What to expect
Northwest Territories has 1 trails
including medium trails.
The trail with the highest elevation climb is the Canol Heritage Trail
and the one with the least climb is the Canol Heritage Trail.
The longest trail is Canol Heritage Trail
at 365 km. To complete this hike you should budget at least 19 days.
For a shorter adventure, you can try the Canol Heritage Trail
a t 365 km. This could be done in as little as 19 days.
Trails with the best offering of hostels include
Canol Heritage Trail.
Be prepared for hiking in Northwest Territories with the HiiKER app
FAQs about hiking in Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories experience a subarctic climate, with winter starting early in October and lasting till April. This season brings extremely cold temperatures, making hiking challenging. Summers, from June to August, are brief but can provide comfortable hiking conditions with longer daylight hours. In Autumn, expect cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. Visit nwtweather.com for more detailed forecast.
Permits and specific regulations can be obtained from the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources at enr.gov.nt.ca.
Before venturing out, check the official Northwest Territories Tourism website at spectacularnwt.com for safety tips and updates on trail conditions.
In the Northwest Territories, permits for hiking and camping in national parks and protected lands can be obtained from Parks Canada or local land and water boards. Specific regulations can vary, so visiting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources website enr.gov.nt.ca is recommended.
Wild camping in Northwest Territories is generally permitted, but regulations may apply in protected areas. Camping must minimize environmental impact. The 'Leave No Trace' principle is advised. Always check local rules from sources such as Parks Canada or the Department of Environment and Natural Resources enr.gov.nt.ca.
In an emergency during a hike in the Northwest Territories, call 911. For mountain rescue services, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the primary contact. Consider carrying a satellite phone or GPS locator due to remote areas' unreliable cell coverage. Visit rcmp-grc.gc.ca for more information.
The Northwest Territories abound with boreal forests, tundra, and wetlands, offering a diverse array of flora. Expect lichen, moss, dwarf shrubs on tundra hikes; spruce, pine, and aspen in forested regions. Specific flora may depend on seasonal changes. Visit https://www.gardenguides.com/127023-native-plants-norway.html for further details.
Hikers in the Northwest Territories may encounter diverse wildlife such as caribou, bears, and wolves, so awareness is essential. Mosquitoes and black flies are prevalent in summer. Keep safe distances and use bug repellent. For more detailed information, check nwta.com/wildlife.
