGL
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES IS THE ONLY
POLITICAL REGION IN CANADA WHICH
RECOGNIZES 11 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES,
FIVE OF WHICH ARE SPOKEN FREQUENTLY
IN YELLOWKNIFE.
Quick Fact
