One of the most popular holiday activities in the Northwest Territories includes viewing the Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. Intense solar energy lights up the sky above the region's boreal forests and frozen lakes in a range of vibrant colors. The Northern Lights are clearly visible during 240 nights each year, starting from early December and ending in late March. The lights are also visible on clear autumn nights. Hotels and tour companies offer vacationers looking to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights heated viewing chairs, special panorama decks, as well as down clothing to keep southern visitors warm. Evening tours by dog sled, departing from Yellowknife, also provide a way for visitors to experience the Northern Lights.
The Northwest Territories offers visitors hiking opportunities and close contact with wildlife in two major national parks. The Wood Buffalo National Park encompasses 17,300 square miles of land and the largest number of wood bison anywhere in Canada. Visitors can see more than 4,000 wood bison roam free in the park. It is also possible to hike along the 4.6 mile Salt River trail. The only way to reach Wood Buffalo Park is by car along the MacKenzie Highway, near the Hay River exit.
The territory's other national park is called Nahanni and among the most prominent tourist attractions are several sulphur hot springs. Unlike Wood Buffalo Park, however, Nahanni is not easy to reach. Visitors must arrange to either fly in from Fort Simpson or arrive by boat along the South Nahanni River.
Visitors to the Western Arctic may not only take in the famous midnight sun, but also learn about local Inuit culture through folk arts displays in the settlement of Ulukhaktok. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy the unique experience of golfing on a course near Ulukhaktok, along the frigid Beaufort Sea. The fastest way to reach the Western Arctic is by airplane. First Air offers direct flights to Inuvik from Yellowknife, as well as from Edmonton, Alberta. Visitors near Dawson City may also drive along the territory's Dempster Highway, although the terrain is mountainous and includes long stretches of tundra.
