9 Ways to Enjoy the Northwest Territories' Epic Water

Famous for its lakes, waterways and shorelines, some of the most amazing landscapes in  the Northwest Territories are best seen from the water.  And with seemingly as many boats as cars, you have endless options for fun and fulfilling floats.  

Canoe a 200-kilometre (120 mile) stretch of the legendary Thelon River,  or motor along the awe-inspiring cliffs of Great Slave Lake’s East Arm. Fish from a paddleboard in Yellowknife Bay or practice slick airscrews on your kayak in the Slave River Rapids.  Here are nine ways to enjoy the NWT’s waterways:

Canoeing

Canoes were used as means of transportation by Indigenous peoples well before the days of roads and air travel. Today’s most popular canoe routes still follow these early paths. 

These go-anywhere, do-anything boats can carry hundreds of pounds of people and gear — enough to last weeks on the water, be it hugging the shores of big lakes, or riding the waves of foaming rivers. They can be easily portaged or even strapped to a floatplane to hit some of the most remote locations in the North.

Grab life by the paddle and soon you can be bobbing along the Hay River Beach or descending the full length of the Nahanni River. Many tour operators and lodges in the NWT can  help you with canoe and equipment rentals and take you on unforgettable guided trips.

Flatwater Kayaking

With their narrow hulls and double-bladed paddles, kayaks are fast, steady and protected from wind and waves, helping kayakers go places many other watercrafts would find challenging to reach. Take a trip on the East Arm of Tinde’e (Great Slave Lake) and find  countless islands, narrow channels, towering cliffs, and world-class fishing. Paddling on the Arctic Ocean outside Western Arctic communities can get you up close to muskoxen and pingos. Or take some time to float the majestic Mackenzie River from its source to the sea.

Pleasure Boating

Great Slave Lake is the fifth largest lake in North America and the tenth largest in the world. Plenty of room to roam.  From early June to at least late September, you’ll find fantastic fishing and witness a variety of natural landscapes, from intriguing dunes to 180-metre (590 foot) cliffs. Rent a pleasure craft or take a guided tour with an operator, choosing from sightseeing, birding, fishing trips or more. Fresh fish eaten on shore is hard to beat.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is exploding in popularity.  Stand-up paddleboards — or SUPs — are a simple, accessible and fun way to explore inshore waters and flatwater rivers.  

Mingle among the colourful houseboats in Yellowknife’s Old Town or try your luck in the Somba k’e Paddling Club’s annual race around Old Town’s Latham Island.  Better yet, find your tree pose with a paddleboard yoga class on Back Bay. 

You’ll find paddleboards for rent at the waterfronts of many communities, including Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik as well as at parks like Wood Buffalo National Park.

Rafting

Stable, sturdy and a ton of fun, rafting is perfect for watersport beginners as well as more experienced paddlers  looking to hit some amazing waves. No matter your skill level, you’ll find opportunities for an unforgettable rafting experience.

Raft the Nahanni River and take in the natural wonder of Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls). Or cross the Arctic Circle on the Coppermine River as you make your way through historic portage sites. The NWT’s other noteworthy rafting destinations include the Horton, the Natla, the Thomson and the Thelon Rivers.

Ferries

While built for serious business, ferries can also be serious fun. Four ferries currently operate in the NWT, carrying cars and trucks free of charge across unbridged rivers — the Arctic Red River, the Mackenzie River, the Peel River and the Liard River. 

Though the crossings usually take just a few minutes, the ferries provide passengers a chance to stretch their legs, chat with fellow travellers, take photos and admire  the stunning sceneries all around them. Local ferry pilots are a source of helpful advice and entertaining stories. The ferries run only in the warmer months, so make sure to check on the NWT Government website before planning your trip.

Whitewater Kayaking

The NWT boasts some of the world’s best whitewater destinations, including the Nahanni, the Slave, and the Horton Rivers,

The Slave River Rapids, near Fort Smith, are a playboater’s paradise. With countless waves, chutes and playholes, this whitewater wonderland draws kayakers from around the world. But you don’t have to be a pro to have fun here. Come for Paddlefest, held annually in early August, and you’ll join scores of other novice kayakers in all kinds of exciting events, including canoe races and rodeos and paddling games.   

Sambaa Deh Falls on the Trout River offers impressive gorges and a rushing gauntlet of fast-moving water for more experienced paddlers. The difficult Class V waters roar through a winding gorge.

Sailing

Great Slave Lake is home to a large, active and adventuresome flotilla of sailboats. Most summer nights you’ll see sailboats leaning in the wind as they race down Yellowknife Bay. Head out to the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and find sailers riding the breeze by day and bobbing in the bays at night. The Great Slave Sailing Club in Yellowknife Bay hosts sailing classes and social events. During the sailing season, the club also organizes day trips and overnight gatherings around Mackenzie Island, Romance Harbour, the West Mirage Islands and Moose Bay.

Expedition Cruising

Leave your flip flops and bathing suits behind. A cruise through the Northwest Passage is more like an expedition. With medium-sized ice-class vessels that can carry between 75 and 250 passengers, Arctic cruises run from August to early October and are a great way to experience the stunning landscapes, culture and history of the Arctic.

Common stops include Aulavik National Park, with the world’s largest muskox population; the community of Ulukhaktok, home to the northernmost golf-course and the Smoking Hills, where burning subterranean coal seams have belched smoke for centuries. You’re also almost guaranteed to see icebergs and polar bears, safely from the deck of your vessel.

Further information on the Northwest Territories can be found at www.spectacularnwt.com.