Looking for something a little different? Consider Canada’s territories, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, which may not get as much attention vacation-wise as the rest of the country, but they are well worth exploring. The territories offer much in the way of adventure, natural beauty and unique opportunities that can’t be experienced anywhere else.
A little more about Canada’s Territories
Canada has three territories: Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Nunavut became Canada’s third territory on April 1, 1999, and it’s also the largest territory making up one fifth of Canada’s land mass. The Northwest Territories are the second largest of the three territories, and home to Great Bear Lake, the eighth largest lake in the world. The Northwest Territories are also home to Great Slave Lake, the deepest lake in Canada and the 10th largest lake in the world. Yukon is the smallest of the three territories and about three quarters of the population live in the capital city of Whitehorse. Mount Logan, which is located in the Yukon’s Kluane National Park, is the highest mountain in Canada. Each of the three territories are great destinations for hiking, wildlife viewing, dog sledding and snowmobiling, among a range of other outdoor activities.
If you’re intrigued, we’re sharing some expeditions, tours and day trips that allow visitors to get to know these amazing places.
Yukon Husky Trail, Yukon
Offered from November through mid-April, the Yukon Husky Trail tour has participants driving their own team of huskies on historic trails used by trappers. The 11 day adventure begins with learning the basics of dog sledding and getting to know the dogs before hitting the trail. Depending on timing you may be lucky enough to catch the Aurora Borealis during the trip.
The Yukon Adventure Company, Northwest Territories
The Yukon Adventure Company offers a six day tour of the Northwest Territories that begins and ends in Yellowknife. The tour is offered in summer and winter and is based at remote Blachford Lake Lodge. In the winter there’s a snowmobiling tour, dog sledding, ice fishing, nature trails and Northern Lights viewing, and in the summer guests can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, nature trails, a boat tour and sport fishing.
Arctic Snowmobile Safari, Nunavut
The Great Canadian Adventure Company offers a snowmobile adventure in Nunavut in April. The timing of this trip takes advantage of the onset of spring wherein participants may catch a glimpse of grizzly bears, caribou, wolves and maybe even the Northern Lights. The trip also includes time for familiarization with the snowmobiles before setting off.
Adventures by Snowmobile, Northwest Territories
Yellowknife Outdoor Adventures offers snowmobiling day trips of one, two or three hours. Each trip begins with a lesson in basic safety and operating instructions, and both snowmobile and snowmobile clothing are included. During the tour you’ll travel through forested trails, stopping to take photos and explore frozen lakes. Tours also include a snack and hot beverage.
Arctic Weekend Getaway, Nunavut
Spend three or four days getting to know Nunavut with Arctic Kingdom’s Arctic Weekend Getaway. The three or four day trip is based in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. Depending on the season, there are many different activities to try, as well as taking time to explore the city. Iqaluit is located close to a wide array of parkland so active travellers can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, dog sledding, snowmobiling, kayaking, ATV adventures and more, depending on the season. The city itself has many cultural and historic attractions to explore.
Yukon Klondike 5 Night Package, Yukon
Classic Canadian Tours offers a five night package aimed at getting to know the Yukon. Beginning and ending in Whitehorse, the comprehensive tour provides a look at some of the best the Yukon has to offer. In addition to shopping, exploring and sightseeing in Whitehorse, tour participants will also visit Carcross, Yukon, home of the world’s smallest desert; Dawson City, the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush, and Skagway, Alaska.
Kluane National Park Tour, Yukon
Visitors to the Yukon can explore Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Black Bear Wilderness Adventures. The park is home to the highest peak in Canada, as well as the world’s largest non-polar ice field. The tour is offered year round, lasts six to eight hours and guests are picked up and dropped off in Whitehorse. Snacks, juice, water and picnic lunch are provided, and warm clothes are recommended.
Backpacking Sirmilik National Park, Nunavut
The Great Canadian Adventure Company runs a backpacking expedition in August into Bylot Island’s Sirmilik National Park in Nunavut. Sirmilik National park is one of Canada’s newest National parks, and is known to have some of the best hiking in the arctic. Expect to see glaciers, tundra valleys and snow-capped mountains. The park is also home to 50 different species of bird.
Yukon Winter Dream, Yukon
Experience five days of the best the Yukon has to offer with Arctic Range Adventures. The action-packed tour is offered December through March and includes a sightseeing flight to check out the beautiful scenery from above, a drive through the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, a visit to the Takhini Hot springs, snowmobiling and dog sledding. The Yukon adventure begins and ends in Whitehorse.
Cameron Falls Hiking Tour, Northwest Territories
My Backyard Tours offers several day trips in the Northwest Territories, including one that visits Cameron Falls, which lie just outside the Yellowknife city limits. In addition to viewing the falls, some possible stops along the way include the outdoor Mining Heritage Display at Giant Mine and the Yellowknife River. The tour is offered in spring and fall and is four to five hours in length.
Lead photo: Bruce McKay used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license
