Trail. Another option is to book a break in a luxury wilderness
lodge, some of which even have igloos or glamping facilities
for sleeping out below the aurora. Whatever you decide to do,
you’ll never forget the magic of the northern lights.
DriviNg the Dempster
Built in 1979, the 735-kilometre Dempster Highway takes you
across mighty rivers on ferries, past magnificent mountain
ranges and all the way through the Arctic Circle to Inuvik.
From Inuvik, drive the new all-weather road to Tuktoyaktuk and
the Arctic Ocean. Most people start in the Yukon at Dawson
City and take a few days to head north, taking in parks and
communities along the way. In summer, the highway is open
from mid-June to mid-October and again in winter, from mid-
December to end of April, when the road turns to ice.
aLL oN ice
There are plenty of other activities to pack into winter days in the
Northwest Territories. For those who want to drive the ice roads, built
each year so communities and mines can be resupplied throughout
the coldest months, there are plenty of options, including a route
north from Yellowknife to the Arctic coastline. You can also try ice
fishing, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and kite-skiing.
goNe to the Dogs
One of the most popular winter activities in the Northwest
Territories is dog sledding. This was once one of the few ways
people could travel a long distance when the snow set in. Now, you
can either take a seat on a traditional toboggan and enjoy the ride,
or learn to drive the experienced dog teams. You can even travel
across frozen lakes and along trails by dogsled before settling in
to a heated cabin to enjoy the dancing lights of the aurora.
Lakes, rivers aND mouNtaiNs
When the weather is a little warmer,
there is a huge range of outdoor
activities for those who like to get close
to nature. Hiking is one of the most
popular activities, particularly above the
tree line in the Mackenzie Mountains
and on the Canol Heritage Trail. But for
anyone more likely to enjoy a simple day
out tramping, there are excellent trails
around Hay River, Inuvik, Fort Simpson,
Fort Smith and Yellowknife.
Whether you’re looking for white
water or a gentle stream, kayaking and
canoeing is popular. There are multiday
adventures along the Coppermine
or Nahanni Rivers, where you’ll see
amazing falls and outstanding wildlife.
Great Slave Lake is the perfect spot for
those who like to catch their own lunch
and, in winter, when it freezes over, it’s
the setting for the month-long Snowking
Festival, with its performances, music,
film screenings and castle built
completely from snow and ice.wINTER ISSUE 2018 149at a gLaNce
BLachforD Lake LoDge4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Departs Selected dates
13 Jun – 7 Oct 2018Remote, ecofriendly Blachford Lake
Lodge is set within the Northwest
Territories’ rugged wilderness
overlooking Blachford Lake. Each
season offers a unique experience.iNcLusioNs
Three nights’ accommodation, some
meals, return floatplane flights.
from AU$3,385* / NZ$3,729*
*Prices are per person, twin share.
Terms and conditions apply.To book a trip to the Northwest Territories
at any time of year, contact your local travel
agent or visit adventureworld.comCONCIERGE