Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA tundra north of the Arctic Circle, and the Mackenzie and Richardson mountains to the west. The Mackenzie River, North America's second-longest river, runs through it like a spine. Great Slave Lake is the continent's deepest lake and Great Bear Lake is the territory's largest lake. The N.W.T.'s 33 communities are located in fi ve regions: Inuvik region, Sahtu, North Slave, South Slave and Dehcho. Aboriginal people account for half the population—Dene, Métis or Inuvialuit. Although there are 11 offi cial languages, most people speak English. A TASTE OF THE NORTH There are many culinary treats visitors relish in the Northwest Territories. During the warmth of long and sunny summer days, buy fresh whitefi sh and local produce at the Fisherman's Wharf market in Hay River, Yellowknife's Farmers' Market and the Arctic Market in Inuvik. Bite into a muskox burger, enjoy fresh whitefi sh, pickerel and Arctic char at a restaurant in Yellowknife or Inuvik. Toss a line into one of the lakes and rivers that dot the terri- tory's landscape and fi sh for Arctic grayling or lake trout and whitefi sh. Or have a shore lunch that your host has prepared for you ( www.spectacularnwt.com/what-to-do/ fi shing/fi shing-day-trips). PADDLER'S PARADISE From the tangled channels of the Mackenzie Delta to the adrenaline rush of Class 5 whitewater on the Slave River, follow the watery trails that explorers and fur traders once pursued. Paddle or raft through the deep canyons of the South Nahanni River in Nahanni National Park Reserve ( www.pc.gc.ca/nahanni). Travel along the Thelon River as it fl ows through the Barrenlands and the Thelon Game Sanctuary. Try the meandering Thomsen River in Aulavik National Park (www. pc.gc.ca/aulavik). The Coppermine is a challenging river that offers experienced paddlers plenty of whitewater. Licenced outfi tters offer multi-day packages (www. spectacularnwt.com/what-to-do/ summer-adventure/canoeing-kayaking- rafting). WILDLIFE WANDERING The territory's wildlife has a schedule all its own. But with luck and patience, perhaps you will see some. Look for nesting pelicans on rocky outcrops in the rapids near Fort Smith. Keep an eye out for free-roaming bison in Wood Buffalo National Park and the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary near Fort Providence. Dall sheep and mountain goats travel on the craggy slopes of the Mackenzie Mountains. Prehistoric-looking muskox roam around Banks Island. Black bears, moose, caribou and grizzly bears also call the N.W.T. home. WHAT'S NEW? During the summer, eat locally sourced reindeer dishes and fi sh and chips cooked inside a converted school bus at Alestine's and served on a terrace overlooking the Mackenzie River in Inuvik north of the Arctic Circle. Or, in summer, eat local fare at the newly renovated historic Wildcat Café in Yellowknife's Old Town. Travel along the edge of scenic Yellowknife Bay in a 12-person voyageur canoe, for a Floating Dinner Theatre experience in the summer with Narwal Northern Adventures. Feast on a traditional meal of soup and bannock, accompanied by lively entertain- ment ( www.narwal.ca/tours). Old Town Paddle & Co. offers stand-up paddle boarding, another way to experi- ence the water on local rivers and lakes near Yellowknife (www.oldtownpaddle. com). Learn about local geology and medicinal plants during interpretive hikes around Yellowknife with Strong Interpretation (www.experienceyellowknife.com). POPULATION: , CAPITAL CITY: Yellowknife TERRITORIAL WEBSITE: www.spectacularnwt.com Direct fl ights to Yellowknife airport depart from edmonton, Calgary, ottawa and Whitehorse Yellowknife airport is 5 km (3 mi.) from downtown BUffaLo • SHUtterStoCK/DannY XU