High up in western Canada, above the 60th Parallel, sandwiched between the Yukon and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories border the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan to the south, with the Arctic Ocean and portions of Nunavut to the north. Its dramatic landscape unfolds from plains and valleys to mountain ranges and contains more animals than people. Despite temperatures that can reach minus 40 degrees Celsius during winters in this arctic and subarctic climate, aboriginal people (called First Nations people in Canada) have lived off the land here for more than 1,000 years, long before European traders and mapmakers discovered the area. About half of the current population is aboriginal, of the Dene, Inuvialuit, and Métis tribes; six of the territory’s eight official languages are indigenous (the others are English and French).

There are five travel regions in the Northwest Territories: North Slave, Deh Cho, South Slave, Sahtu, and the Western Arctic. Each has distinct landscapes, heritage, culture, and experiences for those who venture into this stunning wilderness. While here, you can shop for traditional crafts in the shops and galleries of Yellowknife, Inuvik, and the smaller communities. Handmade goods such as traditional clothing, silver and gold jewelry, miniatures, prints, paintings, and carvings in bone, stone, and antler are all worth bringing home (check with US customs for restrictions on importing certain crafts made from animals).

Another reason to visit is the Aurora Borealis, commonly called Northern Lights, which decorates the night sky every autumn and winter. You'll find optimum viewing on clear nights. It is estimated that there are 243 Auroral nights per year in Yellowknife, assuring that many who travel over a span of several days will be treated to this dazzling display.

Nature affords visitors places to play, challenge themselves, and unwind throughout the regions. In the summer there are opportunities to hike, bike, rock climb, canoe, kayak, fish, camp, and whitewater raft. In the winter, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, dogsled, and ice fish. Year-round visitors can hunt big game or simply set out to view the wildlife.