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Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge

Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Arctic Canada

Spectacular wildlife among remote beauty

Northwest Territories tailor-made holidays

Introduction

The sparsely populated Northwest Territories comprise vast swathes of Arctic tundra and pristine boreal forest, five times the size of the United Kingdom. Home to beluga whale and bearded seal, Arctic fox and polar bear, the endless landscapes of Canada’s far northern provinces are blessed with a wild beauty quite unlike any other.

This is a region of epic proportions, where a unique aboriginal culture is set against a backdrop of four national parks and the shimmering blue of Great Slave Lake – the deepest in North America. The sub-Arctic town of Yellowknife is gateway to a host of off-the-beaten-track experiences, with remote hotels offering seasonal tours by boat or snowmobile in search of caribou, grizzly bears, black bears and wolves. Head further north still, to Nunavut, to experience nature in its rawest form.

Natural wonders 

Yellowknife's picturesque centre and pioneering spirit make this frontier town a charming gateway to the myriad of wilderness adventures found in Canada’s Northwest Territories and beyond. Head to Somerset Island in Nunavut for well off-the-beaten track travel; this faraway island in Canada’s Arctic archipelago is all untamed landscapes and a remarkable diversity of nature, best explored from the faraway comforts of the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. If Nunavut sounds a little too extreme, perhaps consider Manitoba. Equally enticing in both summer and winter, its forests, mountains, farmlands and prairie stretch north from the US border, past Winnipeg’s big-city sophistication to the desolate western shores of Hudson Bay. Here, amid the Arctic tundra, polar bears and beluga whales come to feed and, in winter, the technicolour swirls of the Northern Lights can be seen dancing in dark skies overhead. Explore Baffin Island and its national parks, one of the world's largest islands, where you'll find ice caps, dramatic fjords dominated by colossal steely mountains. 

Northern Lights over Yellowknife
Northern Lights over Yellowknife

Wildlife

Canada’s largest province is a network of mainly uninhabited islands, save for a small Aboriginal population who’ve carved out an existence amid its inhospitable remotes. Here, the wildlife takes on an altogether more Arctic feel, with roaming polar bears and herds of muskox making the most of the almost unlimited space. The remote outpost of Churchill in northern Manitoba will sate the appetite of even the most demanding adventure seekers; perhaps search for polar bears in the wilderness or swim with beluga whales in the frigid waters of Hudson Bay. While touring the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, keep an eye out for wildlife such as the arctic fox, caribou and muskox, or head north to Ellesmere Island to spot narwhal, beluga whale and polar bear. 

Polar bear, Nunavut
Polar bear in Nunavut

Rich heritage

Yellowknife is wonderfully photographed from Bush Pilot's Monument in Old Town, and the heritage museum tells the story of the Dene First Nations tribe. Follow guided tours of Nahanni National Park or fly to Nunavut to discover Inuit culture, and take a look at their artwork in Baker Lake or visit the Thule (Inuit ancestors) native site in Rankin Inlet. Head to charming Winnipeg for historic neighbourhoods, a vibrant arts scene and one of the world’s best fringe-theatre festivals. Discover all this and more in Manitoba’s capital, which rises from the vast expanse of the province’s southern prairie. 

Manitoba Legislative Building, Winnipeg

 

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Special offers in Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Arctic Canada

Northwest Passage, Canada

The Northwest Passage on Silver Wind

28-day luxury cruise from £34,320 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to 20%
Book by: 12 April 2024

Connect with your inner adventurer on this epic Arctic voyage, following in the bow wake of Roald Amundsen as you sail the Northwest Passage, deep into the Canadian Arctic.

Top itineraries in Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Arctic Canada

Yellowknife Northern Lights, Canada

Northern Lights in Yellowknife & the Rockies

8-day tailor-made holiday from £2,085 pp incl. flights

This tailor-made winter holiday sees you travel to north to the remote city of Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories and Canada's most reliable location for spotting the Northern Lights.

Top places to stay in Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Arctic Canada

Arctic Haven

Arctic Haven

Traditional lodge

Located on the shores of Ennadai Lake, Arctic Haven is a wilderness lodge sitting on the tree line of the Canadian Arctic Barrens, home to a 350,000 strong herd of Qamanirjuaq caribou.

Where to go in Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Arctic Canada

Baffin Bay, Nunavut

Nunavut

Nunavut is the largest province in Canada and can only be reached by air or sea. Your Nunavut travel experience will explore a number of islands that are part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Baffin Island is the largest in Nunavut with most of its landmass sitting above the Arctic Circle.

Alaska Highway

Northwest Territories

Follow the Dempster Highway from Inuvik back to the Yukon for stunning views of the tundra and wildlife. And complete your Northwest Territories travel experience by visiting the many lakes and parks on offer.

When to go to Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Arctic Canada

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Summer (May to September) in Canada's northern provinces brings clement weather and the best chances to see wildlife. You can swim with beluga whales in Somerset Island (Nanavut) and Churchill, and see abundant birdlife along with other species including Arctic fox, seals and muskox. In Churchill, the main polar bear viewing season is short, running for around a month between mid-October and mid-November. As winter approaches, much of the north is frozen and desolate, with temperatures plummeting to -30ºC in places.

See regional weather

Meet our Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Arctic Canada experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0635

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0635 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected