The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a destination of breathtaking extremes, where the sun never truly sets in summer and the sky dances in a kaleidoscope of light in winter. To truly unlock the magic of this vast Canadian landscape, a journey. We offer curated experiences perfectly tailored for every season. Whether you seek the fiery glow of the Aurora Borealis or the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun, here is why you must visit the North West Territories in both summer and winter.

Winter: A Canvas of Ice and Aurora (November to April)

Winter in the Northwest Territories is not a season to be avoided—it’s a spectacular main event. This is the time when the region truly earns its reputation as one of the world’s best places to witness the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.

The Unforgettable Draw: Northern Lights

Anderson Vacations’ winter tours are centered around this celestial phenomenon, particularly in the capital city of Yellowknife. With its location directly beneath the Auroral Oval, your chances of a spectacular sighting are incredibly high.

• 5-Day Yellowknife Aurora Borealis Viewing: These dedicated tours are designed for maximum viewing time, often featuring custom-built facilities or teepees away from city lights to ensure the darkest skies. The stillness of the northern winter adds a profound sense of awe to the experience.
• Aurora & Indigenous Culture Spring Journey: For a deeper cultural dive, choose an experience that blends the light show with local traditions. These tours allow you to learn about the significance of the Aurora from the perspective of the Indigenous peoples who have lived under these skies for generations, often including activities that celebrate the transition from deep winter into spring.

Why Winter? Visitors seeking dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime light shows and classic winter activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing will find the NWT winter unmatched.

Summer: The Land of the Midnight Sun (June to September)

While the winter is defined by darkness and light, the summer is defined by continuous, exhilarating daylight. The NWT transforms into a land of endless exploration, where the sun hovers on the horizon, allowing for maximum adventure.

Road Trips and Arctic Adventures

Summer is the season for epic journeys and experiencing the rugged, vast northern landscape firsthand. Anderson Vacations offers tours that embrace the freedom of the open road and the majesty of the Arctic Circle.

• Inuit Lands and the Road to the Arctic: This adventure is the epitome of northern travel. It focuses on the breathtaking vistas and cultural significance of the route. You’ll trace historic paths, encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the unique communities of the Canadian Arctic.
• A True Arctic Adventure: These focused trips allow travelers to appreciate the NWT’s natural beauty when it’s at its warmest. Expect opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing, as the region’s animals are most active during the long daylight hours.

The Late Summer Bonus: Aurora in the Fall

For those who want the best of both worlds, late summer (August and September) is the perfect shoulder season. Anderson Vacations offers Late Summer Aurora Borealis Viewing tours in Yellowknife. The nights begin to get dark enough to see the lights, while the air is still mild, and the fall colours are starting to appear.

Why Summer? Visitors who love road trips, long daylight hours for continuous exploration, wildlife photography, and moderate temperatures will find North West Territories in the summer to be a uniquely accessible wilderness experience.

Book Your Polar Escape

The Northwest Territories challenges the traditional travel itinerary, demanding to be experienced not just in a season, but in a complete annual cycle. With Anderson Vacations, every detail is managed, from the best viewing spots for the Aurora to the logistics of traversing the North’s grand highways. Whether you choose the icy spectacle of a Yellowknife winter or the sun-drenched freedom of an Arctic summer, your journey to the NWT will be a profound and unforgettable Canadian adventure.

To find the perfect tour for your summer or winter trip, visit the Anderson Vacations Northwest Territories page.