Northwest Territories travel guide
About Northwest Territories
You’re more likely to spot a herd of bison or come across a grizzly bear than you are to encounter humans in the Northwest Territories. Everything is extreme here, from the isolation (it’s very remote) to the daylight (or lack of it) and the size of the wildlife (humongous).
Yellowknife, where most of the territories’ population and commercial activity is based, may not be much to write home about, but it’s the perfect launch pad for outdoor adventure.
Arrive in winter, and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Watch the celestial spectacle from a luxury lodge or hunker down in a cosy teepee. Witness a 3,000-strong herd of reindeer cross the frozen Mackenzie River, and celebrate the end of winter with harpoon-throwing contests, dog sledding and skidoo races at Inuvik’s Muskrat Jamboree.
In the summer pay a visit to endangered whooping cranes at Wood Buffalo National Park and take a sightseeing flight over the park’s rare salt plains and free-roaming bison herds. Further north, the territories extend far beyond the Arctic Circle, well into polar bear territory. Don't forget to look up: the skies here contain some of the rarest bird species on the planet.
Road trips in the Northwest Territories are no Sunday afternoon drive. The Dempster Highway runs 454 miles (730km) from Dawson City, Yukon to Inuvik, and is open year-round come rain, shine, ice or snow.
The territories’ outdoor activities are many and varied. Anglers can hook lake trout that weigh more than their children. Kayakers can bounce through the Class IV Cassette Rapids on Slave River. Hikers can hit the remote Canol Heritage Trail through the Mackenzie Mountains. And the world’s leading mountaineers can tackle Nahanni National Park’s Cirque of the Unclimbables. With a name like that, how could they resist?
Key facts
1,346,106 sq km (519,734 sq miles).
41,786 (2016).
0.04 per sq km.
Yellowknife.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Canada’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from Canada, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.
Visa requirements
To enter or transit through Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – not both.
Check if you need a visa or an eTA online.
You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to 6 months). You may need an eTA instead.
You do not need an eTA, if you are:
- arriving by land and sea – you must have acceptable travel documents and ID
- a British-Canadian dual national – you must have a valid Canadian passport
See Canada’s entry requirements for full details of eTA and visa requirements.
Contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.
Checks at border control
Canadian border officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.
Visas for permanent residence, study or work
See information on visas for permanent residence, study or work in Canada.
Transiting through Canada
If you are travelling through Canada (transiting) by air, you must have an eTA or a transit visa.
If you have questions, contact:
- your airline
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate
Find out more about transiting Canada.
Visa and eTA scams
Some unauthorised websites charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Canadian government.
You can check your eTA status online with the Canadian government. If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received confirmation of your application, complete an enquiry form.
Travelling with children
If a child travels alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents or guardians. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.
For more information, check with the Canadian High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Canada guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Canada. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
The Canadian authorities will confiscate banned food products and you could get a fine. For more information, see importing food, plants or animals to Canada.
If you visit a farm or have contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and plan to visit a farm during your stay, you must declare this on your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see biosecurity at the Canadian border.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Canada
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Canada.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Recent attacks include:
- in 2023, one person stabbed and injured in Surrey, British Columbia
- in 2021, 4 people killed and one injured by a vehicle in London, Ontario
- in 2020, one person killed with a hammer in Scarborough, Ontario
- in 2020, one person killed and 2 wounded in a machete attack in Toronto, Ontario
See the Canadian government’s national terrorism threat level.
Crime
Take precautions to protect yourself from petty crime, including:
- not leaving your bag or luggage unattended
- keeping luggage out of sight in cars
- keeping valuables and passport in a safe location
- leaving copies of important documents with family and friends in the UK
- carrying a copy of your passport for ID
Laws and cultural differences
Cannabis
Recreational cannabis is legally available in Canada. Laws vary depending on the province or territory you are visiting. It is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption authorised by Health Canada. Those who attempt to take cannabis out of Canada without the relevant permit face arrest.
See the Canadian Border Services Agency website for more information.
Wildlife
If you are hiking or camping, be considerate and cautious of local wildlife. You should:
- take all rubbish with you including food items to avoid attracting animals to your site
- be careful around animals with nearby young or nests – they may be aggressive when protecting their territory
- research the region to learn about the local wildlife
- take particular care if you’re in an area where bears have been sighted
- keep a safe distance from any wildlife including marine animals and birds
- follow park regulations
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
See advice on visitor safety when planning outdoor activities and adventure tourism in Canada, and on preparing for winter sports abroad.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Canada, see information on driving abroad.
See driving in Canada for information on traffic and safety laws. Laws vary between provinces and territories, including:
- whether you are allowed to turn right on a red light
- driving licence requirements – you may need to get an international driving permit (IDP)
Take extra care when travelling on country roads and watch out for wild animals. For more information on road conditions and road safety, see Transport Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association and Travel Canada.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Driving in winter
In winter, highways are often closed because of snowstorms and avalanches in Alberta, British Columbia and other provinces. Check local weather conditions on The Weather Network.
Driving conditions can be dangerous, even when roads remain open during a winter storm. Take care, follow local restrictions or guidelines and make sure your vehicle has snow tyres and emergency supplies. See winter driving advice, including vehicle preparation and using winter tyres.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Hurricanes
From July to November, hurricanes can affect coastal areas. Check the US National Hurricane Center, Environment Canada and The Weather Network websites for the latest weather conditions.
Avalanches
Avalanches can happen in mountainous regions, including Alberta and British Columbia. Always follow avalanche advice and stay away from closed trails. Follow the directions of local guides or instructors. For more information and avalanche news, see the Canadian Avalanche Foundation website.
Earthquakes and tsunamis
Familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. The Canadian government has information about emergency preparedness.
Thunderstorms
Summer thunderstorms are frequent in most parts of Canada, particularly between April and September. They can damage property and threaten lives.
Winter storms
Winter storms, including freezing rain, blizzards and hail, are frequent in many parts of Canada, particularly from November to April. They can make driving conditions dangerous, damage property and threaten lives. Follow local warnings or news for details.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can happen anywhere in Canada from May to September, but June to July is the peak season in:
- southern Ontario
- Alberta
- south-eastern Quebec
- southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba through to Thunder Bay
- the interior of British Columbia and western New Brunswick
Follow instructions from Canadian officials or law enforcement. Check the US National Hurricane Center for weather updates.
Wildfires
Wildfires can start at any time, whatever the season, although there is particular risk of fire in the grasslands and forests of western Canada during the summer months.
In summer 2023 there were also significant fires in eastern Canada, including parts of Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
You should follow local warnings or news for details on the latest outbreaks. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System shows active wildfires and forecasts. You can also monitor wildfire smoke and air quality on the Government of Canada’s website.
Arctic travel
Parts of Canada are in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.
Before you travel, check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Canada
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Canada, including:
- biting insects or ticks
- mpox – also see Canada’s Public Health Authority website which includes updates on mpox
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Canada, including skiing and hiking destinations in the Canadian Rockies such as Banff and Lake Louise. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.
Healthcare in Canada
Medical treatment can be very expensive. There are no special arrangements for British visitors.
For emergency healthcare, go to a hospital emergency room or a walk-in clinic.
If you have dual British-Canadian citizenship, you may still have to pay for medical treatment if you do not meet provincial residency requirements for healthcare. Check with the relevant province or territory health ministry for more information.
COVID-19 healthcare in Canada
Public Health Canada has COVID-19 updates and guidance. These X accounts are also official sources of information and guidance:
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Canada
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Coastguard maritime emergencies
Telephone: 1 800 463 4393
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding lawyers and translators and interpreters in Canada
- dealing with a death in Canada
- being arrested in Canada
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Get travel advice updates
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow and contact FCDO:
Risk information for British companies
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Canada on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
