Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
NT 151 In the Northwest Territories, the phrase "the lights are out" means the aurora borealis is lighting up the sky. On a clear night between October and March, when the sky is dark enough, perhaps the aurora will come out to play. But remember, the lights are an unpredictable natural phenomenon that come out on their own schedule. That is why no appointment is necessary. The N.W.T. lies between the Yukon and Nunavut but the southern part of the territory is accessed by road from British Columbia and Alberta. The landscape features boreal forest in the south, tundra north of the Arctic Circle, and the Mackenzie and Richardson mountains to the west. The Mackenzie River, North America's second-longest river, starts its journey at Fort Providence before fl owing more than 1,000 km (621 mi.) into the Arctic Ocean. Great Slave Lake is the continent's deepest lake and Great Bear Lake is the territory's largest lake. The N.W.T. has 33 communities divided into fi ve regions: Inuvik region, Sahtu, North Slave, South Slave and Dehcho. Aboriginal Peoples comprise half the population—Dene, Métis or Inuvialuit. Although there are 11 offi cial languages, most people speak English. AURORA HUNTING The Northwest Territories sits directly beneath the auroral oval. On a clear night, check the aurora forecast on Yellowknife's Astronomy North website to fi nd out the likelihood of spotting the northern lights ( www.astronomynorth.com/aurora- forecast). There are diff erent 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 off ers a clear view of the night sky. Head out onto frozen Great Slave Lake in an eight-passenger Bombardier, or fl y out to a wilderness 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 whitefi sh that an outfi tter has prepared over an open fi re for your lunch. Spend a day fi shing near a community, or enjoy a multi-day package at a remote lodge ( www. spectacularnwt.com/what-to-do/fi shing). Weekly summer markets in Inuvik, Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith feature locally-grown produce as well as homemade goods such as fi reweed jelly and birch syrup. Stop by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Craft Store in Inuvik for some dry fi sh and other local delicacies. UNIQUELY NORTHERN Drive up the Dempster Highway and take a selfi e 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- golfi ng.htm). Visit the popular Igloo Church in Inuvik. The interior is decorated with paintings by Inuit artist Mona Thrasher. WHAT'S NEW? Be one of the fi rst to drive the all-weather road from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk when this new road opens in late 2017. You'll be able to drive to the Arctic Ocean. Paddle bouncy whitewater, explore craggy peaks, hike through alpine valleys or soak in hot springs in Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve, the territory's newest national park, during guided or self-guided trips. Old Town Paddle & Co. off ers stand-up paddle boarding, another way to experience YELLOWKNIFE • CTC NT 151