The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a federal territory of Canada. It is the second-largest and most populous of the three territories in Northern Canada, with a population of more than 44,826. Yellowknife became the territorial capital in 1967. Currently there are 11 official languages in this territory- Chipewyan, Cree, English, French, Gwich’in, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, North Slavey, South Slavey, and the Dogrib language.
The Northwest Territories, a portion of the old North-Western Territory, entered the Canadian Confederation on July 15, 1870. Its current borders date from April 1, 1999, when the territory was decreased by the creation of a new territory of Nunavut to the east, via the Nunavut Act and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. The Northwest Territories has a slightly warmer climate and is both boreal forest and tundra, and its most northern regions form part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Mining is an integral part of the NWT economy. Over the years, the focus has moved from the base and precious metals (uranium, gold, lead, and zinc) to diamonds. The minimum wage per hour in the territory is 13.46CAD.
Services constitute a vital part of the economy. The majority of the labor force is employed in various service industries and public administration. Tourism is an important portion of the service sector- adventure tours, driving tours, sportfishing, hunting, and natural phenomena- the aurora borealis and long summer days attract visitors from other parts of Canada, Japan, and the United States.
Northern Lights- the NWT provides some of the best aurora borealis viewing in the world. In both autumn and winter, when the sky is clear, you can enjoy one of the greatest shows on earth. You can also rent out a lodge, cabin, or tepee for enjoying the show.
Nahanni National Park Reserve- The rushing whitewater Nahanni River flows through the reserve, passing through four large canyons which can reach close to 1220m in depth. At one point, the river plunges 90m off a cliff forming the Virginia Falls. Sulfur hot springs, mountain ranges, tundra, and forests can all be found within the boundaries of Nahanni.
Wood Buffalo National Park- is Canada’s largest national park, at over 44,807 square kilometers. It’s also home to the world’s largest beaver dam, one of the world’s largest herds of free-roaming bison and is the last remaining natural nesting area for the endangered whooping crane.
Keele River- The 410km long river passes through alpine tundra, alpine plateaus, and the Mackenzie Mountains, offering incredible surroundings for the canoers and rafters who move along the waterway. Grab a floatplane and fly into the headwaters grab a seat in the boat. The Keele also provides great fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Great Slave Lake- Great Slave Lake, which borders the capital city, Yellowknife, is the deepest lake in North America and the tenth biggest lake in the world. Floatplanes fly in and out of the lake and offer breath-taking views of the region. You can also rent a boat or a kayak for exploring this natural beauty.
