Northern by Design: 7 Unforgettable Stays in the Northwest Territories
- Michaela Arnold
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
From Snow Castles to Floating Homes, Discover the Wonders of Northern Living
Imagine a landscape so vast and untamed that the architecture must do more than just provide shelter—it must converse with the elements. In the Northwest Territories (NWT), the structures we build are not mere buildings; they are a testament to human creativity and a deep, enduring connection to the land.
For the international traveler, particularly those visiting from the United Kingdom who are accustomed to historic stone and brick, the architectural tapestry of the Canadian North offers a startling and refreshing contrast. Here, innovation meets tradition in the most spectacular ways. From floating neighborhoods that defy the seasons to domes of glass that invite the cosmos into your bedroom, the NWT offers living spaces that inspire awe.
We invite you to step away from the ordinary hotel experience. Come discover a region where you can sleep within walls of snow, drift to sleep on a frozen lake, or warm your hands by a woodstove in a canvas tipi. These are the unique structures of the North—places where stories are born and memories are etched into the ice.
Houseboat Bay: A Floating Tapestry of Color
In a land of over a million lakes, our waterways dictate how we live, move, and gather. Nowhere is this more vibrant than in Yellowknife’s iconic Houseboat Bay. This isn’t just a place to live; it is a bold statement of independence and creativity floating on Great Slave Lake.
As you look out across the bay, you see a community of vibrant, candy-colored homes bobbing on the water. Each houseboat is a unique piece of craftsmanship—some adorned with solar panels, others featuring whimsical murals and architectural quirks. They represent a neighborhood unlike any other in Canada, perhaps even the world.
Living here requires grit and collaboration. The residents face the "freeze-up" in winter and "break- up" in spring, periods where navigating the half-frozen waters to reach the shore becomes a daily challenge. Yet, the community thrives. Neighbors are always ready to help when a leak springs or supplies run low. For the visitor, the view is breathtaking: dazzling Aurora reflecting off the ice in winter, or the gentle lap of water beneath the Midnight Sun in summer. It is a perfect snapshot of the resilient, colorful spirit of the North.
Igloos: The Engineering of Snow
Snow in the North is more than weather; it is a fundamental building material. The igloo, or snow house, stands as a triumph of Indigenous engineering, perfected over centuries to survive the harshest environment on Earth.
Constructed from spiraling blocks of compacted snow, these domes are thermally efficient and remarkably strong. While the wind may howl across the tundra outside, the interior of an igloo remains quiet and surprisingly warm.
The insulating properties of snow trap body heat and the glow of a lantern, creating a sanctuary of light and warmth. To step inside an igloo is to step into a history of survival and innovation. The translucent walls glow with an otherworldly hue, and when the Aurora Borealis dances overhead, the entire structure seems to hum with the energy of the night sky. It is a profound reminder of how elegance and practicality can coexist in the wild.
Cabins: A Refuge in the Wilderness
The cabin is the vibrant heartbeat of Northern life, a soulful retreat tucked away in emerald spruce orests, perched on rugged lakeshores, or nestled beside the song of rushing rivers. Often hand-crafted from local timber and powered by the sun and wind, these sanctuaries offer an intimate connection to the wild that modern city architecture can only dream of replicating.
There is a beautiful, "do-it-yourself" spirit here, where structures reflect a profound respect for the land and a visionary desire for solitude.
For those who seek this raw connection to nature paired with refined, world-class comfort, the high- end cabins at Blachford Lake Lodge stand as a shimmering example. Here, luxury and sustainability dance together, providing a visionary basecamp for every season. Whether you are launching a summer paddling expedition under the midnight sun or seeking a cozy refuge in the heart of winter, these cabins offer a front-row seat to the wonders of the North. After a day of exploring, there is nothing quite like the warmth of a crackling woodstove while the celestial masterpiece of the Aurora Borealis paints the sky above your roof.
Tipis: Symbols of Heritage
Architecture in the NWT tells a story of the people who have called this land home since time immemorial. The tipi is a powerful symbol of this heritage. Traditionally built with sturdy woodenpoles and covered with animal hides (and later, canvas), the tipi is a masterclass in functional design.
Its conical shape allows it to withstand strong winds, while the adjustable flaps provide ventilation in summer and retain warmth in winter. But a tipi is more than a shelter; it is a gathering space. Today, they continue to serve as centers for storytelling, ceremony, and cultural exchange. Sitting inside a tipi, listening to the crackle of the fire and the stories of the Dene people, offers a cultural immersion that grounds you in the history of the land.
Sky Domes: Windows to the Cosmos
While we honor tradition, we also embrace the visionary. Enter the sky dome—a modern twist on Northern shelter designed for the ultimate spectator experience. These spherical, geodesic structures are built for comfort and visibility, blending the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Featuring transparent walls, cozy woodstoves, and plush lounge seating, sky domes allow you to experience the Arctic sky without braving the Arctic cold. Imagine lying back in warmth as the Northern Lights swirl in green and violet ribbons directly above you. It is an innovative way to bring people closer to the stars, offering a front-row seat to the greatest light show on Earth.
Yellowknife’s Snow Castle: A Kingdom of Ice
Every March, something magical rises from the frozen surface of Great Slave Lake. The Snow Castle, the centerpiece of the Snowking Winter Festival, is a colossal structure carved entirely from solid blocks of lake ice and snow.
This is ephemeral architecture at its finest. The castle features intricate tunnels, slides, performance halls, and world-class snow carvings. Each year brings a new theme and a new design, making every iteration a unique work of art. It is a labor of love, built by a dedicated community of volunteers who brave freezing temperatures to bring this dream to life.
Walking through the icy hallways of the Snow Castle, you can feel the joy and resourcefulness of the community. It captures the imagination of children and adults alike, standing as a glittering palace of winter before it eventually melts back into the lake, leaving only memories behind.
Remote Retreat: Frontier Lodge
For those seeking true isolation and a touch of magic, the remote lodges of the NWT offer an escape like no other. Places like Frontier Lodge, nestled on the south shore of the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, possess a quiet power. It is a place where the silence is heavy and beautiful, and the landscape stretches out endlessly. As a naturalist’s lodge, it offers an intimate connection to the pristine northern environment. These remote outposts are not just places to sleep; they are gateways to the wild, offering comfort in the middle of the magnificent nowhere.
Experience the Extraordinary
From the vibrant colors of Houseboat Bay to the timeless design of the igloo, the Northwest Territories is a region built to inspire. These are more than structures—they’re experiences that connect you to the land, its people, and their incredible stories.
Step beyond your comfort zone and into ours. Watch the Aurora through the roof of a sky dome or share tea inside a tipi. Here, the North doesn’t just welcome you—it transforms you.
Ready to explore the spectacular Northwest Territories? Discover our unique accommodations and start planning your journey today.
Further information on the Northwest Territories can be found here: www.spectacularnwt.com
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